A week in NYC

Last April, yes April 2013. We went to New York City for a work conference, cousin visit, and foodie adventure. Here are the pictures I would like to share with you of our most recent adventures in the “Big Apple.”

Marea – Chef Michael White’s Italian Restaurant. Located on Central Park South by Columbus Square. I have wanted to dine here for years. Chef White was a linebacker from the Midwest who decided he wanted to be a chef. He studied in the food centric Emilia-Romagna region of Italy in the 1990’s and opened Marea in 2009. The two Michelin star restaurant has also won a James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant and is a part of Relaix and Cheateau. The flagship restaurant is famous for its bone marrow and red wine braised octopus fusilli. However, it wasn’t the only delicious thing they had to offer on our visit.

Marea – 240 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019

Xi’an Famous Foods – Hand “ripped” noodles is all I have to say.  The famous in the name is indeed appropriate as everyone has covered these noodles for a reason. They are delicious. Several NYC locations have popped up from this Flushing Queens original 200 square-foot Golden Mall location. The hand-ripped “biang biang” noodles and spicy sauces from Northwest China made this place a must stop. This was truly a street eat for us as the restaurant was so tiny, we dined on the streets of the East Village. We still find ourselves craving the Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles.

Xi’an Famous Foods – Multiple Locations in Manhattan – 81 St. Mark’s Place, New York, NY  10003

Lot 2 – The restaurant that served me the best burger I have ever had in my life. I am not kidding. It was simple and delicious. In fact, all three of us ordered the Creekstone Farms Burger with the duck fat fries because it was lauded as an amazing burger. Lot 2 is a locally owned South Slope Brooklyn restaurant which has everyone raving about their food, especially the Pat LaFreida burger they serve. The burger was simple, but so delicious and juicy. Every bite was a party in my mouth. A blend of sirloin and short rib give this burger the composition to deliver flavor in every bite. A must when in Brooklyn. Oh, and they have great cocktails, ambiance, desserts, and a killer house made pickle plate. Go!

Momofuku Noodle Bar – My third visit to NYC, I had to eat at a David Chang restaurant at least once in my life despite all of the hype. We met my cousin, Mandy here for lunch to see how David Chang does it. The noodle bar is the first restaurant that started it all. Chang famous for the ramen, fried chicken, and fatty pork buns. Overall, the food was good, service was great, and nice ambiance in the East Village. The pickles and the egg were a nice starter. The pork bun had great flavor, but I am just not a fan of the fatty texture of the pork belly. It was just too much for me and too much for Chad who usually loves the texture. I am glad we stopped. Check.

Momofuku Noodle Bar – 101 1st Avenue, Between 10th and 11th, New York, NY  10003

Excellent Dumpling House – How could you go wrong with this name? The dumplings are pretty excellent, the right price, and a quick turn around. Mandy and Daryl recommended we eat here for our first meeting after arriving in the city. I have no objections if there is ever the word “noodle” or “dumpling” in the title. Excellent Dumpling House was a busy spot for lunch in (or around) Chinatown. The place was packed, but fortunately for us we were seated quickly. Menus are available outside and there are lots of pictures to help you decide on your choices before you sit. Try the soup dumplings!

Excellent Dumpling House – 111 Lafayette Street, New York, NY  10013

More to come…