Mo Momo

Read my original post on Momofuku Bakery & Bar here :)

Ever since Momo opened their bakery end of last year I've been making a trip about once every two months to indulge in the decadence. They've definitely ramped up their production levels and adapted to their consistent popularity; I can usually get the first thing I want on their menu unlike when they first opened. From the pimple looking volcano to the thick chewy cookies every single item is bombarded with flavor; what's offered here is not for the faint of heart nor the weak of heart. Seriously, I've often left with my throat clogged in layers of pork fat, sugar and butter -- but in the good way of course. If you can't imagine how that's possible then this is not the destination for you. I've also noticed that every time I'm there they tweak the menu a bit, which is nice as there's always something new to try but it's a pity when anything has to be rotated out.


Chocolate Cake - yellow cake icing, yellow cake crumbs, fudge


The Volcano - potato gratin, gruyere cheese, benton's bacon


Carrot Cake - no longer on the menu :(


Arnold Palmer Cake - iced tea jelly, lemon mascarpone cream, almond tea crunch

Birthday Present

JEWEL BAKO (239 E. 5th St, btwn 2nd/3rd Ave.)

Ever since randomly peeking into a tiny inconspicuous window-in-the-wall on 5th St. a couple years back this has been on my to-eat list. The enchanting view of the interior was enticing enough for a visit, but what sealed the deal was finding out this was the famed Jewel Bako - known for it's fresh fish and the "Bizarre Eats" episode where they featured live, moving lobster sashimi (sadly, I did not see that on the menu). Finally last Dec. the bf and I came here for my birthday. Glad to say it did not disappoint - it was the perfect balance of fish to rice, which I think is one of the key elements to great sushi and a rare thing to find in the superfluous number of sushi restaurants in ny.



The decor is like being inside a chic version of a whale, a wooden ribcage lined from wall to ceiling. How funny that we are eating fish inside this - although I'm not sure if the architects fashioned it to be morbidly amusing like that.


Trio of Tartares - Blue Fin Tuna, Salmon and Yellowtail served with lotus root chips


Makimono Omakase - a tasting of all nine large makimono rolls

Omakase - Chef's selection of sushi or sashimi

It was nice of the waitress to ask me if I had any preferences for my omakase, not sure if that made a difference on the chef's final picks, but it was thoughtful to ask. Needless to say, everything was deliciously fresh and beautifully presented.

MOMO

MOMOFUKU BAKERY & BAR (207 2nd Ave, 13th St. entrance)

He did it again! Damn that David Chang and his ever expanding Momofuku empire is making me fat. Yes, I know that this hot new joint has already been reviewed by every foodist and their mother - lemme just quickly throw some more praise at his feet.

My visit took place on a cold Tuesday night. Despite a less busy day of the week they had already run out of pretty much all cakes and breads (note: go earlier?). That's ok, some of our other top pre-selected choices were present.

We walked into Ssam Bar all confused as it had the same street address number; missed the bit about some 13th St. entrance. Be prepared that it is standing space only. Not to worry, lots of table space is provided. You can also watch the two pasty chefs at work with the open kitchen.

salty pistachio caramel soft serve

pork buns - pork belly, cucumber, hoisin, scallions

blondie pumpkin pie

I recall one reviewer saying that eating the salty pistachio is like cheating on your wife. Although I have no wife, I whole-heartedly agree - anything that's both sweet and salty gets my heart racing. The pork belly was pure throat clogging fatty goodness; a signature Momofuku dish. And the blondie pumpkin pie was like eating gourmet candy. Do not underestimate the smallish slice; it is packed with flavour and enough sugar to keep you trampolining for another couple hours. I need to come back and try everything else on the menu - each item seems delightfully different.

The Definition of Charming

BELCOURT (84 E. 4th St @ 2nd Ave.)

Living practically across the street from this gem of an establishment, I've seen it evolve from a mere green awning behind a construction site, to serving dinner, to expanding to a breakfast/lunch menu - and now in the heat of this delectable summer, to happily bustling away with its outdoor seating. Disregarding the proximity convinience for me, I find this to be a perfect spot for French-mediterranean fair in a wholly rustic and charming environment. Antique fixtures are everywhere from the chairs to the tiled floor - authentic enough without seeming to try too hard. The Belcourt has served me well the four times I've been. I avidly recommend coming here for brunch!

