A surreally dramatic, Stephen Starr-conceived Buddakan in AC is considerably larger than the original Philadelphia location, but has the same communal seating at the ultra-long table beneath the massive, gilded Buddha statue. Buddakan joins a family of the ridiculously chic eateries at the Pier that underwent a multi-million-dollar, Vegas-style makeover, and is now an upscale shopping and dining destination. Buddakan's mezzanine has red shutters and five "opium beds," which are the somewhat private tables separated by drapes. Downstairs, tall trees form a dreamlike garden and grow among the rocks and tiny bridges. The result is stunning. The menu is Asian fusion (Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese), with some French touches, served in a shared-plate manner, with most entrees averaging $30. Some dishes, like the duck salad or an Asian BBQ pork platter, are innovative yet comforting; others, such as wasabi-coated filet mignon, ponzu-glazed chicken of Japanese black cod are better suited for more adventurous diners. -- Tatyana Meshcheryakova (Photo: Courtesy Buddakan)