A Ramen Master Homes In On Korean Fried Chicken

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A ramen master homes in on chicken

Jun Park, the chef behind Jun Men Ramen Bar in Chelsea, is serving Korean fried chicken and chicken ramen at Chick Chick (618 Amsterdam Ave. Manhattan), which opened at the end of March. On the website, Park writes, "When we started building our concept, we did not expect Covid-19 pandemic to hit smack in the middle of construction. All of our expected financings were pulled and we had to make a very difficult decision whether to continue the project. We decided to move forward because we know that NYC is strong and we love to create a space (whether in our place or yours) where you can enjoy comforts of good food." 

Look for a Korean sweet gochujang crispy chicken sandwich ($12), a Nashville hot chicken sandwich, whole and half fried chicken, wings, and tenders ($13 to $25) with a choice of sauces. Part of what makes the chicken a standout is that it's brined in 20 herbs and seasonings, says Park. 

The chicken ramen, Park says, "is prepared with chicken chashu that is cooked to perfection and toppings such as aji tamago (seasoned egg), and menma. We take great care and effort to prepare the broth to be clean pure chicken broth which gives it that perfect chicken flavor." There's also mushroom ramen, kimchi fried rice, and dirty truffle rice ($15 to $18). The restaurant seats 15 and will open for indoor seating next weekend. Look for weekend brunch in May.

A new spot for Japanese curry

A Japanese curry spot, Curry Mania (267 Amsterdam Ave., Manhattan) has quietly opened, featuring chicken, pork, and shrimp katsu over Koshihikari rice, as well as sandwiches like egg salad and said katsu on toasted bread. Prices range from around $14 to $18. The Upper West Side shop is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Meat Hook Burger Shop at Threes Brewing, now open

Both Brooklyn Threes Brewing locations have opened for outdoor dining (333 Douglass St., Gowanus, and 113 Franklin St., Greenpoint) and they're now home to Meat Hook Burger Shop, with items like the Buddy Basket (burgers and fries), Easy Peasy Cheesy Bread (sausage, green peppers, onion, pepperoncini, and cheese), and a Pittsburgh Salad, with Buffalo chicken and fries on top, doused in Ranch. The Gowanus spot features about 70 outdoor seats and the Greenpoint location can seat about 60 people.

Split at Kopitam

Moonlynn Tsai has split from Kopitam, the celebrated Malaysian spot at 151 East Broadway, Manhattan, helmed by chef Kyo Pang. This is the second NYC iteration of the place, Ryan Sutton reported on Eater, with the first on Canal that closed in 2017 when the landlord hiked up the rent. The second Kopitiam debuted with Moonlynn Tsai, a former general manager in Los Angeles, handling front of the house.

Ken Friedman is not opening a restaurant

It's not true that Spotted Pig's Ken Friedman is opening a restaurant, at 22 Spring St., Manhattan, where he'll be selling antiques in a shop opening any day now. Perhaps there will be some complimentary espresso for those perusing the wares. But no burgers, meats, or menus of any kind, we hear.

'Marvelous Manhattan' is out this month

Attention New Yorkers missing the Before Times: Author of "The 212" in NYT's T Magazine, Reggie Nadelson's Marvelous Manhattan: Stories of the Restaurants, Bars, and Shops that Make This City Special, drops on April 13. The stories and photos will make you proud you stayed in town.

A new vegan soul food spot has opened in the East Village

You can read more about it here.