Southeast Asian in Nolita you ask? Does it exist? Well, it does now, thanks to Chef Andrew Pressler's reinvented menu. And it's absolutely wonderful.

I had a little tasting of this new menu recently and loved every bit of it.

Asian Pear, Mizuna & Red Mustard Greens ($10), poached Asian pears, pickled radish, cipollini onions, brown rice vinaigrette was a fine and refreshing salad. A perfect starter. Steamed Veggie Dumplings ($5), Napa cabbage, carrots, shiitake & maitake mushrooms, with ginger soy dipping sauce were dandy.

The dish I cannot stop thinking about though is the Galangal Fried Chicken ($18), with sambal goreng, coconut rice, and spice roasted butternut squash. I love me some fried chicken and I've had some amazing ones. But never had I had fried chicken in this style, and it was truly magical. The flavor was out of this world. The crunch fantastic. This is one of the best fried chickens in NYC. There is no other like it. Order it. I'll come and eat it with you again. And again.

Another "House Specialty" of Beef Rendang ($19), dry curried brisket, coconut rice, charred long beans, Thai chili, kaffir lime zest, and toasted coconut, is fabulous. This is a classic Southeast Asian dish, and it is pitch perfect here. Great flavor and aromatic. Delish.

I love me some Pho. And Jo's take on Pho ($21) takes it up a notch with the use of lamb. I never had lamb pho before, and it was very pleasurable. That lamb flavor throughout the broth was wonderful.

And for dessert, be prepared for a culinary orgasm. Peanut Butter S’mores Bar ($7.50). Need I say more? It was amazing and magical. You complete me.

So for fabulous Southeast Asian in NoLita look no further than Jo's. It's a great place. A great time. A magical culinary adventure awaits.

Jo's
264 Elizabeth Street (and Houston)
New York, NY 10012
212-966-9640
www.josnyc.com