The Lucky Rice Night Market

This past Friday night I attended a food festival in the ever-so-hip Dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn. It was part of an 11 day long celebration of asian cuisine, called Lucky Rice. This particular night had a “street” food theme, and featured some incredible restaurants serving up their own versions of street fare from various asian cultures. Needless to say, it was awesome.

But while the foodies were taking pictures of the food (here, here, here, and here for starters), I was collecting business cards and similar ephemera. So without further ado, I present my review of the Lucky Rice Night Market, from the perspective of a snarky design critic (which is to say, I ain’t writing about the food).

The Kati Roll Company - menu card

A charming, even witty, dish that sticks nicely to its origins, but with bold, uncomplicated flavors. You know what you’re getting, and thank goodness for that.

Mantao - business card

Serious and refined. A bit too uptight maybe, but still a mouth-watering bite.

Buddakan - business card

A duo of flavors reminiscent of a mullet: business on the front, party in the rear. A bit disappointing in the execution though... some ingredients from another dish snuck onto the bottom of this one.

Kampuchea - mini menu

A homey dish, with an affable aroma. Also, chickens are delicious.

Mighty Leaf - business card

This vendor couldn’t make up his mind which cup of tea to serve, so he went with both.

Zengo - business card

A few too many flavors on this plate. I find myself wanting to pick thru and eat the couple bits I recognize.

BaoHaus - coaster

A delicious steamed bun that’s a bit boring on the outside, but is quite playful on the inside.

The Good Fork - business card

A confusing presentation that looks like a vegan muffin, but isn’t. And therefore shouldn’t.

Curry-Ya - business card

Plated gorgeously, but quickly falls apart into a muddle of disparate flavors once you poke it with your fork.

Double Crown - business card

Lovely and flavorful, but the portion size is pretentiously puny.

An Choi - business card

Big and sloppy, yet satisfying. And crafted with a good, clean final bite to button up the experience.

Dirt Candy - business card

Sitting in stark contrast on its plate, this messy morsel manages to be inviting, but ultimately leaves you spitting it back into your napkin.

Delicatessen - business card

Best dish of the night. I’ll take seconds. And dessert, thank you.

My Brooklyn Kitchen - magnet and recipe post card

Excuse me waiter, there seems to be an oven mitt in my food. Could I maybe get something less clumsy... maybe that fish dish they’re eating at the next table over?

Bep - business card

Honest, simple food that could stand some refinement from the hands of a more skilled chef.

Asia Dog - post card

An intriguing combination. But one that leaves you wary. That first bite will either assuage or confirm your fears. Personally, I’m a believer.

Thanks to my good pal Kelly for getting me and the wife the complimentary tickets. Can’t wait for next year!