Momofuku Ssam Bar
You know it's a late start when the day begins like this ...
We only had ourselves to blame for being horribly slow at getting up to explore Manhattan.
We also blamed ourselves for missing out on Momofuku Ko. Apparently, you need to book precisely ten days ahead (to the minute!) if you want to dine at New York's hottest restaurant that serves only 12 people for lunch and dinner.
So Instead, Will and I went for lunch at the more casual (and walk-in only) Momofuku ssam bar.
Being well after midday, we started with wine.
Before diving into the scrumptious Korean food.
First came the fried duck dumplings with snow pea and sriracha mayonnaise.
Crispy parcels of plump and juicy duck meat.
Next came the grilled asparagus salad with crunchy almond, creamy brown butter, bone marrow and parmesan.
We couldn't help but live up to Asian stereotypes …
Then out came the mains.
For Will, the signature o.g. momofuku ssam.
It came out as a gourmet Korean-style burrito wrap. Unfold and bite into the crispy pancake roll for succulent pork shoulder with black beans, hoisin and kimchi.
If only you could bite into the screen to taste it …
I had the rotisserie duck over rice.
Duck scallion, ssam sauce, crispy shallot and rice.
And a side of lettuce and chive pancake to wrap it all together.
It was never going to be as good as Momofuku Ko. But the Ssam Bar was simple and good Korean food that knows how to hit the Seoul ;)
After lunch, we strolled uptown to Fifth Avenue.
And went on a serious shopping spree for the rest of the afternoon.
Will gave his credit card a workout from Massmo Dutti.
And I treated myself to a little something from Zara.
That is, before entering Saks Fifth Avenue.
And discovering shoe heaven.
29 Likes, 1 Comments - Winnie Van (@winnievan) on Instagram: "Died and woke up in shoe heaven 😍 #saks #fifthavenue #nyc"
Couldn't help but take a selfie in the elevator too.
38 Likes, 3 Comments - Winnie Van (@winnievan) on Instagram: "Elevator selfie at Saks 😜"
It was dark by the time we resurfaced out of Saks.
God I'm good at shopping.