Easter Weekend was absolutely beautiful here in NYC. The flowers have started blooming, the sun was shining, and people were out and about enjoying it all.
Below are a couple of pictures of the chocolate decorations the chefs at the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park created for Easter. I always love seeing what they come up with! The 3rd picture is of flowers I bought last week to celebrate the arrival of Spring!

 

 

 

Ippudo-pretty amazing Ramen!

My first time here was in December on a cold day and I was surprised by how delicious it was. I had never really thought of Ramen before, besides the packages of Top Ramen my mom used to make.



Since that December day, I had tried to revisit and take my boyfriend a couple of times but even when showing up at 6pm (typically early), there would be an hour or more wait!

Finally last Saturday we decided to do whatever it took, including getting there at 5pm when they open for dinner. As we were approaching the block it's on (Fourth Ave & e. 9th) we saw a crowd of people out front which we realized was a line that reached the end of the block of people waiting for the restaurant to open! Our name was taken and we were told there would be a 20-30 minute wait, even when we got there at the time of opening! So we waited by the bar and did what anyone else would do, enjoyed some delicious sake!



Soon enough we were seated at the chef's bar that overlooked part of the cooking and plating which is always fun to see. Everything we had was absolutely scrumptious and I cannot wait to go back! It's also a fun and lively ambiance which is always nice. Overall, we enjoyed watching the dishes being prepared, eating, and hearing all the friendly greetings from everyone that worked there every time someone entered and left the restaurant!

Here are some photo highlights of what we enjoyed!

Shishito deep-fried japanese peppers


Some of the best short ribs I've ever had: Samurai Rib berkshire pork spare ribs, seasoned with soy based 'tare' sauce, served with kyoto seven-spice chili pepper



I tried the Shiromaru Hakata Classic - 'the original tonkotsu' soup noodles with slices of simmered berkshire pork, kikurage, red pickled ginger, menma, 1/2 hard boiled egg, sesame & scallions



Eric tried the Akamaru Modern- 'the original tonkotsu' soup noodles with ippudo's special sauce, miso paste and fragrant garlic oil, slices of simmered berkshire pork, cabbage, onions, kikurage & scallions



If you end up going or have been to Ippudo before, I would love to hear about your experience!