You may have been wondering why I havent updated the Hell’s Kitchen Guide in a while. Maybe I dont hang out there nearly as much anymore. Or watch too much Daredevil? One is true. I still hang out there often, especially before or after the Hell’s Kitchen tour. But I do watch Daredevil. I even saw the Devil of Hell’s Kitchen himself in action, slurping on Ivan Ramen noodles in Gotham West Market. No joke. I asked his buddy Luke Cage what they were up to and he said they were filming The Defenders. Jessica Jones was eating elsewhere, obviously not a fan of the just updated Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide.
But thanks to Daredevil, the neighborhood is much better and safer today. You can walk around the kitchen after 8. Thai joints continue to make babies, without protection and protection money concerns. And there’s even a Momofuku now. Two of them actually. One of which, Bang Bar, which I wrote about last week, is in the guide.
Pure Thai Cookhouse is a well oiled machine that is perhaps the most important Thai among dozens in the area. It was just a matter of time until the husband and wife team open Taladwat, dishing out small plates a few blocks down. So far so delicious, and an obvious addition to the guide. Another exciting addition is Saar Indian Bistro (below) from another master, Hemant Mathur, bridging Indian fine dining and typical curry houses ever so smoothly. And about time I added Corner Slice at the constantly changing Gotham West Market.
I removed some dead skin and closings like Tehuitzingo and Larb Ubol which were the most shocking ones. But on a more personal note, the closing of the neighborhoody Cafe Ole hurts the most. I spent countless of hours there eating sandwiches and soups, while talking to Ana. She will be missed.
The Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide
Eating With Ziggy 