Asian Inspiration

Koreatown

Mandoo Bar

Handmade Mandoo

A recent episode of CNN's 'Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown' was filmed in LA's Koreatown, and the fact that Korean food is not as well known as other Asian cuisines was discussed as the host tried a variety of delicious looking Korean dishes. I decided its time for me to dive into trying Korean food as well. So i took the train to Herald Square and walked down two blocks to New York's Koreatown, which stretches itself on W. 32nd Street between Broadway and Fifth Ave. My first stop was at 'Mandoo Bar', i think the ladies making handmade dumplings in the window is what made me try out this place. Mandoo are dumplings in Korean cuisine, and in Mandoo Bar they serve them with pickled radishes, which i think is an amazing combination. The dumplings are very dry so the radish chutney not only adds the much needed sauce element but tons of flavor as well. Not sure if I'll go back to this place, but it was definitely worth a try.

New York Kom Tang

Haemul Jjigae

Korean Side Dishes

Next i headed to 'NY Kom Tang'. Their Seafood Stew (Haemul Jjigae) was just what i needed. The texture of tofu in a well balanced broth was really pleasing to the palette. The seafood in the stew was catfish, octopus, shrimps, clam and squid. The octopus was a little overcooked and rubbery in texture, otherwise I had no complaints. In Korean Cuisine every dish is served with an overwhelming number of complimentary sides. With my stew i got seven accompanying side dishes each with a distinct flavor ranging from sweet to sour. These include Kimchi (vegetables fermented in vinegar) and Japchae (glass noodles stir-fried with chopped vegetables). These sides along with white rice add depth to the Stew and make a simple meal look like a feast... definitely two thumbs up!

Gourmet Fast Food

  Shake Shack

Located in the heart of Madison Square Park, near the corner of 23rd Street and Madison Ave. Although this place serves "Fast Food" the waiting line is so long that it might take up to an hour or two before you can get your hands on it. One day I saw at least a hundred people already in line around six pm. Suzanne Vega was performing a free concert at the park that night so i guess it made sense. The best way to avoid the line is going at an odd hour, like around three or four pm. Keep your iPad handy or read a book while you wait. This place is famous for their crispy Burgers and crinkle Fries, and now that summer is in full swing their Shakes and Lemonade are perfect to quench the summer thirst. Overall a different fast food experience because the burgers taste very gourmet. I also recommend their Concretes, the best thing is that you can mix in flavors and design your own. Take a book along, find a quiet corner in the park to read, and enjoy your meal...

Mood for Mediterranean

 

Ravagh Persian Grill

If you want quality Middle Eastern food in New York then Ravagh is place to go. This humble Grill is located at 11 E. 30th St (between 5th & Madison Ave)... which is walking distance from my place, so I eat there a lot. If you were not familiar with this restaurant you could walk past it without even noticing it. The sign is small and unattractive.

The building looks grim and ignored but once you step inside the staff is very professional and efficient... something i don't expect when the exterior is so bland.
What this place lacks in aesthetics it definitely makes up with the food it dishes out. From the usual Persian appetizers like Humus or Babaganoush to the more exotic Mirza Ghasemi & Burani Bademjan, and entree's like Lamb Shank or Kobideh with Cherry Basmati or Dill Rice... you will find the experience totally satisfying and heart warming.
The essence of good Middle Eastern food lies in the balance of spices, which never over powers the taste of the meat. Its simple yet not very easy to master. I've had food at many (yes many) middle eastern restaurants and have never gone back, needless to say the food has been terrible. This is why im always on the look out for a great Mediterranean place so that every time I have a craving for Persian food i don't have to face a culinary disappointment. I first discovered Ravagh in 2008, and every time I come to New York this is one of the first places I visit... it never disappoints.

Chinatown

  Taste Trip Down Chinatown, NYC

Chinese food is one of my favorite cuisines. So going for a taste tour of Chinatown is a must every time I come to New York. Walking down Mott Street is a visual treat, you almost forget you're in Manhattan.. the smell of Asian food is in the air as you walk along the street full of small shops and restaurants and people sitting on the sidewalks reading Chinese newspapers. Among these little shops is the fascinating Aji Ichiban or "Munchies Paradise", located at 37 Mott St.

Aji Ichiban

This shop is a little candy treasure box, packed with all kinds of sweets and savories in clear bins. The store has a open tasting policy so you can try all kinds of strange flavors and treats like dried spicy squid and roasted eel and banana chips or pickled plum.

Aji Ichiban

Once you come out of this candy wonderland one cant help but get tempted to get a foot massage (a must for me) before lunch. In my opinion it can be the best appetizer. For lunch i strongly recommend 456 Shanghai Cuisine, located at 69 Mott St. Don't let the simplicity of the exterior fool you.

456 Shang Hai Cuisine

Great food, from dumplings to stir-fry, everything was delicious. It may look like just another restaurant, but trust me as far as taste is concerned it is miles ahead of the others. I shared the table with a retired UNDP officer from Hong Kong. The conversation we had made me change my views about Japan forever.

Fish, Szechuan Style

After lunch a walk down Canal Street can be refreshing.
On the weekends fresh fruit and sea food is abundant on the streets. Fresh lobster and crab
look at you with "buy me" eyes.

Sea Food Market

Along the streets you can find small stands selling all kinds of tasty delicacies. I find the smell of street food irresistible... fried shrimp, scallions or 5 dumplings for only a dollar. In the end I opted for something sweet.

Sweet Chinese Mini Cakes

 



Eating my mini cakes i made my way to catch the train back to Chelsea! As I was walking a strange fruit caught my eye. Hmmm wonder what it tastes like. Maybe I'll find out next I visit!

Dragon Fruit