dish-nyc

…and there is NOTHING like the Momofuko Ramen at Momofuko Noodle Bar!

I dream about this bowl of salty pork laden goodness.  It’s a rich ramen, and I don’t know how the noodles are so flavorful.  Usually it’s the soup that brings all the yumminess.

It’s true what you’ve heard about this place…it’s small, crowded and loud.   But just like New York City, it has unexpected surprises and flavor beyond belief.  The food is amazing and worth waiting for a seat.  But what makes it extra special is its communal seating.   Tonight I was with two girlfriends, and we were happily and conveniently seated with three adorable guys at a table for six.  We chatted, shared food, raised our glasses of sake and beer and had a fun unexpected meal with nice strangers.  They were clearly not our type…but so what?  They let me taste their smoked chicken wings and pear salad!!  And if you want to be my friend, just let me taste your food.  I’ll be your friend forever.

Okay, back to the ramen.  It has hunks of pork belly, pork shoulder, a perfectly poached egg and large crisp pieces of nori that will eventually melt into the salty soup.  After you stir it up, letting the egg blend into the broth, use your chopsticks and spoon to creatively eat it.  I noticed everyone has a different technique.  The dainty way: use chopsticks to place the noodles into your spoon with a little pork and soup and try to get it all into your mouth without dripping.  My way: eat noodles like a messy Italian (no twirling into your spoon), and then eat the pork pieces and soup from the spoon.  I may have been more self-conscious eating this if I was on a date, but I do not recommend Momofuko Noodle Bar for date # 1 through date #5.  It’s best for friend dates, singles and those eating alone.  Go in with an open attitude and talk to your fellow diners.  Maybe they’ll let you have one of their steamed buns.

The young men at my table were very generous and fun.  Like I said, no love connection.  Maybe it was that one guy wore a long gold chain with a skull, and another tattooed his grandparents’ faces to his arm.

Eh, call me picky.