New York Roundup II: Nicely Charred Burgers at Friedman's Lunch, Ivan Ramen and Gramercy Tavern Disappoint and Good Old Standby Cho Dang Gol Delivers

I couldn't leave New York without trying at least one decent burger and I'm so glad I did at Friedman's Lunch in the Chelsea Market. Sure, it was no Houston's California burger but it was cooked just right and was a very respectable burger. The bun was soft and fresh; the patty was ground just right and cooked medium rare with some char on the edges; and the works were pretty standard lettuce, pickles, tomatoes and red onions. The fries weren't very crispy but I was enjoying the burger so much I let it go.

For dessert, we had mini donuts at Doughnuttery in the same market. There were ethereal little things dusted with unconventional powders including maple, purple potatoes, bacon, matcha green tea, honey and ginger. I liked that they were smaller so they felt more guilt-free.

I also tried a rhubarb hibiscus popsicle at People's Pops in the market but was sorely disappointed at the lack of flavor. They also tasted like they'd been made a while back and kept in the freezer for far too long. It was nothing like the delicious jamaica paletas I recall having in Mexico. 

I had heard so much about Ivan Ramen shop with locations in Tokyo and a fancy cookbook that I went to check it out at the Gotham West Market. I had the shio sea salt ramen made with rye noodles, one lone slice of chashu, bean sprouts and no other vegetables besides thinly shredded green onions. The broth was chicken based and too weak. It was so weak, in fact, that wasn't sure what it tasted like. The rye noodles didn't do anything for me. The chashu was unremarkable. I wished there were more toppings but apparently this is the default.

Gramercy Tavern was our splurge but I wasn't crazy about the meal. Eleven Madison Park has always been my favorite Danny Meyer spot over NY institutions like Union Square Cafe (and more recently Shake Shack). I actually want to try the Modern in the MOMA that I know will be a gorgeous venue and an amazing meal. Anyway, this meal was meh and started with a complimentary amuse bouche of a cold carrot and citrus juice/soup concoction. Not bad but nothing special.

Decent but no Balthazaar or Bouchon bread.

The appetizer of tagliatelle al ragu with pork had too strong of a fennel taste whose combination was such a turnoff I had to take it back. They replaced it with the steak tartare instead but the meat that should have been super tender was actually tough so I barely touched that too.

The lamb entree was probably the best dish I had although I didn't think it was anything too inventive. I liked the mushrooms -- they were very earthy and strong in flavor  -- but nothing to write home about. For that price point, I expect to be wowed at every course.

I was also disappointed at the service, which I found less stellar than I remember for any Meyer establishment. The palate-cleansing sorbet-like dish was refreshing.

We had a few desserts to share but other than the mango chile sorbet, I didn't find any of them too exciting. 

We got complimentary sweets that were ok and also muffins for the road but I couldn't help but wonder if they should invest more on staying creative and having bold and unexpected flavors over freebies.

This meal looks so messy and I guess it was but I was glad to revisit one of my all-time faves for Korean in NY, Cho Dang Gol that specializes in soy-based dishes. I got the kongbiji, which was traditionally made with remnants of crushed soy bean bits left from the tofu-making process. Mix in some pork belly and kimchi and voila -- the best comfort food in town. It was the perfect meal before getting on a plane to brace myself for bad food in the airport and plane. It held me over for hours. It was still good although it's never quite as good as the first time, right?