May 19, 2009

Lunch at Momofuku Noodle Bar

This week is Brad's birthday week. I say birthday week because we literally do a week long celebration (sometimes month long, but that gets a little overplayed). We did a number of dinners this weekend with friends and also with Brad's parents, who were making a quick stop in nyc. One of Brad's favorite places to go in the city is Momofuku Noodle Bar, a small hipster hangout in the lower east side that is the brainchild of the much acclaimed David Chang. They are known for serving up huge bowls of kicked-up Ramen, and have been made famous by the likes of a celebrity flocking - most notably Martha Stewart, who is constantly mentioning her visits there on her talk show.

The noodle bar does not take reservations, so if you don't want to be waiting, you usually have to show up early or at some obscure time. We got there right at noon on a Sunday afternoon and had no problem getting a table, although 15 minutes into our meal the entire place was packed. We kicked things off with the pork buns, which were absolutely off the charts. Succulent pork is encased in the most deliciously tender dough pocket. These little darlings are reason enough to pay this place a visit.

For our main course, we all ordered the Momofuku Ramen, which is the traditional noodles in broth, big pieces of pork belly and shoulder, and a poached egg. I liked it just fine, but my husband, who grew up eating this sort of food, was over the stars for it.

We finished the meal with a serving of their ice cream of the day (which is the only dessert on the menu), a twist of rhubarb and shortcake flavors. Delicious flavor and texture, especially thanks to the little cinnamon crunchy bits that decorated the top. Of course, you could always walk the 2 blocks up to the Momofuku Bakery, which serves up some of the most unique cookie, cake, and pie creations you've ever seen.

Overall, the service was friendly, the food was top notch (seasonal and local to boot), and the atmosphere was comfortably energetic. Considering that Brad is already begging to go back, I certainly think Momofuku will make it on our regular restaurant rotation. Now if I could only figure out a way to snag a coveted reservation at Ko...

So as most of you who have been following my blog know, I don't usually do restaurant reviews. I was under the impression that since most people don't live in the nyc area, the information wouldn't necessarily be useful. What do you guys think - would you like to hear about places we find and love, or would you like me to just stick to the usual?

Momfuku Noodle Bar is located on 171 First Avenue, between 10th and 11th.

23 comments:

Maria said...

Looks like a fun place to dine!

Dewi said...

I love noodle!
Too bad we don't seem place like this in my neighborhood.

Mary Bergfeld said...

I love noodles and let to my own devices would eat nothing but. This sounds like a fantastic place. Does Martha wait in line or do they have special handling and priority for celebrity guests?

Chef Fresco said...

Happy birthday to Brad! And thanks for the congratulations! I'm looking forward to all the planning :)

Donna-FFW said...

Looks like some fantastic food. I enjoy the reviews. I enjoy your recipes too. Im just a happy camper.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Sounds like you had a great meal. There is no such restaurants around here. I would love to go to a Noodle Bar.

Foodie with Little Thyme! said...

Let's hear it. It's fun to see how others live and eat. I mean that's why we blog right?
Happy Birthday Brad.

Lyndas recipe box said...

Looks like a grat place to eat. We don't have a place like it around here, but I love seeing what's available in other parts of the country!

Anonymous said...

This place sounds great! I always love to read restaurant reviews!

nath said...

my first comment here...
and love your blog...drooling~
I love noodle and it's look so delish...

Stacey Snacks said...

Ashley,
I still haven't tried it, because I won't eat at noon and won't wait in line.
Maybe like Lupa, they take reservations! (I know they don't!).
S.

Foodiewife said...

By all means, please share restaurant reviews! That's why I blogged about my recent experience in my hometown of Monterey. If I ever make it to NY, I'm planning on breaking bread with you and Stacey. I'll have to fast for a week, but it would be a blast! Everything looks marvelous!

Maris said...

I live in NYC too and have been wanting to try this place! I wonder if they have outdoor dining, I love eating outdoors during the nice weather!

grace said...

this isn't my type of food, but what a great restaurant name. yes, bring on the reviews!
and a birthday week is a wonderful idea. :)

Pumpkin said...

Gah! I just ate lunch and these pork buns and noodles are making my stomach growl...
I'll be honest, I'm a little jealous that you live in NYC and so close to all these fabulous foodie delights!

Juliana said...

It is not fair...I am so far from this wonderful noddle bar...everything looks great. Have to make a note so when we visit NYC we don't miss this restaurant. Thank you. Great pictures. By the way, thank you for visiting my site.

Anonymous said...

I would love to hear about NY restaurants...I think most people go there every so often and would love good tips on where to eat! Great blog btw.

Sara said...

I've always wanted to try Momofuku - too bad I won't be in NY again anytime soon!

Simones Kitchen said...

Congratulations with Brad's birthday! This sure sounds like a great place to eat. I love reading about reviews especially since we also like to travel and it's always good to get inside information on local restaurants. So keep 'm coming!

Michelle @ Find Your Balance said...

Are you admitting to consistently watching Martha Stewart? :-) I like the reviews sometimes, y'know? Especially if they're good ones with good ideas for my own cooking!

Kerstin said...

Happy birthday to Brad!

I would really enjoy more reviews because I live in Boston and will make it to NY at some point :) I just bookmarked this place!

sugarlens said...

Everything you ordered looked drool-worthy! I love the pork buns, the more fat the better!

Julie said...

That noodle bowl looks great...I'm little unsure about the egg in the middle though :)