Momofuku Ssam Bar

207 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 254-3500
www.momofuku.com/ssam/default.asp

When you ask New Yorkers, especially people who know about food, where to eat in New York, Momofuku is usually on that short list. It's become one of the "must try" places when you visit the Big City. So we did.

1. kusshi oysters (can) – w/ kimchi - "(can) means it's from Canada, not that it comes from a can. I made that mistake and was rightly ridiculed. These weren't anything special. Still like Kumamotos better.

2. fried brussels sprouts – fish sauce vinaigrette, mint - Our new found appreciate for brussel sprouts was further developed after tasting these. Who knew fish sauce and brussel sprouts worked so well together? So good, we tried making this at home to some success. The best part of our meal.

3. steamed buns – pork belly, hoisin, cucumbers, scallions - People rave about this. But I've had better in Taiwan. Yes, they are good. But the buns at Ippudo are not slouch either. Probably hyped up too much so they didn't have a chance to meet expectations.

4. grilled baby octopus with avocado mousse - These were very tender. The texture was the best part of the dish.

5. spicy pork sausage & rice cakes – chinese broccoli, crispy shallots - A little too spicy. The rice cakes were a bit chewy. Yes, they're suppose to be a bit chewy, but I didn't find it pleasurabe like I do with other rice cake dishes. Not a winner.

6. hanger steak (creekstone farm, ky) – romesco, cauliflower, marcona almonds - Meh...the meat was extremely chewy and tough.

7. roasted diver scallops – xo, bok choy, black garlic - Overcooked.

This was a big letdown. But thinking back on all the hype that surrounded this establishment, there was little room for the food to surpass our expectations. We originally wanted to come here for the pork shoulder, but without reservations, we weren't able to partake. So maybe that didn't help. We'd only return to this place if we decide to come back for the pork butt. Otherwise, there are too many other options in and around New York. We had also bought dessert at Milk Bar next door: banana cake, crack pie, compost cookies, lemon and blueberry cookies and the cookies with the marshmallow. Like it's brother, Milk Bar also did not live up to the hype. The Crack Pie was especially disappointing - it just tasted like a mouthful of butter and sugar.

We have a love-hate relationship with Momofuku - despite our bad experiences at both Ssam Bar and Milk, we'd still come back to try the Bo Ssam, the Fried Chicken at Noodle Bar and Ko.