No Horse Play
XI'AN FAMOUS FOODS | 2675 Broadway (bet. 101st & 102nd Sts.) | [no phone yet] | xianfoods.com
Ippudo, Finally
...First of all, the noodles are made expertly in-house, and are thinner than their college dorm counterparts, so they naturally absorb much more of the lusciously rich broth's flavor while maintaining a pliable firmness that gives them proper slurp as well as chew.... [Full Post]
Oh. Mah. Jong!
....My favorites were the Spanish Breakfast (you had me at "chorizo", then kept me at "runny, poached egg"!), and the Run Forrest, with its simple prep, letting the shrimp flavor flow through the tender, only slightly toothsome dumpling skin, complimented nicely by the mellowed citrus kick of the tomato salsa, and needing only the smallest dip into the the side dipping sauce.... [Full Post]
Unexpected Gem
...The portion was more dinner sized, and, again, my skepticism was foiled by an ample amount of chicken meat, and scant traces of MSG or cornstarch. The dish, while delivering on its promise of spice, was refreshingly light, with the impressive rice noodles, rightfully gummier and spongier than regular noodles, making any residual cooking juices get absorbed into them while the flavored oils clung to them. Even being supportively optimistic, this lunch me surpassed my expectations at every turn.... [Full post]
Best of Both Worlds, Twice
...The great thing about chili is that you always have to make them in large batches, as I did. And, now I still have a whole bunch left over. Something to look forward to now, the following morning—this Christmas morning!—as I remember how chili improves over a couple of days in its chilled container.... [cont.]
