Province to Become Mantao Chinese Sandwiches (midtown)
Today I was on 53rd between 2nd & 3rd and saw a sign at 235 E. 53rd upper level (I was picking up a sandwich at Marrakesh on the lower level) that Mantao Chinese Sandwiches would be opening soon, with a URL (mantaonyc.com). I figured it would be similar to Province, not imagining it was the same people. I liked Province very much; the mantou are maybe a little pricey, but definitely underrated (and a steal compared to the overrated. overpriced Momofuku). So the website says it's the Province people relocating to a smaller location (I'm thrilled, because it's my work neighborhood). It's that block full of funny little restaurants that seat about 12 people (including Tadka and Brick Lane's midtown branch). They've apparently closed the original location, but the website says they'll be opening a new downtown location eventually.
By Peter Cherches
on May 28, 2009 05:05 PM
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Yup - they actually posted about their reopening on CH but I don't see that post any more. What I'm not sure about is the style of bread they use -- it's not the Momofuku style he yeh bao, it looks too bready to me.
http://midtownlunch.com/2009/04/30/ma...
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If I remember correctly, and it's been a while since I was at Province, it's sort of like a steamed bao that's then baked and sesame topped--i.e., fluffier than a more western or northern Chinese bread.
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That stretch of 53rd Street reminds me of New York in the 1970's...
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Just opened, the Yelpers say ... http://www.yelp.com/biz/mantao-chines...
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Mantao
235 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022
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Great. I'll go with camera this week.
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Just got an email about a soft opening today, starting at 11:30am. Menu looks good.
www.thelunchbelle.com
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What type of sandwiches will they be offering?
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www.mantaonyc.com
Chinese sandwiches; think along the lines of:
Fried egg sandwich w/ Chinese sausage
Pork buns + an assortment of other filled buns
Pancake rolls
Noodles
Dumplings
Soups, salads
www.thelunchbelle.com
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I decided to be an early adopter even though that meant waiting 30 minutes for my combo pack. The mantou itself is terrific. They are fluffy, flavorful and a delight to have in Midtown East. The proteins leave something to be desired. My burger was cooked to a well-done and the pork in my original bun is disappointingly tough. Everything also tends toward the sweet side; the ginger dressing on my salad is almost treacly. I'm not sure that this is just an opening day mistake or rather their tendency towards a generous hand with sugar.
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Hey jungmann, a friend of mine went yesterday, as well, and her report was almost identical to yours. I'm disappointed to hear about the proteins and sugar, but as you said, hopefully it was just an opening day mistake. Thanks for the report.
www.thelunchbelle.com
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inside scoop: not so much a relocation, but more of a "consultation" from the original owners of Province.
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So the Province folks don't actually own this place - they're only consulting on the menu? Interesting.
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i just realized this place is a block away from where i work...hopefully its better than Province which was very lackluster...ill go try it soon maybe today
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definitely, the menu is pretty much identical, down to the mushroom sandwich, the mackerel and the black angus one as well.
I wonder if they'll have the interesting beer selection that province had; they had a great happy hour deal there (all beers for $3) with a lotta funny imports/micros.
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