A Koreatown classic

It was a long day. At this point, I was a bit under the weather and still working on the saga surrounding a watch repair (which has since been resolved).

Started my day with a train ride from Brooklyn to Midtown, armed with a bag of cough drops, began along Madison Avenue and made my way downtown. After yet another visit to the watch store, shifted over to Fifth Avenue, stopped by Barnes and Noble for a quick browse, then continued downtown until I found myself in an all-too-familiar neighborhood—Koreatown.

After walking up and down 32^nd Street, looking at menus and figuring out what exactly I wanted to eat, ended up at a spot that sells all of the classics, The Kunjip. I’ve dined there on two previous occasions and have always left satisfied.

Even after glancing at the menu displayed outside the restaurant, I still had to browse through their lengthy menu and found myself a bit unsure on what I felt like eating.

First off, I ordered soju with lunch; and they had the cool vintage blue Jinro bottles.

After finally making a decision, the server brought out the banchan, along with a salad.

They provided a nice selection of sides, which included some really delicious kimchi and kkakdugi (kimchi radish).

One of the items I order on every visit to a Korean restaurant is haemul pajeon (seafood pancake). Easy to say, it is one of my favorite dishes and The Kunjip offers a small and large version—the small was perfect for one person.

In the end, I went with budae jjigae, or army stew.

The origin of the dish dates back to the end of the Korean War as a stew created from an amalgamation of traditional Korean elements and leftover provisions from the local airbase, like spam. The one served here is spicy with lots of tofu, sausage, along with ramen noodles.

The dish also arrived to the table piping hot, primarily because of the vessel it was served in.

There was a fire underneath to ensure the budae jjigae stayed hot throughout the meal—the best way to enjoy it. After a while, when the fire needed to be extinguished, it was just a matter of swinging the cover over.

Then, as with any stewed dish, dumped in my rice to finish off the broth.

Again, another successful dining experience. Considering The Kunjip is a pretty reliable spot for a delicious and authentic Korean meal, I’m fairly certain one more visit is due before leaving the city.

Sushi AYCE (Part 1)

A visit to a restaurant offering all-you-can-eat (AYCE) sushi has become a tradition on visits to New York City. I love sushi and it can get pricey; however, for anybody who can throw back a few rolls, the AYCE option makes it a much more cost-effective meal.

Once in the city, given the ongoing situation, it was unclear who was still serving all-you-can-eat or who was even still open. It wasn’t until my first walk exploring Fort Hamilton Parkway, it was already lunchtime, and found myself across the street from Rakuzen Sushi AYCE. It was pretty evident that I was going to have lunch there. It would be my first sushi AYCE of the trip.

Stepping inside, it was a nice-sized place. I was greeted by the seating hostess, who asked for my vaccination information, and got a table right in the middle of the restaurant.

While looking over the order sheets, noticed their drink special: buy one, gets the second half off.

It was the first time seeing Orion and decided to give it a try.

An Okinawan beer made with rice, it was really crisp and refreshing—easily becoming one of my favorite Japanese beers.

While reviewing the order sheets, I saw there was a lot more than just sushi. There were a variety of soups, along with cooked food. These restaurants have definitely diversified since stepping foot inside one.

One of the items that immediately caught my eye was the katsudon.

I love katsu and had never before seen it as an option for an all-you-can-eat, and had to order the pork katsu. The dish arrived to the table hot and fresh, and it was delicious and crunchy. If I wasn’t saving room for the sushi, would have ordered another one (will probably try the chicken on the next visit).

Next up—of course—I had to try their shrimp tempura.

Light and crispy, like a good tempura should be.

Then, came the sushi!

Rakuzen offers a wide variety of sushi rolls with over 50 kinds, along with a number of options for ala carte sushi. They had everything from favorites like shrimp tempura, along with classics like the Alaska roll and spicy tuna.

Everything tasted fresh and enjoyed every piece.

After writing this blog, a return trip is now on the calendar.

Happy Birthday, New Mexico!

