Its the first and last pizza week here on EWZ, and that time of the month – W42nd st monthly launch. And by pure coincidence or not, this month issue lists the best pizza in Hell’s Kitchen. Long time readers will notice one major drop/add on the list. Although the major drop (John’s) is still fairly popular with visitors, and the addition is pretty far out there. So pick up a free copy of the W42st, to check out what this dysfunctional family is up to these days.
Corner Slice, the Ivan Ramen backed, much anticipated pizza quicky in Gotham West Market taking over the Blue Bottle Coffee space finally opened. The thin square pizza slices are cooked in fancy electric ovens, as I imagine the only allowable method in the building. Dough ferments for a long time, and just about every ingredient made in house. My first slice was a simple mozzarella, tomato, basil. Slightly on the greasy side, but nice and pungent tomato sauce. But the other day my Sopressata was a little overcooked and overpriced. They have their reasons I’m sure but one measly Soppressata slice the size of pepperoni doesnt warrant $4. Another nice addition to GWM, though I would have loved to see something a little more interesting
Ippudo added more deliciousness to the menu. This time vegetarian Sesame based Ramen that even non vegetarians like yours truly can appreciate. The Karaka Spicy New York I tried is simply outstanding. Rich, wonderfully complex broth, without the heaviness that follows sometimes from Tonkotsu. Its been a weird Ramen season for me as I’ve been frequenting the heavyweights (Ivan, Totto, Ippudo) instead of the small guys like Mentoku which I really like. And I find myself more and more slurping non-pork based ramen like vegetarian and chicken. Whats happening to me!
Chaan Teng is being added to the Survival Guide, even though not everything I tried there was a slam dunk. Even for family dining, sharing dishes like their take on General Tso’s Chicken, far more interesting than something like Carmines. Just try to avoid all the figurines in the back wall and by the bathroom, unless you think its time to have that talk with your son.
Removing Poulette from the guide. Last experience was way too Boston Markety for me. Where did all the Herbes de Provence and juiciness go?
Nano Ecuadorian still great
Puff Cha Ramen still sucks!
The other day on the Hell’s Kitchen Tour we bumped into Daredevil, Jessica Jones, and Luke Cake at Gotham West Market. I briefly spoke to Luke (I just called him Luke, no idea what his real name is. Its like calling Tom Cruise, Ethan) who told me they were shooting The Defenders starring all three superheroes. I imagine The Defenders will defend the Kitchen from all evil, like Ezra, the Azuri Cafe Falafel Nazi. I welcome this development
Last week the tour bumped into Ivan Ramen as I mentioned on another post. I met him before many times but always fun when we cross paths during the tour. This time while my guests, a family from Toronto were enjoying his Pastrami buns. Check him out in the current season of Chef’s Table. On the same day we bumped into a crew from Univision doing a special on Tehuitzingo coming sometime in April. I will post a link when I find out
Stay hungry my Amigos!
Eating With Ziggy 