If you like Chinese cuisine, you're sure to love RedFarm, reopened in Manhattan's West Village. They describe their menu as "playful" takes on traditional dishes, and what that means for newcomers is that the chefs here meet the American palate more than halfway.

While the fare is nothing short of scrumptious, diners who turn up their noses at Chinese food may want to reconsider, because these are bold, flavorful, and clean-your-plate items that give a respectful nod to their region of origin, but also make New Yorkers line up for more.

We started with the spicy crispy beef and the shrimp-stuffed jalapeno poppers. We hadn't arrived hungry, so to see them vanish in less than 10  minutes surprised us both. We then tucked into RedFarm's made-in-house dumplings—specifically, the pan-fried shrimp and chive options (it's easy to consume your weight in these) and at the waiter's suggestion, the crispy oxtail dumplings. They were top-notch. Our mains included a deeply flavored filet mignon cooked to perfection and served with a generous side of broccoli, and the three-chili chicken, which sported more tang than heat, but was terrific nonetheless.

We also sampled a variety of imaginative cocktails—each one a clever reimagining of a classic tipple. The Shiso Bloom, made with Roku Gin, Italicus Bergamoto, Butterfly Pea Blossom, shiso, cucumber and lemon was bright and floral without slipping into sweet, and Le Club Hot (Gran Centenario Plata, jalapeño, mint, Cucumber, Red Alder and smoked sea salt) was precisely as advertised: just enough zip to carry you out the door with a satisfied smile.

Remember the old saying about being hungry again an hour after eating Chinese food? We were. We were planning another trip back to Red Farm.

RedFarm
529 Hudson St. (between Charles and W. 10th Sts.), West Village
212-792-9700
redfarmnyc.com