Silver Apricot

After Little Tong Noodle Shop in the East Village closed (we miss you, Grandma Chicken Mixian), the same chef opened Silver Apricot, a narrow, cubby-like restaurant in the West Village. There are no more big bowls of brothy noodles‚ but the small plates here have a real chance to shine. These include things like mini croissant-like scallion puffs with scallion butter, cold "mouthwatering" chicken with chili crisp and herby relish, and other exceptional seasonal bites. Their back patio is a secret spot suitable for a dinner when you want to prove to a date or friend that you still have the whole restaurant choosing thing down. (The final proof is in the fantastic sticky jujube toffee pudding.)