After arriving in Albuquerque last September, I still remember one of the first news stories I heard was about Ursula, a New Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn being recognized by Bon Appétit Magazine. Since then, I made sure to remember the place as a return to New York City was already on the agenda.

Fast forward to December, after a couple months of getting acquainted with the food and culture of New Mexico, I was back in New York City for the first time since 2017. The next few weeks were spent revisiting old haunts, catching up with friends, along with celebrating Christmas and welcoming 2022.

During a recent get-together, a friend mentioned the ongoing exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams,” and I had to check it out before heading back to New Mexico. In terms of weather, Thursday, January 6, looked like the best day and booked my slot. Then, noticed the museum was only a few blocks from Ursula and, immediately, knew that’s where I was having lunch.

The day arrived and, that morning, saw a video posted by KOAT, Albuquerque’s ABC affiliate, celebrating New Mexico’s 110 anniversary of statehood. Apparently, I would be having New Mexican food on New Mexico’s birthday.

After enjoying the exhibit and leaving the museum, Began walking in the direction of the restaurant. Headed down Bedford Avenue and, as I approached Sterling Place, looked over and spotted a familiar sight.

A hanging bundle of dried chiles was a dead giveaway.

Getting a closer look, the restaurant had a nice outdoor dining area with a really brightly-colored façade.

Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a large menu above the main counter, along with a drink menu situated next to the register. There is also a display case featuring the day’s pastries.

One thing I grew attached to while in New Mexico were horchatas. Whether it be breakfast or at the Balloon Fiesta, if it was on the menu, I was definitely ordering one. The cinnamon sweetness of the rice-based drink always hit just right.

At Ursula, they offer a wide variety of oat milk-based lattes, including horchata.

The horchata latte is made with toasted rice, cinnamon, vanilla bean, along with rooibos. It was especially delicious on such a cold day.

The primary item that drew me to Ursula was the stuffed sopaipillas. While in New Mexico, sopaipillas are everywhere, but cross state lines, and they disappear. The delicious fried dough delicacy is undoubtedly a favorite.

I went with the classic carne adovada, which includes refried beans and cheddar cheese; but they also offer beef and green chile, along with a vegan version with spanish rice.

It was one of the best meals since arriving in New York City.

The sopaipillas were packed with delicious filling, and the pastry was nice and crisp on the outside. Fairly certain a return visit is in the works because this was fantastic.

After that meal, I was full but I needed to try their baked goods and returned to take some to go.

Following a day of errands, got back home and opened up the biscochitos.

A traditional treat, these are, essentially, New Mexican shortbread cookies. They were so good; firm (not crumbly) and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re sold in packs of four and would probably grab a couple more on the next visit.

Also ordered a apple-green chile pastelito.

The pastry was crisp and covered with sticky apples. Then, the heat from the chile came in underneath. It was a pretty amazing balance of flavors.

Another item that drew my attention was the chewy chile ginger cookie.

Even carrying these around all day and enjoying them that evening, the cookies were still chewy. They also brought a pretty impressive mix of flavors, from the sweet cookie to the chile bringing some heat and whole different kind of spice from the ginger.

Ursula is definitely bringing some amazing New Mexico flavors to Brooklyn. Plus, it was nice to celebrate New Mexico with sopaipillas.

Fresh banchan in Brooklyn

During a chill Sunday on the couch, a good friend tipped me off about a Korean spot in Bay Ridge. After asking what the nearby subway stations were, turns out, the place is just a couple blocks away from a bubble tea spot I frequent—meaning I could walk there! Looked into what this restaurant had to offer and saw they had a variety of house-made banchan and a “weekly menu.” I was immediately intrigued by Kimchi Kooks.

Being that it was a Sunday and they’re closed on Mondays, I had to hold off my excitement for a day. Plus, if I didn’t check their hours and walked all the way there to find them closed, it would have been quite the buzzkill.

