*Editor’s Note 10/15/15: I’m sad to report that Purple Ginger has permanently closed.
In NYC, people love to wait in lines. Brunch lines often last over an hour and I’m not down with that. I like to have places that I can get into on a moment’s notice.
I’ve been going to Purple Ginger since it opened but it’s perpetually empty. This has nothing to do with the food, it’s top notch. It has everything to do with their location on 6th and B which clearly doesn’t get enough foot traffic for a restaurant like this to survive. Even on a Saturday at 12:30 in the East Village during peak brunching hours, it was pretty much empty. What I’m saying is, go. Because with food so consistently delicious and generously portioned, I don’t want them to fold.
Everything I’ve had here has been excellent, but I’d like to highlight two of my favorites starting with a dish simply titled Crispy Fish. For $15 you receive a ridiculous portion of tender, flaky, lightly fried white fish served in a flavorful, sticky, sweet and sour sauce. I think they filet, fry, and prepare the entire fish! It’s a killer dish and worth a visit on its own. Also, the amount of fried exterior is nicely restrained and doesn’t overwhelm the flavorful and plentiful thick cuts of fish.
Another dish I’ve had on many visits that continues to impress every time is the Red Curry Duck. The massive portion of meaty, tender, crispy skinned duck is incredible. But, the flavorful red curry and variety of nicely prepared vegetables makes for an outstanding dish. There is just an absurd portion duck underneath the surface of this curry, you wouldn’t even believe it. And the duck is executed so well making this dish a really excellent deal.
So, if you’re looking for some great, reasonably priced Thai food and hate to wait in lines, head over to Purple Ginger. Everything I’ve had has been great and I’m concerned the lack of foot traffic will be the death of this gem of restaurant.
Know another great place in NYC I should check out that gets no love? Let me know in the comments below.
Purple Ginger
507 E. 6th St. New York, NY 10009
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