(Grilled cheese and sage sandwich with tomato soup - perfectly grilled with incredibly fresh and rich soup; their housemade pork sausage (there in the backround) although more like thick fat patties than sausage-sausages were just as tasty - faintly sweet with a mustardy dressing on the side)

(Baked eggs with toast - no longer on their menu)

(Vanilla and bourbon French toast with fresh ricotta and and Cook's maple syrup - loved how the ricotta had a hint of lemon to it and that the whole effect was not too overwhelmingly sweet)

(English breakfast with housemade baked beans, black pudding and grilled tomato; they've also got the best freshly squeezed OJ I've come across during brunch)

(Roasted butternut squash and apple raviolo, wild mushrooms with brown butter and sage - as good as it sounds!)

Fact: I learnt that Raviolo is Ravioli singular ... in this case the Raviolo is much larger than the average Americanized Ravioli.

(Bourride of monkfish with brandade dumplings, baby fennel, manila clams and sauce vert)

Fact: Bourride is fish soup similar to bouillabaisse but without saffron, flavoured with aïoli (garlic mayonnaise).

Out for Tea

I recall coming back from a 4-month stint in London a couple years ago and enduring the most painful withdrawal symptoms from my tea, scones and clotted cream ritual. If you ever feel that kind of pain; or just in want of some scrumptious activity in the afternoon; or even to break up the monotony of brunch here are some darling shoppes that will provide you with some solace in those areas.

TEA & SYMPATHY
(108 Greenwich Avenue, btwn 12th/13th St.)


Located in Nyc's 'Little Britain' (did you even know we had one, cuz I didn't, probably because it's about as big as half a block), this charming little tea spot has a solid selection of not just tea but other lovely British dishes and goodies. Prepare yourself to be placed into some very cramped quarters though.

Traditional Scones
(Served with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam)





PODUNK (231 E 5th St, btwn 2nd/3rd Ave.)


Slightly less crowded than "Tea & Sympathy". However, they do not speak with a British accent here. Instead you will meet a portly grandmother figure taking the orders and working the cash register (complete with those perfectly round, black framed glasses, apron and shower-cap looking head-wear).
In terms of food and presentation, I find it more put-together here. The multitude of tea cups, saucers and tea-related things on colourful rustic trays make me feel kind of giddy; and the selection of appetizing tea sets offer a divine selection of memorable flavors.

Nibbler Tea
(Cayenne Cheddar Biscuits, Baby Scones, Gorgonzola-stuffed Apricots, Almond Tea Cakes, Jam, Cream, Herb Truffle; paired with Apricot tea)

Blunt & Savory
(Mini Tea Pies, Savory filled Scones, Cheddar Biscuits, Focaccia and Goat's Cheese; paired with Oolong tea)




Cream Tea
(Scones, Cream, Jam, a Medley of Fresh Berries; paired with Ceylon tea)

Craft-ing the Sandwich

'WICHCRAFT (60 8th St. @ Broadway)
The one I frequent is in the village by NYU but check the website for their other locations throughout Manhattan. This delish sandwich shoppe focuses on bringing together fresh ingredients and the expertise knowledge of gourmet food. Part of the extended 'Craft' restaurant family by chef Tom Colicchio, 'wichcraft is the quick-fix, affordable child of the bunch.

Love the free wi-fi access. Despite the minimalist appearance, you can get quite cosy at a booth in the back spending hours without feeling the pressure to leave.
Don't forget to pick up a sandwich card after your first sandwich so you can collect stamps with each purchase and get a free one when your card's filled up.
(Random: This one girl working the cashier saw that I had stamps on different ends of the card, and proceeded to stamp all the empty boxes in between due to some OCD complex. Hah, ok then, I was kool with that.)

