Rose E.
Yelp
I was craving Beef Chow Fun, and recalled that Open Rice did this dish justice.
This was my first time trying out this 2nd location at Metropolitan...and just like the 1st (though different!), it had that cool (cold!), minimalistic vibe. Think the only decor accents were some cool light fixtures near the ceiling? I didn't find their color palette (a mix of ivory and blue?) too appealing.. I get that their "spacey" ambiance might have been playing into the name, "Open" Rice...but I just didn't find this ambiance very welcoming. Another thing I noticed right away was how their A/C wasn't on...or if it was, it wasn't down low enough. It was a humid day, and it was just as humid inside. So far, not great!
Now the good parts. They had good (can't recall the exact musical genre, but I remember thinking it was appropriate) overhead music, so that helped to fill up their empty ambiance. Also, the service was fast, friendly and attentive.
Finally, the best parts! Although some Asian fusion, most of the foods seemed to be Chinese (just like the Blakeney location)...but here, their menu seemed even more extensive, in that it included Dim Sum selections for lunch! Since I came with a specific craving for Beef Chow Fun, I ordered that, plus this enticing Dim Sum item, Fried Taro Dumplings. Also, Thai Iced Tea.
Well, the Beef Chow Fun was just as good as I remembered. However, the portion was a bit smaller...yet, the price went up a bit. Luckily, it was delicious...so no major regrets. The Fried Taro Dumplings had a very interesting texture, with minced pork inside...and I had no problem eating all of it. Good...but I wasn't bowled over by them. Their Thai Iced Tea was solid...but again, the portion was a bit small.
Overall, I really liked the place. The foods were just as great, if not better than the 1st location. However, I preferred the vibe at the Blakeney location, though it, too, is quite cold and stark. Quite ironic...that despite the cold ambiance, the place was humid. The exact opposite of what I like...that is, warmer, or richer ambiance at cooler temperature setting. Guess these factors stopped me from loving the place. Still, am more than likely to return for their foods.