Yes, I know, I’m about 24 hours late on this. Its beginning to feel a lot like spring here compared to what we experienced the previous 4 days. Today I can finally wear just enough layers and headgear to be recognizable and to comfortably go to the bathroom during tours. And I dont need to inspect the mummies I’m with every 30 minutes to make sure these are the people I’m touring with
Although during this cold spell I’ve been craving mostly Thai and Vietnamese soups, Ramen is usually the more common medicine. So for the latest issue of W42st, that colorful magazine you see all over Hell’s Kitchen, I wrote about my favorite Ramen dishes in a neighborhood that is perhaps most Ramen heavy in NYC today. Remember the four pillars of Hell’s Kitchen: Ramen, Mexican, Thai and Gay bars. Come to think of it, Gay bars is the only one I didnt write about. I’m on it.
Chicken Paitan at Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop (top)- While the average folk go for the classic dishes that made Ivan famous, savvy W42st readers should opt for the latest and greatest. The richness and deliciousness of a Tonkotsu without the heaviness.
Yuzu-Kosho Ramen at Mentoku – Solid Ramen with no wait in Hell’s Kitchen is like finding a parking spot within 30 minutes. Love the way they cut that Chasu so thin, and that spicy, zesty Yuzu paste carries some serious depth.
Spicy Ramen at Totto (bottom)- Its that complex spicy sesame oil that transforms this thing into an umami of flavors. On a really cold day, it doesnt get much better than this. Ok, maybe Turks and Caicos.
Akamaru Modern at Ippudo – Its a good time to catch up with your virtual friends while waiting for your table. Two hours later you can return the favor by posting this sumptuousness.
Tonkatsu with Spicy Black Garlic Sauce at Hide-Chan Ramen – If you like it ultra rich and porky, it doesn’t get much richer than this. Get the fried chicken too while you’re at it.
During my Brooklyn tours, we visit one of my favorite stores in NYC, Vintage in Brighton Beach. Its Turkish owned featuring sweets and various foods from all over Europe and Middle East. And every time I’m inside, it doesnt take long before I find myself staring at a particular brand of ice cream in the fridge, reminiscing about what I could only indulge in about once a year as a child. Same type of thoughts come moments earlier when we visit Coney Island. “Awwwwee”, said no one. But today, in my late 30’s (ok, 47 to be exact), I can afford to eat one of those babies more than once a year. And I do cherish every one of those moments.
The best tip I can give you when you go to Venice with kids is this: Start planning your return trip without them. Meanwhile you scout, you observe, you take notes, and study. And by the time you return you can pretend to live like a local for just a few days, and do crazy things like have a full meal before dinner. You may even be proficient enough to able to spell Cicchetti without Googling, like the pro that you are. Cicchetti (Chee-ke-tee) is Venice’s answer to the aperitivo (Aperitif). Its the Venetian happy hour. They are served in bars called Bacari, usually 5 to 7 pm, but some are open throughout the day for the rest of us tourists.
Salvmeria – The newest kids on Via Giuseppe Garibaldi block isnt too concerned about its spelling on Google (Yes, its a V in there) because its main aim is locals, not so much tourists. Although far removed from the tourist route, this is one of the most picturesque streets in Venice. The clever assortment of wine goes as far as Moldova. Try the Salumi, and baked scallops with breading and carrots if they have
Fritoin del Gondolier – Its more of a street food shack that can be as convenient as Cicchetti. Here you can try some fried goodies like Mozzarella in Carrozza (a fried sandwich with fillings like ham) and fried cream squares on a stick. Those creamy squares can work well with hot chocolate from Vizio Virtu not too far away
Its time to bump up this Z-Lister and one of my favorite Thai in NYC. All these recent Thai posts can only mean one thing. Its getting freakin cold! And when its cold I like to eat spicy things. And we are also just about outta here to escape this cold front. But this time we are trying something new. We are leaving for something colder instead of warmer (no TCI). The idea is that by the time we come back, we can enjoy better weather. At least thats what we are convincing ourselves.
In East Village, during my tour we discuss the 4 pillars or principles of the Temperance movement when we visit a Temperance fountain: Temperance, Faith, Hope, and Charity. While in Hell’s Kitchen we discuss the 4 pillars of Hell’s Kitchen: Thai, Mexican, Ramen, and Gay Bars. Temperance supporters would obviously disapprove of this neighborhood today. Until they taste any of the items below that is.
You can get easily lost in the constant changing dining shuffle here in NYC. One minute its Poke, another minute its Ramen, and before you know it, Sabra joints popping up all over like.. well, Sabra. When Balaboosta first opened 7 years ago, it was quite the welcoming menu featuring refreshing Middle Eastern and north African fare not so easily available elsewhere. But today, with places like Nur, Timna, Taboon, and even Balaboosta’s hipper sister Bar Bolonat, this once perfect housewife (the meaning of Balaboosta) seems a little lost, neglected, disowned by the family and left in a nursing home in Idaho
Eating With Ziggy 