After trying almost all the 'warm sandwiches' I think my favorite is the "roasted turkey" (w/ avocado, bacon, onion relish and aioli on a ciabatta roll)

Meatloaf With Cheddar (w/ bacon & tomato relish on ciabatta roll)

Slow Roasted Pork (w/ red cabbage, jalepenos, & mustard on ciabatta roll)

Venezuelan Genius

I crave food from this place every other day - yes, lemme reiterate, it's that good, and best part is that it's cheap!

CARACAS (91 E. 7th St.)

Homemade Venezuelan arepas are their specialty. They are now open 7 days a week, it's kind of a big deal. Can't tell you how many times I've wanted arepas on a Monday and found them closed. The restaurant comes in two parts (both tiny). I've never been to the actual waiters-will-bring-you-your-food portion (I've no patience for the line outside), but I frequent the 'to-go' half which has seating too, you just have to serve yourself - no biggie. Despite not being Venezuelan, this is what I'd imagine to be authentic. Note the sign above the cash register: "Our food is 100% homemade. Please be patient. This is not a fast-food restaurant!" It's so worth it. Oh, and they deliver!
So far my favorite arepa is 'la del gato' (guayanés cheese, fried sweet plantains and avocado slices ). And don't forget to try the appetizers, empanadas and beverages.

De Pabellon arepa (shredded beef, black beans, sweet plantains and aged cheese)

Guasacaca & Chips

Yoyos (deep fried balls of sweet plantain stuffed with white cheese )

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Part III

I apologize for the ridiculously long delay in postings, I realize that it's been a while since Restaurant Week ended but I did not forget about the rest of them, so here they are (in slightly less detail) ...

BUTTER (415 Lafayette St.)
This stands as one of my favorite restaurants in NY. Please see previous post on its winter Restaurant Week performance: http://lyndasays.blogspot.com/2007/05/save-tentative-dates.html. This time I got to sit downstairs (for once, there wasn't a private party goin' on). But, I recommend the mellow earthy decor upstairs as opposed to the more murky chilly downstairs, especially when seated by the wine cellar thing that seems to blow out cold air. Went back recently with some friends from out-of-town; they said they wanted something 'New American', and found themselves properly impressed.

ONO (18 9th Ave.)
So much more about the hip interior, young clientele, and trendy location than the food. Located in the "Hotel Gansevoort" in the the Meat-Packing district, the atmosphere is undeniably awesome (oh, and check out the bathrooms - I think I started taking photos in there whilst in a tipsy stupor). Although the food wasn't impressive this time round (maybe they just didn't step it up for Rest. Wk) , it gets props for some unique sushi flavor combinations.





BOLO (23 E. 22nd St.)
Bobby Flay's take on Spanish food. Cute little place, but I think twas overly hyped just because it's by whats-his-face. It had some interesting things like soup infused with champagne, but the Restaurant Week menu did not impress. I've heard good things about this place though (about being one of the first innovative Spanish restaurants in NYC) so I was kind of disappointed. I'd give it another try maybe with the normal menu someday.
(Update 2/22/2008 - Just found out it closed down, so much for that thought...)

A Midsummer Night's Dream - Part II

So after a bit of elbow grease my formatting is back to normal. Hey blogger you need to fix this so that I don't have to scrutinize html every time I post. Moving on ...

INDOCHINE (430 Lafayette St. /btwn 4th St.&Astor Pl.)

As Indochine has been a NY staple for years I was sorry that this experience did not live up to my expectations. Indochine is known for its colonial French/Vietnamese feel (ignorant me initially thought it was going to be Indonesian food; "Indochine" apparently refers to the colony of "French Indochina", of which modern Vietnam was once a part - thanks Wikipedia). The service was pleasant. The decor straddles the tastefully kitsch-y and the plain tacky - my opinion is it strayed too much to the latter. However, its major downfall was the sub-par food. All in all, I don't see what the hype is about. Am I being too harsh? Well, lets see ...

Appetizer: Crab cakes. This was, hands down, my favorite part of the meal. The crab meat was fresh, springy and the seasoning was perfectly tangy, spicy and crisp in flavor for the summer. (I went to 'Visage' the next day and tried their crab cakes - pft ... incomparable, Indochine is a whole four levels beyond). Although the sprout salad on the side tasted bitter and blah, but I guess totally necessary for aesthetics.

