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| - I enjoy the food at the original Crop Bistro but was admittedly tentative at trying Crop's take on Asian food. I came out pleasantly surprised, but not without an equally surprising hit to the wallet.
For a drink, I started with the Mai Tai'd ($13)--more intrigued than anything else at the two-drink limit posted on the menu. Indeed, it is pretty boozy as forewarned and potentially dangerous in its drinkability. My second drink was water.
For appetizers, we split an order of Oyster Steamed Buns ($14). The two folded-over buns are each pretty sizeable--bigger than the steamed buns at Noodlecat, for example, but at double the price. The oysters were crispy throughout and overcooked, which was disappointing. I liked the two pork dumplings in the cup of Wonton Soup ($8), a good change of pace from the thicker dumplings at most Chinese restaurants. The thinner dumplings better highlight the pork interior (though perhaps a little bit more seasoning on that pork would help). I did not like, however, the saltiness of broth--either due to the duck stock or pre-added soy sauce.
The main course was one of the signature plates: the Crispy Basil Duck ($29)--two large pieces of duck over a plate of black rice slathered in sauce with grilled bok choy. I liked the black rice in sauce as well as the grilled bok choy. The duck itself occupies an odd space between roasted duck and a truly-crispy Peking duck preparation. If you were hoping for the latter, I would advise moving on to another menu item. To put it in the most negative light, you could say it was overcooked, but I suppose some license is warranted given the title.
For dessert (yes, I suffer in order to write comprehensive Yelp reviews), I had the Coconut Milk Loaf ($6). The frozen coconut milk mousse is on the bland side with the flavor instead driven by the accompanying slices of tropical fruits. Not particularly a highlight, I would likely pass on any dessert in a future visit.
All in all, the food was decent with some blemishes. Do not set your expectations to the quality of the flagship Crop restaurant or you will be disappointed. For those keeping track at home, the items above total $70. Of course, this is a lot of food--having split the steamed buns and one could arguably even split the duck if there were appetizers beforehand (no idea if there is a surcharge for this). Also, to be sure, the menu offers some noodle and rice options in the $16 to $18 range. Just based on what I had, though, I do not find myself keen to do a return visit at those price points, but also just shy of a two-star (i.e., bad) experience.
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