CHRIS PREOVOLOS: THE FOOD BLOG

Noodle soup with duck broth and meat, egg noodles, wontons and vegetables at Kelley and Ping, SoHo. $10.50.

1/11/2009

KELLEY AND PING: 127 GREENE ST., NEW YORK CITY

While running around the city with a friend-of-a-friend from LA, we and ducked into Kelley and Ping in SoHo for lunch. I’d probably stop by more often if I could remember where – exactly – it is. Helpfully though, they now have better, if temporary, signage.

In any case, it’s well worth seeking out with its assortment of delicious and fresh noodle soups, wraps and salads at reasonable prices.

Though I’ve been on something of a mission to obtain a proper bowl of phở (which they have on the menu), I was in the mood for the duck. I have no regrets; the duck noodle soup was very good and extremely filling, not that this stopped me from also ordering a side of delicately fried scallion pancakes.

Actually, there were a couple of other things I wanted to try, like the Korean beef wrap and the shrimp dumplings, but I decided it would be ill-advised to order more than one complete meal while having lunch with a girl I only barely knew…I still have a little self respect.

During the day, food is served cafeteria-style and all ordering is done from the counter in the center of the restaurant. Even with my corrected vision, reading the entire menu board, particularly the far end, before reaching the order-taker is nearly impossible. Stand your ground in the face of their emphasis on efficiency.

At night, however, with the atmosphere decidedly dimmed and free of the masses of SoHo shoppers that sometimes descend on the restaurant, Kelley and Ping offers table service and a friendly wait staff. [The full-bar is open all day]

Kelly and Ping’s dinner menu also offers soups but focuses more on fish and meat plates and worthy additions like the Yam Ped Krob, a salad served with exceptionally crispy duck and fresh mint. It is outstanding at $6.95.

The small or large combination plates are also worth a try as the spring rolls and dumplings, while not the best in town, are pretty decent.

Needless to say, I’ll keep coming back even if my vegetarian sister thinks the fried tofu tastes like Chicken McNuggets.

–CP

SIDE NOTE: I was finally able to stop by Gimme! Coffee on Mott St. (between Spring and Prince). The verdict: they are legit.

The company started in Ithica but opened a Manhattan shop in 2008. Nothing but espresso drinks on the menu and nary a pastry to be seen…not to mention anywhere to sit. Hardcore. I love it!