Turco by Hell's Kitchen for Cheap and Delicious Mediterranean Fare

If you find your self stranded near Port Authority needing to grab a bite and wanting to avoid the usual overpriced Times Square tourist spots, give Turco Mediterranean Grill a try.  It's only a few blocks away from the terminal on 43rd and 9th.  

Though it's basically a quick service spot with zero ambiance with food served on paper plates, what they serve will hit the spot if you want to get your Mediterranean food fix on.  

On a trip a little earlier this year while waiting for an off-Broadway show, my fiancee and I were able to try the cold mezze appetizer. The different salads, including the shepherd, chickpea, tzatziki, and hummus, were all delicious.  Though it's basically a fast food spot, the food really tasted homemade and fresh.

Their homemade bread is served warm and is just awesome!

Their gyro platter is also pretty good.  The accompanying rice and salad were also delicious.  While their hot sauce is a bit on the milder side compared to some other Halal spots I've had, it's still pretty tasty.

Turco Mediterranean Grill

604 9th Ave (by 43rd st)

New York, NY 10036

(212) 510-8886

The Bacon, Egg, and Tomato Arrabiata Ramen at Totto Ramen 51: Go Get It Now!

I finally was able to try Totto Ramen's second location and if their B.E.T. Arrabiata Ramen is any indication of how good their other bowls are.  I'm sold!  The new location is more spacious, has more seating, and seems to be less of a wait than their original spot a block away.

On my visit I tried the B.E.T. (Bacon, egg, and tomato) Arriabiata ramen, an Italian inspired ramen with thick cut bacon, a tomato-broth, fresh basil, and copius amounts of Parmesan cheese.  The cheesy broth is super rich and coats the noodles well, and the soft poached egg adds even more body to the soup.

I usually scoff at cross-over/fusion ramen dishes but this one was delicious!  Go get it now since it's only a seasonal flavor.

Totto Ramen (2nd location)

464 West 51st

New York, NY

(646) 596-9056

Totto Ramen in Hell's Kitchen...Worth the Long Wait Times!

I have to say a big "thank you" to my fiancee for finally taking me to Totto Ramen this year.  It was definitely worth the wait!  Totto Ramen is her favorite ramen joint, and we tried going there once but changed our minds one weekend when we saw the crazy line outside.  I was told the wait could be as long as two hours at peak times!

The chicken-based broth is clean with the a lot of body, yet didn't taste too salty.  At my first go-round, I had the Totto Spicy Ramen, which was possibly the best bowl of ramen I remember having.  The ingredients seems simple, but the spicy chili paste that's added that gives it a depth of flavor.  The noodles are also homemade and cooked perfectly.  The char-siu pork was nicely seared but still juicy...just perfect.

My fiancee's go-to-bowl is their Miso Ramen, with a saltier instead of spicier finish.  It also comes with a hard boiled egg.

The ramen was so good there we went just several weeks later just after my initial visit!  This time around I ordered the Mega Ramen.This super-garlicky broth comes in an extra big bowl with three types of pork--shredded, seared like the other two, and in big braised chunks.  It's also topped with a generous dusting of fried garlic.  This was also delicious, though I think I prefer the spicy ramen just by a little.

 Just a note that this was the original location; Totto did open a second, bigger space just a block away, but I've yet to try the expansion.  Some of the tips for avoiding large waits is to go right after work, and try to get there before 6pm to snag a spot quicker (both times we went right after work).  If you have to go on a weekend I would suggest going at off-peak times.  

Totto Ramen

366 W52st 

New York, NY 10019

(212) 582-0052

Totto Ramen (second location)

464 W51st

New York, NY 10019

(646) 596-9056 

NYC Quick Lunch: The Lamb Tagine at Bab Marrakech in Hell's Kitchen

I was hungry one weekend with some time to kill in the Hell's Kitchen area and was happy I picked Bab Marrakech, a tiny, unassuming Moroccan spot on 10th Ave.  

I think they function mostly as a to-go/delivery spot since they only have a few tables inside with a counter with hot prepared foods.  The best thing I saw was the gigantic slow cooked lamb shanks. I pointed at the lamb and was told that one shank came with two sides for a very reasonable $10.  They have some options such as fries, rice, and couscous and a choice of vegs, but I ended up picking couscous and okra. The lamb was braised very tender, as the meat was falling off the bone.  The flavors were very simple and straightforward but everything had a home cooked comfy flavor that just hugged you on a cold winter day.  My only regret was not taking an order to go!

Bab Marrakech

691 10th Ave
Ste B
(between 47th St & 48th St)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 582-2609