CAN'T DEN-Y THE TASTE OF LAIR

My buddy Teri and I went to this cool place in an area of NYC known as Soho/Nolita. It's a combo of a restaurant-lounge-bar and called Lair, located at 201 Lafayette Street between Broome & Kenmare Streets.

We were introduced to owners Michael Levin and Illarion Parmit (better known as Larry). It was described to me as a "chicly rustic interior of exposed brick, distressed wood, hand-painted ethic art work are accented by the earth tone color palette and lavish throw pillows" and that's what I saw.

The front of Lair is where the main decor and dining is located. Pass that area to view a long bar and a few more tables for lounging. Into the back to the "hang out" space (or event space as needed).

Time to check out the menu and order a drink. Michael (who has had years of experience in bar tending) has what I found to be the tastiest sangrias. Teri preferred the red while I preferred the white.

Michael and Larry hired Chris Cheung as the Executive Chef who decided on a fare of Asian fusion tapas better known as Dim Sum. Here is what we ate.

CHICKEN ‘PILLOWS’, CRISPY CHICKEN SKIN, JOHNNY BLUE SAUCE
ROASTED BONE MARROW, X/O MARMALADE, SCALLION PANCAKES
OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL, SEARED SCALLOP, TRUFFLE ESSENCE
MANGO ‘NOODLES’ SALAD, ROCK SHRIMP, CHILI LIME
LOBSTER, BACON, AVOCADO SALAD IN CRISPY WONTON ROLLS
DRY AGED BLACK ANGUS BEEF DUMPLINGS
CHICKEN AND FOIE GRAS SAN JIN DUMPLINGS
EGGPLANT AND MUSHROOM SUI MAI

And for dessert:
SHANGHAI WALNUT CRUSTED MARSHMALLOWS
CARAMEL APPLES,’CRISPY PLUM’