Ramen Setagaya [141 First Avenue (bet. St. Mark's Pl. and 9th St.); 34-A St. Mark's Place (bet. 2nd and 3rd Aves.); 90 University Place (bet. 11th and 12th Sts.); Menu (actual menu more extensive)]
A Japanese import, this burgeoning ramen empire is for pork lovers only; vegetarians need not apply. The specialty here is the Shio Ramen. The salt-based broth is really something else and (as far as I know) it is unique among the many ramen joints popping up all over downtown. Coupled with slices of fatty pork, a soft-cooked egg, and of course, a healthy portion of chewy ramen noodles, it provides a richness of flavor not easily equaled. I highly recommend that you give it a try. I don't think it's for everyone, but if you consider yourself a noodle connoisseur, you must at least be aware of what's out there. If you're extra hungry, start with the gyoza.
The University Place location is the biggest of the three, and with multiple locations, you'll never be waiting around for two hours at Setagaya like you might at Ippudo on almost any night of the week.
Showing posts with label greenwich village. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greenwich village. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, April 13, 2009
Num Pang
Num Pang [21 E. 12th St. (bet. 5th Ave. and University Pl.), Menu]
Vietnam and the bahn mi better watch out because Cambodia is fighting back with Num Pang. The sandwiches may be smaller (and more expensive) than the bahn mi that I am used to, but they pack some serious flavor into that package. My choice for the evening was the Pulled Duroc Pork and I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't order a second one as soon as I finished the first. I can't wait to try the catfish (also on my list for next time is the corn). The ingredients are good (every sandwich comes with your choice of filling along with cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, and chili mayo), but what really makes the sandwich is the bread. Baked by Parisi Bakery, these six-inch rolls are heated and cooked to the perfect consistency: hard enough to provide resistance, but soft enough to bite right through. The combination of flavors in each bite is completely addictive.
As far as the facilities go, this is largely a takeout (and soon to be delivery) joint. You order downstairs and there are a few seats upstairs, but if you're with more than one or two people, you should definitely take it to Washington Square Park, Union Square, or your apartment...if it lasts that long.
Update (4/22/09):
I tried the catfish and it was just as delicious as the pork, if not more so. It featured a significant piece of fish, along with the same great bread and regular toppings that make Num Pang's sandwiches such a smashing success. I also had an ear of corn. It was well-grilled (good consistency, not too dried out) and well-flavored with the chili mayo and chili powder, but I wouldn't consider it an essential accompaniment to the sandwich. It is, however, a very good complementary dish.
Vietnam and the bahn mi better watch out because Cambodia is fighting back with Num Pang. The sandwiches may be smaller (and more expensive) than the bahn mi that I am used to, but they pack some serious flavor into that package. My choice for the evening was the Pulled Duroc Pork and I'm still trying to figure out why I didn't order a second one as soon as I finished the first. I can't wait to try the catfish (also on my list for next time is the corn). The ingredients are good (every sandwich comes with your choice of filling along with cucumber, pickled carrots, cilantro, and chili mayo), but what really makes the sandwich is the bread. Baked by Parisi Bakery, these six-inch rolls are heated and cooked to the perfect consistency: hard enough to provide resistance, but soft enough to bite right through. The combination of flavors in each bite is completely addictive.
As far as the facilities go, this is largely a takeout (and soon to be delivery) joint. You order downstairs and there are a few seats upstairs, but if you're with more than one or two people, you should definitely take it to Washington Square Park, Union Square, or your apartment...if it lasts that long.
Update (4/22/09):
I tried the catfish and it was just as delicious as the pork, if not more so. It featured a significant piece of fish, along with the same great bread and regular toppings that make Num Pang's sandwiches such a smashing success. I also had an ear of corn. It was well-grilled (good consistency, not too dried out) and well-flavored with the chili mayo and chili powder, but I wouldn't consider it an essential accompaniment to the sandwich. It is, however, a very good complementary dish.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
PressToast
PressToast [112 MacDougal St. (bet. Bleecker and W. 3rd Sts) 212-253-6705]
Quick, cheap, and delicious, PressToast has it all. I'm a slave to the chicken avocado, but the house salami and the veggie special with turkey are also can't-miss options. If you don't like any of their selections, however, you can create your own. I love the bread, served hot and pressed of course, but for the more carb-conscious among us, wraps are available too. Take it to go or order delivery because PressToast is not exactly a fine dining establishment.
