Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
5 The East Village & NoHo
To locate the restaurants reviewed below, see the map on p. 70.
EXPENSIVE
Le Miu
JAPANESE What happens when four celebrated
Japanese chefs from notable restaurants (Nobu 57 and Megu to
name two) open their own joint? In some cases, the result could be
chaos, but in the case of Le Miu, good things happened. The restau-
rant, a slim, austere space tucked away on a bustling East Village
block, is a refuge for those seeking fresh, delicately prepared sushi
standards along with some interesting innovations. The Le Miu tar-
tar: tuna, yellowtail, and salmon topped with caviar is a welcoming
beginning, followed by sardine with ginger ceviche. The Saikyo miso
marinated black cod in a phyllo jacket and the king crab leg with a
curry milk sauce are revelations. The prices, for sushi this good, are
hard to beat. Le Miu also has an impressive hot- and cold-sake list.
107 Ave. A (btwn 6th and 7th sts.).
&
212/473-3100.
www.lemiusushi.com. Reser-
vations recommended. Prix-fixe $55-$75; main courses $14-$28. AE, DC, MC, V.
Tues-Sun 5:30pm-midnight. Subway: F, V to Second Ave.
MODERATE
Momofuku Noodle Bar
ASIAN In 2007, this popular East
Village noodle slurping destination moved from a tiny space to still
small, but sleek confines a few blocks up the street. Now there are a
few communal tables along with a larger bar. With the move came
an expanded menu. Instead of just noodles, at the practically unclas-
sifiable Momofuku, you will find such items on the menu as fried
veal sweetbreads, spicy honeycomb tripe, grilled beef tongue, coun-
try ham and hash browns, and grits and shrimp—this in a supposed
Asian noodle bar. But despite the seemingly contradictory menu, the
Southern-style Asian noodle combo works. Still, unless you have a
craving for offal, come to Momofuku for the noodles; the ramen in
particular. And in the Momofuku Ramen, a big bowl brimming with
rich broth, noodles, shredded smoky pulled pork, and a poached
egg, you actually can get a taste of the South and of Asia all in one
bowl. Of the hot items, the roasted brussel sprouts with a kimchee
puree, bacon, and carrots is a revelation, while the steamed pork bun
is stuffed with a side of pork belly. Service is brisk, but try to get to
Momofuku early or for lunch, before the lines begin to form.
171 First Ave. (btwn 10th and 11th sts.)
&
212/777-7773.
Reservations not
accepted. Main courses: $10-$17. AE, DISC, MC, V. Daily noon-4pm; Sun-Thurs
5:30-11pm; Fri-Sat 5:30pm-midnight. Subway: L at Third Ave.
Finds
