Ethnic for the Win

None of these places were on the list I've been stiching together, but they were were surprising standouts, like a fat kid bypassing your donut stand without so much as a glance. And now onto the reviews:

Breeze (Thai-French, Hell's Kitchen, $-$$, ++): More Thai than French but with just enough fusion elements to keep the title out of the trickery zone, this restaurant is a standout among a neighborhood overrun with generic Thai food. Dishes were very fresh, a bit salty, but seasonings were original. Mushroom dumplings, lobster rolls, braised short tibs, scallops, duck were all very good. The most French element was probably the crust on the duck, but despite the lack of true fusion the flavor is compelling.

Taboon (Mediterranean, Hell's Kitchen, $$$, ++): I'm somewhat skeptical of the Mediterranean label for the food at this place, but overall it's a very solid meal, in the vein of places like little owl, although i'd say the flavors are actually stronger and more distinct. The Mediterranean tribute, hummus and falafel, are above average, probably not the best I've ever had, but better than most places, and clearly head and shoulders above several places that specialize in that type of stuff. This is one of those places where the cooks are really good and as a result, they tend to do what taste goods rather than feeling boxed in by the regional label (see Hell's Kitchen, etc.).

Buddakan (Asian Fusion, Meatpacking, $$$, ++): I didn't really notice any food quality difference between this one and the ones in Philadelphia and Atlantic City - which is a good thing. The edamamae dumplings were still awesome, the tarot root lollipops reminded me of legit sunday morning dim sum, the salad was one of those really light, insubstantial yet somehow refreshing and appetizing starr salads, and the ribs, well I think tender is the word I'm looking for there. I'm not really sure of the dollar/food quality ratio here, i think it might be overvalued, but you are paying partly for the scene, which is worth at least something to some people.