Momofuku Noodle Bar

Another New York trip, another David Chang restaurant, serving Asian-focused dishes with an accent on noodles. As with Saam Bar, their focus tends to be taking foods common to Asian dishes combined with regionally produced products from the US. The results are flavorful and inspired.

Good: Ambience is good, with a blonde-wood color scheme and a large bar area for the noodle-slurping. Its a small space but with the modern touches, it still feels open. The roasted rice cakes in so much pork fat, it should be against the law are a hit. It was also a huge portion. Loved the fantastic apple-crisp ice cream that I could eat all day. Lunch deal is only $30 for three courses, which is a lot of food by the end.

Bad: Again the broth on the pho-style soup just ok – had a duck ramen that was just so-so. Also they didn’t have much in the way of non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy from. Water and soda mostly.

Wine: Didn’t have a chance to check the wine list since I was enjoying this during my lunch hour. Maybe next time.

Overall: Well worth the trip for lunch though I think I prefer Saam – I think I’d stay away from the price-fixe next time and go for more appetizers. They really do a great job with the steamed buns and the Rice Cakes. I’ve been so-so on the ramen so far, but they do their pork products proud.

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