Jue Lan Club

268 Elm St. Southampton, NY
631-353-3610 

Chinese.   The Jue Lan Club is practically on hallowed ground.  Right next to what once housed The Limelight — a legendary dance club as quintessentially NY as Central Park and a slice.

They even channel their vibe (not just those funky church surroundings, but the 80’s music on tap at the start of the night).  Later they move to hip hop and house, and you can enjoy it all while experiencing the parade of double take worthy tapas.

How unexpected?  That depends on when you last indulged in pastrami spring rolls.  Part Asian, part deli, wholly addictive.

Also unrivaled, the crispy chicken wontons (shout out to the sweet chili sauce riding shotgun).

I then made friends with the Jue Lan Special Fried Rice (lobster, shrimp, chicken and pineapple)  – the fruit supplying an undeniably delicious kick.

Moments later, the wok charred filet mignon cubes debuted (broccoli, cauliflower, Mongolian sauce).  I don’t know what they put in that sauce but I thought about asking for an IV.

With both dishes sharing table space, I had a brainstorm (and can’t be the first) to mix the veggies and steak into that rice.  The result?  A completely new level of outrageousness.

Still, nothing could be more outrageous than the Jue Lan giant chocolate cage (giant pop-rocks puff, merangue kisses, Smores marshmallow, peanut butter Reese’s, Kit Kat bars, passion fruit truffle, and a vanilla macaroon).  Clearly a trick or treat wish list, so, ’nuff said.

The Limelight occupies a permanent place in NYC culture.  To experience a taste, stop by the Jue Lan Club.  No velvet rope, but considering the menu, there should be.