Chocolate by the Bald Man.... in Union Square (NYC)

Went to Max Brenner to sample some chocolate in this big restaurant with an attached store around in Union Square. I head first heard of it from Leewa last month after he showed it to me. This time I got some time and brought some friends with me.

The main dining area is big and spacious. We hung out and I got the chocolate banana bread with a lemon mint granita. Both were great and great suggestions! There is an extensive menu of hot, cold drinks and many different types of chocolate desserts with crepes and variety of other goodies. But though I enjoy desserts, too much of a good thing gets too much for me too.

I give this place an 8 forks out of 9 forks.

KAI Restaurant (Upper East Side) NYC

Doing some research, I wanted to have some Japanese for lunch whilst in NYC. After some research, I found "KAI" in upper east side owned by Itoen, a brand that makes teas. There is a nice tea store on the lower level.

Lunch is only served from 12-3 on Saturdays. I got off my transport to take the "6" train to 69th Street stop. It is a short walk to the restaurant on Park between 68th and 69th streets.

I was seated at the last seat at the sushi bar. It was nice to relax and settle in for a nice lunch. Great service as they offered to take my bag. My water glass and tea cup were constantly refilled. I enjoyed the Hoji Cha (Roasted Green Tea) I was served. Yum! I settled on the $40 KAI bento. I figured it was the best way to try alot of great food.

I enjoyed watching the sushi chefs cooking and making the food. Watching a master at work, using economical movements (no waste) and everyone spoke Japanese save the runners. One of the waitresses noticed the hiragana I wrote and asked if I know Japanese.

I first got served dark miso soup and a fresh made tofu served with bonito shavings. The dark miso was nice and intense. The fresh tofu was delectable with an ultra smooth and creamy texture, very much a silken feel to the tongue. Next I got my bento box, I got some fresh daily sashimi (flown from Japan), tempura (veggies and a shrimp piece), grilled sake (Salmon) and red snapper, with one unagi piece rolled to envelope a burdick root piece, mixed rice, and a bowl of seasonal fresh veggies. Everything was simple, delicious and very fresh.

The dessert consisted of chocolate mousse cake sliver, some fresh fruit pieces and a piece of yuza cheesecake.

Overall with the food, atmosphere, and excellent service I give Kai a 9 forks out of 10 forks.

Momofuku---NYC

wings


Momofuku Ramen


Pork Bun

Tsukemen

I wanted to try Momofuku (Lucky Peach) opened by Korean American chef David Chang (I saw an article on him in the New York Magazine last year.) It is nestled between 10th and 11th streets on 1st Avenue. There is no big sign hailing it but in this tight small space with a long communal table and seats along the wall you are greeted by a mainly young student and young profossional crowd. (My mom was one of two people over the age of 40 there easily). My pal came along (Leewa) a little later and we tried the Pork Bun (with Berkshire pork) $9 (Chang's take on Char Siu Bao). Then we had the chili ginger wings. My mom had the tsukemen (cold noodles with peas, pork and served with broth. Leewa and I got the Momofuku ramen $14 with a poached egg, Berkshire Pork, Peas, Nori sheet, noodles in a nice simple broth.

My mom wanted more leafy veggies. I told her there were not a lot of them in Japanese noodles/ramen. She thought the peas were a novel idea and she took my nori strips though. The broth was light and the cold noodles were favored by her. She dislikes scallions and there was alot them on her ramen.

The wings were good and just panfried but good marinade. The pork buns were simple flavors but good.