NYC Eats (part I)

Sadly, my food tour in NYC did not start off on a high note.  My first stop was David Chang's Ssäm Bar, a part of the Momofuku empire.  I've dined at Ssäm Bar before and had an enjoyable experience.  This time around, I was left a bit dissapointed and thought this was a sign of things to come on this trip.  Maybe I went in with my expectations too high for an establishment and chef I have come to know as serving great food.  Portions were small, prices were high, and the food came out with the speed of a fast food chain.  To top it off, both of the dishes I tasted (poached chicken and chanterelles with quail eggs) lacked complexity/depth in flavor...they were basically one-note dishes.  Fortunately, this was just a one-time occuring low during my trip. 

My spirits were immediately lifted and my appetite satiated the next day at Ippudo.  This might not be saying much, considering the ramen selection I have in Seattle (it's not great), but this was by far the best ramen I have ever had!  I also enjoyed some of the tastiest chicken wings to ever meet my taste buds- crispy skin, tender inside, and just a bit of spice.  The ramen I had was, at first, extremely rich and creamy.  But after mixing in the dallop of ginger that topped my ramen, the creamy richness was tamed to just the right level.

Hirata Chicken Wings- fried and then glazed w/ Ippudo's special black pepper sauce

Miso Ramen with additional braised pork belly

Akamaru Modern topped with Ippudo's secret "Umami Dama" miso paste

Another highlight to the trip was Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery.  Such a highlight that I actually went to both locations within NYC on consecutive days.  The first Bouchon I visited was located in the Time Warner Center, where I not only enjoyed a top-notch chocolate soufflé, but also a great view of Columbus Circle at night.  The other Bouchon Bakery can be found in Rockefeller Center.  My visit to the Rockefeller Bouchon was during the afternoon, so it was pretty crowded.  Nonetheless, I carried on and got a nice selection of goodies: almond brioche, Nutter Butter cookie, and macarons.  The Nutter Butter cookies was peanut butter overload, but in a good way.  I'm not sure if they used fresh ground peanut butter, but it sure tasted like it!  The macarons were also delightful.  Definitely better than what I have had in Seattle- great texture, but ever so slightly on the sweet side.

Chocolate Soufflé with Crème Anglaise

Almond Brioche

Nutter Butter Cookie

Macarons: cranberry, chocolate, pistachio, salted caramel, pumpkin, and vanilla

Below, are a few other pics of deliciousness.  The brussel sprouts were beyond amazing!  I think they used some sort of balsamic wine that tastes like buttery popcorn when carmelized.  Whatever it was, I definitely want more of it  :p

Housemade Pappardelle pasta from Mario Batali's Lupa



Roasted Brussel Sprouts from Lupa




White Miso Semifreddo from Spot Dessert Bar: blackberries, sesame tuile, and raspberry sorbet



Yuzu Eskimo from Spot Dessert Bar: blackberries, strawberries, raspberry foam, chocolate pearls, oreo "soil", and chocolate ganache