The Quick and Dirty: Mo' Momofuko Please

Saturday night - my night off from my self inflicted food crawl down 7th street - so I decided to mix things up at Momofuko Ssäm Bar - a David Chang experience for the bourgeosie. Larger, cheaper and less exclusive than it's predecessor, Momofuku Ko, Ssäm didn't fall short of my lofty expectations. I had a top ten best meal of 2009 - trophies can be picked up at the door.

COLD: No reservations and an hour wait on a Saturday night. There is a comfortable waiting area though- Momofuku Bakery and Milk Bar, which can be found in the back. Specializing in sweets, cookies and ice cream,  you can easily spoil your appetite here - if you're into that sort of thing - I decided to hold out for their pork buns and fried brussels sprouts and they were well worth the wait.


HOT: Great for groups, with long tables and communal seating - also the best way to sample the entire menu - a goal of mine for 2010.

Must Try: Alas, we were a party of two and only able to try four of their dishes, three of which were instant favorites. Steamed pork buns were moist and savory - served with a personal bottle of hot sauce - awesome. Brussels sprouts are fried to a perfect crisp and served in a fish sauce vinaigrette - similar to 10 Downing's version and just as addictive. Their skate dish changed my life - crisp and tender like the best fried calamari you've ever had, served with old bay fries, spicy aioli and preserved lemon - it was heaven - and I will be going back to those pearly gates soon.

- The Heat


Momofuku Ssam Bar

207 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-3500