A modern tropical oasis lies in west Soho. This is cocktail queen Julie Reiner's (Flatiron Lounge, Clover Club) Lani Kai, a two floor lounge to get your mai tai on. Located in the former Tailor space, I dropped in last week to imbibe on some Pacific themed cocktails and tasty bites.

Get your hairs to stand up with the Crystal Skull ($13), jalapeno infused tequila, Mezcal, Dry Vermouth, Arrack, Maraschino, Absinthe and orange bitters. Then dig into the tuna poke ($15), Ahi tuna done poke style with chilies, sesame, soy, macadamia nuts and cucumber, served with taro root chips. I loved the flavor and texture of this dish.

If rum tickles yer fancy, dive into the drink "8 Days A Week" ($13), Jamaican, Haitian, Guyanan Rums, toasted coconut milk, demerara, vanilla syrup and Donn’s spices. Pair that with a pork bun slider ($4) and a BBQ short rib slider ($5), and you'll be whisked away to Hawaii in no time. The sweet and tasty short rib slider, dressed with ginger barbeque sauce and topped with a crunchy slawroot chips will linger in your thoughts for a while.

Don't forget to order the succulent and delicious Char Su Baby Back Ribs ($13), ribs roasted in Chinese barbeque sauce, garnished with crushed macadamia nuts and scallion. These babies paired with your buzz will satisfy you immensely. End with the Green Destiny ($13), shiso leaves, gin, dry vermouth, grapefruit, and lemon juice, and your night will be complete.

So stop by this Tropical paradise for a drink and a nibble, and New York City will turn into Hawaii for a night. You might not get lei'd on the way in, but hopefully by the end of the night, you will.

Lani Kai
525 Broome St. (bet. Sullivan and Thompson)
New York, NY 10013
646-596-8778