Kion Dining Lounge: Yet another strike against the grimier Alphabet City of yore, Kion Dining Lounge will distract you with its raw beauty before you can think of a complaint about rising rents. Operating on two levels barely lit by neon, the space is a monument to perfectly arranged style and delicious food (try to think of another joint that’s serving Peruvian Asian fusion). Try the sushi, which can be obtained at its own chef station downstairs, or enjoyed in the adjacent private room with Indian-style furniture. There’s a series of giant tables in what management calls its Community Room right next door to that, a great idea that must be seen to be appreciated. And upstairs is a sweeping bar complemented by a burbling stream of water just beneath its glass surface. DJs come through, as well, for when you propose to that girl you’ve been dating since you both used to beg for spare change by Tompkins Square. With an entrancing atmosphere like Kion’s, we do guarantee a “yes.” |
