River North's Crying Tiger roars with beauty
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Grilled sticky rice, chicken larb and pork belly at Crying Tiger. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Crying Tiger, one of the most anticipated restaurants of the year, has finally opened its doors in the old Hub 51 spot in River North.
The big picture: The latest addition to the Lettuce Entertain You family offers some of the boldest Asian flavors the restaurant group has showcased yet in a menu driven by Thai Dang of Hai Sous, Cà Phê Đá and formerly Embeya.
What they're saying: "This restaurant means so much to me because the menu pays homage to my immigrant family and our culinary traditions," Dang said in a press statement.
- "As we explored Southeast Asia, every culture seemed to borrow flavors and ingredients from one another, and we are excited to share the diversity in this type of cuisine."
Dig in: Dang and partner Amarit Dulyapaibul present traditional and novel versions of Southeast Asian dishes, including a prawny twist on Chinese youtiao fritters ($17), chicken larb ($17), chargrilled sugarcane beef wrapped in betel leaves ($16) and duck confit in panang curry ($32).
Recent highlight: The crispy pork belly in nước chấm ($18) appetizer with grilled sticky rice ($5) offered an irresistible mix of crunchy, chewy, rich and astringent.
Drink up: Kevin Beary (Three Dots and a Dash, The Bamboo Room and Gus' Sip & Dip) heads up the beverage program featuring intriguing offerings including a coconut fat washed sbagliato ($20); a salted plum tequila soda ($15), salted mango limeade on shaved ice ($8) and spiced Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed coconut milk ($8).
The bottom line: The flavors might not be as intense as some of the mom and pop spots around town, but this gorgeous, downtown palace of Asian cuisine is meant to delight a broad range of folks.
What's next: Beary is expected to open a yet-to-be-named standalone cocktail bar on the lower level later this year.