Run, don’t walk, to the Pinch Chinese that is just opening at 177 Prince St., near. Thompson St. The chain founded in Taiwan has a great reputation and has helped to open shops from Indonesia to Los Angeles. Now, first-time restaurateur Sean Tang has grabbed veteran chef Charlie Chen for the new site. There will be seven other chefs from China as well including a sous-chef in charge of wok dishes who has already run two Din Tai Fungs in Chengdu.
Of course, the restaurant’s focus will be on soup dumplings with three versions at the ready. They include the classic pork, the chicken and the seafood variations. On the menu will also be dan dan noodles, cumin ribs Cantonese-style cod, wind-sand chicken and more.
The general manager will be Miguel De Leon who has been at Chez Panisee, Per Se; the Momofuku group; Casa Mono and others. There are cocktails to enjoy as well and the space takes its inspiration from China’s outdoor dining culture.