There are weeks when my brother’s copy of MAXIM magazine ends up in my hands. Cons? The attractive women on its glossy pages make me feel like I should be eating nothing but celery sticks. Pros? The dirty jokes, film reviews and articles like this one always overshadow that feeling.
After reading about the explosion of ramen noodles throughout the U.S., I thought that this particular food would make a great kick-off point to one of my 2010 resolutions: visit a new eatery at least once a month.
So on a cold but bright and sunny day, I asked two of my friends to join me for lunch at IPPUDO.
A Japanese Ramen Restaurant located on 4th Avenue, minutes away from Union Square
According to the article, instant ramen was invented by a man named Momofuku Ando in 1958. Given the chance, I’d kiss the guy on the forehead. Few things can match the comfort and low price of a hot and immediate ramen meal after a night of drinking in freezing New England temperatures. Brings me back.
And in their own way, the Japanese agree. They voted ramen noodles as “the number one invention of the 20th century,” beating the compact disk, and even PCs!
But I wasn’t about to pay $20 for a reheated pack of instant ramen. I had high expectations for this place.
Numerous reviewers on Yelp suggested a particular appetizer, which one of my friends kindly agreed to split with me.
Hirata Buns: Steamed buns filled with your choice of pork or chicken, served with Ippudo original spicy buns sauce.
We chose the pork. This appetizer was perfect! The bun was fresh and soft. The pork practically melted in your mouth. The sauce reminded me of spicy mayo you’d get at a Brooklyn sushi place: just the right amount of a spicy kick. Excellent.
I decided to order the Akamaru Modern for the entree, since I read so much about how good it is.
Akamaru Modern: ‘The Original Tonkotsu’ Soup Noodle with Ippudo’s Special Sauce, Miso Paste, Fragrant Garlic Oil; Pork Chashu, Cabbage, Kikurage & Scallions.
This was super delicious and rich. In between bites and slurps, we kept asking each other, “how is this broth so rich?” Some investigative googling told me that “tonkotsu’ soup” means that the broth is pork based. So all that flavor was coming from the meat.
Once I mixed it all up, the ramen made itself known:
The noodles did taste different from those ten-cent packages. The whole combination was excellent. By the end of my meal, the only things left in my bowl were the two pieces of pork (pure white lard, which doesn’t appeal to me).
One of my friends (who is a vegetarian and got the special off-menu dish) kept saying, “I don’t want this to end!” while eating her meal. So this place satisfied all of our taste buds.
My only complaint? I lacked some spice. Next time, I’ll probably get the special spicy sauce you can add in to the ramen bowl. Or maybe I should just carry a bottle of hot sauce in my purse.
Beyond the food:
- The wait: several reviews said the wait was ridiculously long. We came in at around noon and were seated immediately. However, upon leaving there was definitely a line.
- The service: our waiter was quick and attentive. Did a great job of accommodating my vegetarian friend.
- The decor: big bamboo tree right in the middle of the restaurant. An overall hip and fun atmosphere.
I’d absolutely go here again. Maybe even after a night of drinking. Classy drunken munchies, New York style. That’s an indication of “growing up,” right?
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Gak, this makes me jealous! Have you tried Momofuko yet?
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I haven’t been to Momofuko yet, but I passed by it the other day and it was PACKED. I definitely want to check it out!
I love Ramen! And my favorite flavor growing up was “Oriental”. Foreshadowing perhaps?
The first time I had actual real Ramen was at a Japanese restaurant last year and it was fantastic. Loved it!
That’s an awesome NY resolution- especially being back in NY! That restaurant looks great… I have only had instant ramen. I didn’t know how to pronounce them ‘ramen’ until recently- they are just called “supernoodles” here because that’s the leading brand of instant! Haha
I’ve always wanted to go there! Glad they have vegetarian options.
My Korean friend kept telling me that Ramen was SO good, and I didn’t believe him. (Also, I had a really hard time understanding him because it sounded like he was talking about “lamen.”)
I’m glad this place was good and lived up to the hype. It always makes me mad when I go somewhere that’s all hyped up, only to find out that it is overpriced and overrated.
I love the idea of visiting a new eatery every month!
Great restaurant review and I’m glad you’re already working on those resolutions; this was a great first pick!
And I want ramen now…I need to find a restaurant in Miami that serves noodles like that.
Oh, and carry a bottle of hot sauce in your purse. I would kill to see that.
Oh how my mouth is watering thinking of salty, 10 cent, instant ramen. I haven’t had any in years, but I may have to buy a pack for sh!ts and giggles! Great review!
And I thought I was the ssenible one. Thanks for setting me straight.
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haha that’s hysterical abour ramen noodles…but probably true. I mean do you think there is anyone who couldn’t tell you what they are and how they like theirs?