So, yes, tonight my fiery brother-in-law Cory was in town for one night only with a little big business to take care of. But when family is in town you've got to celebrate, and when I celebrate I have to eat and eat seriously, so I took Cory over to the Momofuku Ssam bar for some dinner.
The Ssam bar is an entirely different beast by night, a beast that requires a little more daring from its diners, but the rewards are sweet. No. Savory. And also sweet. Sometimes at the same time.
Come, pictures!
Jonah Crab Claws with Yuzu mayonnaise. Ladies and gentlemen, I am SO down with yuzu mayonnaise.
Get this: Kampachi with Wild Arugula, Arugula Flowers, Capers, and Pickled Strawberries (Yes, pickled.)
A fine plate of super-delicious Meecham County Ham from Kentucky. Aged for months, smoked for weeks...or was it aged for weeks, smoked for months? They did something and they did it right.
The mighty, mighty Momofuku Steamed Pork Belly Buns. It might just look like fat in a funny bun to you but, please, believe me, these things alone are a seriously persuasive argument against a variety of religious dietary laws.
Sichuan Beef Tendon. Victory!
And our entree, the Marinated Hanger Steak Ssäm with Ginger Scallion sauce, Kimchi, and Bibb lettuce.
This is when you make a dinner out of it. The steak was unbelievably tender. I practically couldn't believe how tender it was.
Finally, dessert: Rhubarb Shortcake with Kendall Farm's Creme Fraiche. Had I ever had rhubarb before in my life? Honestly, I don't know. But if this was the first time it was definitely a magnificent introduction.
When I look at these pictures I can think only one thing: That was it? I should have had more.
Closing Thoughts: I don't want to sound disgustingly trendy, but I just love going to Momofuku. I love the food, I love the atmosphere, I love the people that work there. , and I love their iPod (eating a pork bun while "Juicy" by the Notorious B.I.G. is playing? Can you beat that? Only when the Pixies are playing during your hanger steak-eating.) Trips to Momofuku just make me want to not shave, wear more button-up shirts, write more things, buy some more sneakers, own sunglasses, go to parks, drink plenty of water, laugh at jokes, think smart thoughts, obey the commandments, and tip with great generosity. Pretty much if Coach Eric Taylor were a restaurant he'd be a Momofuku. What more can be said after saying that?
You and I need to take a break if you don't know Coach Taylor by now.
Previously:
Lunches One and Two at the Ssam Bar.
3 comments:
Done. I'm going. I can't deny it any more. You had me at Juicy.
Good times, good company, and frigalicious food! Thanks Brig for taking me there and to Pete for getting us in and in good graces of the goodnessly gracious staff at Momofuku.
I didn't read this but I saw the "Sorry Evan" coda and thought it was pretty cool.
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