Entree: The size of this dish was huge. AND it came with a side of sticky rice. They definitely do not skimp on the portions here. The sea bass itself tasted fine; they loaded on the spices but it tasted like something I could concoct with whatever I have left in my fridge. The sugarcane stick at the bottom was a good creative touch. The kale was well cooked. Good, but not spectacular.

April's filet mignon represented the more Western part of the restaurant's offerings. The dish was yummy but forgettable.



Dessert: Lemon tart. So much tang. Don't get me wrong, I love foods that make me pucker a little but this was just like 'whoa there'. Maybe that appeals to some people, but I feel the majority of us folks would want them to hold off a wee bit on the lemon for something that's supposed to be a 'sweet' dessert.

A-ma-i, Ka-la-i, O-i-shi, Wa-ga-ma-ma

Among my looong list of foodie obsessions, ramen is one of them. And by ramen I mean a hearty hot bowl of steaming fresh Japanese noodles - not the instant/packaged kind. I have spent much of last winter looking for the perfect bowl (got close, but there's always better out there). Anyway, here's a list of some places I tried from the worst to the best (although they all have their distinct characteristics, and if you're like me, you'll need to try them all).

1. AJISEN (14 Mott St.)

The noodles have a proper 'al dente' and starchy taste (Ajisen claims that they are made from the traditional 'hand pulled' style ... although I have my doubts). The various Japanese appetizers/tapas are also worth ordering, such as the "crab meat salad". Best part are the cheap prices. However, somehow this Jpnese chain tastes better in Asia, I think it's the broth that makes all the difference (perhaps affected by the absence of msg in the States ... haha). So, I tend to order the "eel fried rice" more while in NY ... best I've had, or more honestly, I've never had it anywhere else.

2. SAPPORO (152 W. 49th St/ btwn 7th&6th Ave)
Popular noodle joint for the young professionals in mid-town area. The ramen tasted quite authentic, the prices were decent and the service quick - esp. necessary during the lunch rush hours. However, there wasn't anything to tell it apart from any other mediocre ramen establishment.

3. RAI RAI KEN (214 E. 10th St/ btwn 1st&2nd Ave)
A cosy little place in the East Village that seats only 14. The ramen isn't amazing (the broth is significantly lighter here than at other places) but the homey effect of the surroundings, the aroma & steam oozing out of the open kitchen, and the cook handing you your ramen himself lends it a nostalgic and authentic air.

4. MINCA (536 E. 5th St/ btwn A&B Ave)

At one far end of the East Village lies this little "ramen factory". Although slightly out of the way, it is worth the trek if you're looking for authentic taste & atmosphere (I've realized cramped spaces is apparently a positive thing when it comes to 'ramen' and 'authenticity'). However, the broth was almost too flavorful that it became too bitter/fishy/meaty at times; so I guess it's not the ideal type of ramen to stumble upon if you're not actively seeking it or familiar with the concept.

5. MOMOFUKU (163 1st Ave/ btwn 10th&11th St)


One of my favorite restaurants in NYC! The food never disappoints no matter what you try on the menu, and it changes occasionally too. It's always fun to try new dishes when there's a creative fusion element to them. However, you'll always be able to find the fundamental staples - the "momofuku ramen" and the "steamed buns" (photos above). Although the ramen noodles themselves are more 'noodle' than 'ramen', what I love about the dish here is the complete taste (and the perfect poached egg on top completes it). As a heads up, like many other worthwhile restaurants in manhattan, there's always a wait during dinner and the prices are more expensive - but it's worth it! The decor is plywood everything. I find the stools impractical and heavy but they do have some minimalist aesthetic appeal if you're into that kind of thing. An open kitchen is always hip, and the hidden hook to hang your bag up under the table is a nice touch (which I only found out after my 5th visit -__-).

Sidenote 1: Recently, my ramen craze has been replaced by 'bimbimbop', which I'll cover soon. (I think it was the abnormally long winter in NY that spawned my search of foods to vanquish the cold.)
Sidenote 2: If you're bored, check out the "Ramen Song" by Taiwanese boyband "Energy" ... hahaha, yeah.