Those who know me know I’m a birthday glutton loving my own new year and celebrating with as many friends as possible.

One of my gatherings last month (yes, it takes me a month to post something after I’ve tried it!) started at the Gansevoort Rooftop for yummy drinks and a great view.

My friends initially arranged the dinner festivities on Grand Banks, the seasonal restaurant on the deck of a historic fishing boat, yet the day before the reservation, the restaurant canceled it for a private party!

My fab friends scurried to re-group and find another place for our celebration. We ended up at Buddakan for a delicious and fun meal. The food and service were fab, with the noise level deafening. It had us screaming at each other.

For apps, we shared their delicious — and worth the trip — edamame dumplings (5 for $18) in a shallot-sauternes broth, the spicy crispy cauliflower ($16) and the General Tso’s soup dumplings in a hot & sour broth (5 for $18).

Also good was the glazed black cod ($39) with chili eggplant and a black bean relish, their Tai Shan Cauliflower ($15) in a sweet chili sauce with cashews and dates and Buddha-style gai lan ($15), Chinese broccoli with Marcona almonds and truffle soy.

Being chocolate lovers, we ended with their delicious “Crying Chocolate” ($15) with a malted ganache and coffee ice cream.

I highly recommend a visit, as long as you know about the loud noise level!!

Buddakan
Meatpacking District
75 9th Ave
New York, NY 10011
(212) 989-6699
buddakannyc.com/

Gansevoort Rooftop
Meatpacking District I highly recommend a visit, as long as you know about the loud noise level!!
18 9th Ave
New York, NY 10014
(212) 206-6700
gansevoorthotelgroup.com/gansevoort-meatpacking-nyc/