CHILI

"A Sichuan restaurant that opened in 2021, known for its controversial history with Cafe China, as it took over Cafe China's old space and recruited some of its staff." - Nadia Chaudhury

"There’s something vaguely comforting about this 20-year-old midtown favorite, thanks to its old school décor and Cantonese-heavy menu, which runs to standbys such as egg flower soup, sweet and sour chicken, moo shu pork, egg foo young, and honey walnut shrimp. However, the huge menu extends well beyond the usual suspects to include flounder in black bean sauce and crackly-skinned Peking duck, served with Chinese pancakes, green onion, and plum sauce." - Nikki Buchanan

"Successor to Cafe China in its old space two blocks east, Chili offers a similar menu of Sichuan favorites, but with some special twists. The mapo tofu uses the softest bean curd imaginable, but the load of peppercorns here is light, making it a good version for the tender tongued. Leeks provide a dominant flavor note." - Robert Sietsema

"Cafe China co-owners Xian Zhang and Yiming Wang accused the new team of wanting to deceive customers into thinking that the two businesses were connected. (The owners of Chili denied the accusations.)" - Erika Adams

"Ahead of their opening at 59 West 37th Street, the duo allege that a new restaurant — named Chili — has taken over their former storefront at 13 East 37th Street with a menu and design that are 'nearly identical' to Cafe China." - Luke Fortney