Where to Eat in NYC: Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop at Gotham West Market
I've been following
ever since I
read about him in the first issue of Lucky Peach
. So, when I heard he was opening
in New York's Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, I knew I had to go. (I mean, odds are I'm not making it to his flagship in Japan anytime soon.)
What I didn't realize was that it was nestled into
- an adorable incubator of food concepts on 11th Avenue between 44th and 45th. Upon entering, I went all wide-eyed and wanted to try everything. After all, there are
eight different artisanal food purveyors
and it's really hard to decide where to focus.
But, I was on a mission, so I sidled up to Ivan Ramen's and ordered the Spicy Red Chile Ramen... mostly because it sounded like a dare. It was hearty, spicy, delicious... and certainly cleared the sinuses. It came with minced pork and smashed egg, so I thought adding pork belly and egg might be too much. Next time, I'd go big and layer those on too. The richness would balance out the heat.
Spicy Red Ramen at Ivan Ramen's Slurp Shop
After that, I wandered around plotting my course for the next visit to Gotham West Market. I think
or
will be the next target. (I'd add
, which is fantastic, but I've already been there on the West Coast.) I did get sucked into the
food market and shop where I took home a bottle of
and this amazing macaron chocolate hazelnut
.
Jeni's Ice Cream Sandwich from Brooklyn Kitchen
Thank God I'm not local. I'd be scouting condos to live above this gluttonous paradise.