The European trip was over but a NY trip was already planned. Considering the expense of the European adventure, I wanted to keep NY “downscale” (it’s all relative) and eat at a few of the cheaper places that have been garnering attention. I’ve already eaten at Momofuku and, based on that one meal, it’s a must-go every time I visit NY. I always recommend this place to everyone visiting NY b/c it’s excellent food at an affordable price point. You can’t not like the food here – it’s impossible. In fact, this meal was so good, I’m making Momofuku a mandatory twice-go for future NY trips.

Had a very large lunch b/c I wanted to try different things. My recommendation – skip the noodles (they fill you up) and stick to shellfish & appetizers. This is 3-4 star NY cooking – eat as much as you can for this price.

1. Pork buns – as good as ever

2. Charred octopus salad w/ some asian veggies
Grilled, and i think some fried if i remember correctly, octopus, perfectly charred and crisp. This is what i expected the Cafe Boulud octopus salad to be last spring. Very Good.

3. Scallops w/ seaweed specs, cherries, & lemon puree
Thinly sliced, specs of seaweed on top, combine everything together for a *perfect* way to beat the NY heat – everything came together perfectly. Excellent.

4. Noodles
Good, but i’d rather have some oysters, another pork bun, maybe try the shitake bun, and then another seafood dish. (Yes, one day i’ll be fat…)

To think i was foolish and spent $200 earlier in the weekend at Bar Masa. 1/4 the price, 1.5x as good, no brainer.

If this place were in SF, i would eat here every week and my friends would complain about eating here so much. I still have memories of those corn grits from last year, so i think it’s another trip to NY during corn season.
- chuck