Its acronym may make you think this restaurant is reserved for very important people. But VIP, short for Vegetarian International Paradise, welcomes even habitual carnivores - not only non-meat eaters as its name suggests.
The friendly atmosphere permeates throughout this new addition to Times Square's Food Forum (it occupies the space that held the various permutations of China Max).
Not only are the waiters kitted out in sunny yellow jackets but the decor is as cheerful as can be. Apart from bamboo blinds and teak tables, the place has warmth because of the special touches, such as the colourful crockery, Chinese carvings and chilli clusters hanging from the ceiling. The effect is eclectic: part Asian, part European, part beach, part jungle.
The menu is also adventurous. A mixture of mostly Asian cuisines, predominantly Chinese, the food VIP serves would please most kinds of 'grazers', including vegans and not-so-strict vegetarians. There is more than rabbit food on offer, however. Diners with a hankering for fish can get their fill, though those after red meat might be hard pressed to sate their hunger.
Guests with no time for such poetic creations as 'Green Bean Rice Dumplings in White Snake Legend - Male Form' (and its 'Female Form' equivalent) can hit the salad bar for starters. Though the long line-up of beans and greens looked both fresh and enticing, we decided to put some colour into our cheeks with steaming-hot dishes.
After browsing through the extensive menu, and at the recommendation of our effusive waiter, we plumped for the poori or deep-fried Indian bread ($28), cheung fan or rice rolls (28 types are available at $28 a dish), braised stuffed bamboo and fresh asparagus ($128), and halibut and salmon terrine ($58). Then came the excruciating wait.
