Shinbashi

Lunch in midtown usually comes in a bag and is eaten at my desk in front of my computer screen. My coworkers often ask me why I don't leave the office and the answer is usually because its just more convenient to eat at my desk and continue working. But every once in a while I will treat myself to an actual lunch hour. And when those occasions come up, I try to make the effort and spend that time outdoors if possible.

Last Friday was one of those glorious days - perfect weather, outdoor seating, great company, and delicious food. Shinbashi is a little gem in the middle of crowded midtown. When spring comes around, all the restaurants in the city that have the sidewalk space bring out chairs and tables. The insides of their restaurants clear out and the patios are packed to capacity as New Yorkers try to get as much sun as they can in the few warm months we have.

  Ladies' Set Lunch

Dahsi Kabocha Pumpkin, Charshu, Random Avocado Concoction on a Ritz Cracker?

Chawanmushi

 

Mini Chirashi

Ippudo

Ippudo. Momofuku. The rivalry between these two restaurants is legendary. Whenever you talk to someone in New York City about ramen, one of these restaurants will be mentioned. We got to Ippudo ten minutes before they opened and there was already a line of people waiting outside. My expectations at that point went up 100% because if people are willing to wait outside a restaurant on a freezing Sunday morning hours before the Superbowl (when the NY Giants are actually playing in) it must be pretty freaking good.I knew this place was popular but I had no idea the hype around Ippudo vs Momofuku was so intense. I swear I even got a couple side glances when I asked my friend if Momofuku was better.

 Hitari Pork Buns

Shiromaru Chaschu Ramen

I thought the pork buns were phenomenal! Thick juicy pork belly slices with crisp lettuce and spicy mayo. The ramen soup was nice and savory without being overly salty (a common downfall with ramen broth). My friend's spicy soup was a little more to my taste and her noodles were normal thickness. I orderedAkamaru Modern had thinner noodles. Not my favorite but still good. The main reason I decided on this bowl of ramen was their signature "Umami Dama" paste they top the bowl with. It was a cross between miso and chinese bean paste. An additional seasoned soft bowled egg made this a pretty tasty bowl of soup noodles.

 

"Umami Dama" paste & soft-boiled egg

 

 Akamaru Modern Ramen

Now I just have to try Momofuku (post to follow soon) and finally put this rivalry to rest. :)

Otafuku

Are you in the East Village and need a snack? Have a craving for something Japanese? Otafuku is the place to visit. This hole-in-the-wall joint, nestled between two bars, makes delicious takoyaki (octopus balls), a popular street snack in Japan. The store is tiny (probably only 70 square feet) and the standing room for customers is about 20 square feet. Put in your order, take a number and wait for savory little balls of heaven to be placed in your hands.

These octopus balls are made in a special takoyaki tray which is a griddle that has holes in it to cook and form the snack-sized balls. The batter is put into the holes; as they cook, octopus is placed into the batter along with pickled ginger, scallions, and sometimes bits of fried tempera batter. Then a little more batter is place on top of it and they are flipped over so the other side can continue cooking into the form of a ball. The result is this creamy seafood ball of deliciousness which is then topped with a takoyaki sauce (similar to teriyaki or eel sauce) then Japanese mayonnaise, seaweed flakes and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes). To me, the spicier the better, so I add a blog of sriracha on the side.

For $5 dollars, you get SIX golf ball sized takoyaki with all the bells and whistles. It's a deal that can't be passed up when you're in the east village!