The day I finally ventured out was also the day temperatures took a dip from the mid-to-high 50s to 30s (and wind). Regardless, it did not deter me from the mission. However, once getting within a few blocks of the place, it was clear I would probably arrive before they opened at 12:00 noon. In order to kill some time, spotted the Peace by Piece Thrift Store and Community Center and decided to do some browsing.

I did find a few gems.

Coffee mugs were 97¢.

The lucky cat has since become by daily coffee mug.

Made my way out of the thrift store and walked down Bay Ridge Avenue and spotted the green storefront.

Stepping inside, the first thing to grab my attention was the refrigerated section lining the right side of the store. It was filled with a variety of ready-made food.

Aside from kimchi, they also had a number of banchan (side dishes) that I haven’t found anywhere else in the neighborhood.

After much deliberation (it was my first time and wanted to get a nice sampling), went with my favorites: gyeranmari (rolled egg), kkakdugi (kimchi radish), and eomuk jorim (simmered fish cakes)

Notably, while grabbing the eomuk jorim off the shelf, it was still warm! Considering how fresh it was, I was especially excited to crack it open during lunch and it did not disappoint—it was delicious (and hope to pick up a bigger container on the next visit). Meanwhile, the gyeranmari was tasty and the kkakdugi was crunchy with prominent spicy and sour notes.

Next was ordering lunch.

From Tuesday to Thursday that week, they offered three types of bokkeum dishes, or stir-fry, either pork, chicken, or tofu. I ordered the pork and got it “hot” (there is a “home style” option, which isn’t spicy and cooked with doenjang).

The place only offers takeout but Owl’s Head Park is a block away and found a bench to lay everything out.

Yes, there was still a chill in the air (even in the sun) but the food was so hot and fresh (and spicy), it managed to keep me warm the entire time. The pork was delicious and served with lots of vegetables. Plus, the sauce went so well with the rice, which was heukmi bap (purple rice).

Even in the cold, it was one of the best lunches. Aside from the food being served piping hot and tasting so fresh, with all the banchan, it was perfect.

Looking forward to restocking the apartment banchan (which could be soon) and picked up one of their ecobags.

I should try for Friday, Saturday, or Sunday to try their weekend menu.

A delicious start to 2022

Ringing in 2022 was very different from the past several years and it wasn’t because of the ongoing global situation. Since 2012, celebrating the coming of a new year has been a subdued event in Bacolod City in the Philippines. In recent years, the KBS Drama Awards have become a regular fixture of the evening.

13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST), the new year arrived around noontime where I used to live in the United States.

After travelling back to the US back in September 2021 (see “From Bacolod to Albuquerque (Part 1)“), it was unclear just how long my stay would be (if not permanent). However, given that I was in the country, it was basically a certainty that the holidays would be spent in America (and in EST). After spending Thanksgiving in New Mexico, travelled to New York City ahead of Christmas. Then, enjoyed a festive Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day; which, obviously, meant New Year’s Eve was just a few days away.

After three days of feasting on delicious eats made by my best friend, there was a one-week break before the final meal of 2021. Following the multitude of treats enjoyed during the holiday weekend, a menu was created for a festive night of merriment.

The evening began with albondigas.

The meatballs were delicious and flavorful, and started the evening off right.

This was followed by a hot and flaky stromboli.

Served fresh out of the oven, the pastry was nice and crisp, and the pepperoni filling offered some much-appreciated spice. What was even better, there was a second one made… it wasn’t consumed that evening but it made for a great lunch the next day!

The highlight of the evening were the pork tenderloin sliders. Served as a build-your-own style, the fried and breaded patties were served with Hawaiian bread, pickles, and a spicy tartar sauce.

After having a couple, I could’ve probably cleared the entire platter on my own. As the night went on. and there were still patties, it turned out, they were also really good on their own—pork nuggets.

Last to come out was the pizza dip.

The pizza dip was great. The bread was soft and fluffy, and, as the name suggests, it was cheesy and tasted like pizza—a huge step up from the typical dip.

Ringing in the new year surrounded by friends was definitely a great way to welcome 2022. Hoping it means more reconnections and bonding in the coming year.