Quick, cheap, and delicious, PressToast has it all. I'm a slave to the chicken avocado, but the house salami and the veggie special with turkey are also can't-miss options. If you don't like any of their selections, however, you can create your own. I love the bread, served hot and pressed of course, but for the more carb-conscious among us, wraps are available too. Take it to go or order delivery because PressToast is not exactly a fine dining establishment.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Joe's Pizza
Joe's Pizza [7 Carmine Street, New York; Menu]
This is the famous Joe's Pizza seen on the big screen in Spiderman. Those of you like me who would thus assume that the pizza must be overrated would be pleasantly surprised to find out that it is actually very good. I usually go for the fresh mozzarella slice, although the traditional plain is solid as well. A good, quick, cheap dinner or late-night snack.
This is the famous Joe's Pizza seen on the big screen in Spiderman. Those of you like me who would thus assume that the pizza must be overrated would be pleasantly surprised to find out that it is actually very good. I usually go for the fresh mozzarella slice, although the traditional plain is solid as well. A good, quick, cheap dinner or late-night snack.
Burrito Loco
Burrito Loco [166 West 4th Street, New York; Menu]
They make the guacamole in stone bowls right in front of you! My brother is sometimes obsessed with this place and the guacamole is certainly excellent. The rest of the food is pretty good as well, but nothing out of the ordinary. Burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, take your pick.
They make the guacamole in stone bowls right in front of you! My brother is sometimes obsessed with this place and the guacamole is certainly excellent. The rest of the food is pretty good as well, but nothing out of the ordinary. Burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, take your pick.
BondSt
BondSt [6 Bond Street, New York; Menu]
Upscale and trendy, BondSt offers excellent sushi, top notch cocktails, and a variety of other tasty dishes, most of which have a Japanese flavor to them. Located in what appears to be a converted brownstone, the decor of this multi-floor restaurant (that also features a lounge downstairs) makes you acutely aware of the fact that you are in an expensive place. For those who don't like sushi, the Grilled Rack of Lamb is extremely succulent. For those who do like sushi, most of the rolls are delicious, but I would especially recommend ordering off the daily special menu. How many times will you get to eat Barracuda sushi? If you want a little bit of everything, go for the tasting menu and you will be well-rewarded. Be warned that you will probably need reservations and that your meal will not come cheap. Your food, however, will be delicious.
Upscale and trendy, BondSt offers excellent sushi, top notch cocktails, and a variety of other tasty dishes, most of which have a Japanese flavor to them. Located in what appears to be a converted brownstone, the decor of this multi-floor restaurant (that also features a lounge downstairs) makes you acutely aware of the fact that you are in an expensive place. For those who don't like sushi, the Grilled Rack of Lamb is extremely succulent. For those who do like sushi, most of the rolls are delicious, but I would especially recommend ordering off the daily special menu. How many times will you get to eat Barracuda sushi? If you want a little bit of everything, go for the tasting menu and you will be well-rewarded. Be warned that you will probably need reservations and that your meal will not come cheap. Your food, however, will be delicious.
bite
bite [335 Lafayette Street, New York; Menu]
Making brilliant use of a bizarre corner of a building space, this tiny place serves up delicious panini-style sandwiches at reasonable prices. I am particularly fond of the smoked turkey with pesto panini and the nutella/banana ciabatta.
Making brilliant use of a bizarre corner of a building space, this tiny place serves up delicious panini-style sandwiches at reasonable prices. I am particularly fond of the smoked turkey with pesto panini and the nutella/banana ciabatta.
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