Gotham West Market Opens. Ziggy Gains 3.7 lb

I haven’t seen so much excitement since my wife brought home not one but two extra large Zappos boxes.  The area I like to call Hell’s Kitchen (because that’s what its called) has given birth to Octuplets yesterday.  For the German tourists reading this blog (For some reason this blog is popular with German tourists – ich danke ihnen!) Octuplets means 8 babies.  8 beautiful, healthy, delicious babies.  We normally get excited when one place opens in Hell’s Kitchen, so 8 at the same time is like… 8 as much excitement.  Essentially what I’m trying to say is that this is the most thrilling thing to happen to Hell’s Kitchen since Ezra from Azuri Cafe cracked a smile (it happened in January 20th, 2007.  I witnessed it.  Though rumors have it that it was just gas)

So far I’ve been to Gotham West twice.  On the day they opened (yesterday), and on the second day (the day after yesterday!).   Here are the vendors starting with the two I ate so far…

Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop – from Ivan Orkin, a Jew from Brooklyn making Ramen in Japan.  While everyone anticipates his LES Ramen joint to open, this one got snuck in first.  I came for Ramen, but got the Smoked Whitefish Donbury rice bowl instead.  Terrific stuff!  Hefty chunks of white fish with Salmon roe, cucumber and scallion.  All on top of warm rice with a touch of sweet soy.  I want to try everything on this menu

El Colmado – Had lunch here today with the Hummus Whisperer.  Classic Spanish Tapas from Seamus Mullen and the rest of Tertullia’s team.  Gil Avital, one of Tertullia’s partners is running the show.  Lovely Smoked Eel Croquettes.  Deviled eggs with smoked Bacalao were more satisfying.  Dates stuffed with Almond and Valdeon cheese were explosive.  This is a classic tapas dish we’ve had many times over the years, and this is as good as it gets.  Gambas al Ajillo were small and simple.  Not the best we’ve had.  Octopus on the Plancha was more like it, tender and nicely charred.  Got  a couple on the house.. Marcona Almonds fried in olive oil. Hmmm, I prefer my raw Marcona from Costco.  Its like crack in my house.  Smoked Idiazabal cheese marinated with olive oil and rosemary in a sardine can was fine.  Very nice lunch overall.  Looking forward to trying the rest of the menu

The Cannibal – From the people that brought you Resto and the The Cannibal in Gramercy serving charcuterie, small bites, and various meat specialties like pork neck kimchi rillettes.  Seriously who doesnt love a good pork neck kimchi rillette

Genuine Roadside – Essentially classic American food with a twist.  Fish tacos, beef, pork, chicken sandwiches and a whole lot of burger action.  Not surprisingly the biggest line so far.  Well this is after all, America!

Little Chef – From  Caroline Fidanza off Brooklyn’s Saltie.  5-10 creative farm to table dishes like the Ship’s Biscuit – Focaccia, soft scrambled egg, ricotta, or the Clean Slate – hummus, quinoa, pickled vegetables, yogurt sauce on naan bread, or try the Cock a Leekie – chicken, leek and prune soup.  Although you may have some explaining to do when your spouse asks you what you had for lunch today if your answer is a “Cock a Leekie”

Court Street Grocers – Smack in the middle of all the action is this other Brooklyn import making gourmet sandwiches.   Such as the Confit of Pork Shoulder, Mayo, Provolone, Broccoli Rabe, Red Peppers, Pecorino Romano, on a Hero Roll, or how about a Braised Beef Shank, Gorgonzola Dolce, Caramelized Onion, Red Peppers, Arugula, Red Wine Vinaigrette, on a Potato Roll.  POTATO ROLL!!

Blue Bottle Coffee – Twelfth location for this popular cafe.  The New Orleans Ice Coffee seems to be popular among other things

You also got the The Brooklyn Kitchen for all your Kitchen needs.  Christmas is coming and I need a dutch oven, knife set, and a personal chef.  Hint hint!  You can even order your turkey here, and attend various cooking classes such as making pizzas with Roberta’s.  And soon you will have a Velo Bike Shop for all your Citibike bike needs.  Stay Hungry Bitches!