Ramen empire keeps growing
New to the scene ...
It’s official. Ramen is the new cupcake. Weeks after Press Tea in the West Village launched the Ramenrrito (a ramenstuffed burrito), Ramen Fries are set to debut. The fries are from Keizo Shimamoto, creator of the Ramen Burger — a megahit last summer at Smorgasburg. The fries will be available — 10 per batch for around $5 — starting in late July, when the Berg’n food and beer hall opens in Crown Heights. But The News got an exclusive first taste of the fried side dish that’s made from a chopped ramen bun, then double-fried and topped with scallions. Shimamoto will serve it with his “special sauce,” and homemade spicy mayo. The chef says his ramen fries are best enjoyed with a Brooklyn Brewery lager, and if you’re not into this hybrid, Shimamoto also has a Ramen Fried Chicken Burger in the works and is perfecting a recipe for Ramen Churros.
Mexicue, which started as a food truck, has opened its second brick-andmortar spot in Times Square. The menu — influenced by both Southern American barbecue and Mexican food — offers Smoky Carnitas, BBQ Rice Bowls and a Burnt Ends Brisket Sloppy Joe. Order drinks like the Bootleg cocktail, made with Bulleit bourbon, lemon and lime juice, mint and club soda at the full-service bar. (1440 Broadway, mexicue.com)
With a name inspired by its Garment District neighborhood, David Burke’s fabrick, inside Midtown’s Archer Hotel, is now open. The modern American restaurant’s open kitchen boasts a beaming wood-fired stove, which churns out bites like the Smoked Salmon Flatbread ($16). Executive chef Adin Langille fires up fare like the Wood Oven Roasted Chicken ($32) and succulent Grilled Octo Tacos ($18). Plates are meant for sharing so bring some friends. (davidburke.com)
Something fishy is happening in Williamsburg. Husband-and-wife team Stephanie Lempert and chef Polo Dobkin have opened Meadowsweet — serving dishes like Smoked Trout, Pan Roasted Scallops with Spring Pea Puree, and Chatham Cod. (meadowsweetnyc.com) In honor of Independence Day, Dylan’s
Candy Bar is selling all-American treats like limited-edition Cherry Cola Pop Rocks ($2) and hamburger, hot dog and watermelon sugar cookies for $4.50 each. (dylanscandybar.com)
Fresco by Scotto is offering a Summertime Parmigiana Madness menu every Friday and Saturday through August. Mangia on their Chicken Parmigiana, B Beef Meatball Parmigiana and Polenta P Parmigiana. (frescobyscotto.com)
The Lambs Club in Midtown has l launched a brunch menu. Geoffrey Zak karian’s Bossa Nova Brunch will feature c charred ramp toast with ricotta, Lobster F Fra Diavolo, and egg white frittata with g goat cheese and Nicoise olives. Or indulge i in a decadent stuffed French toast with s strawberry, cinnamon and coffee cake s streusel. Brunch will be served on Saturd days in The Bar at the Lambs Club from 11 a a.m. until 2 p.m. (thelambsclub.com)
On the horizon ...
If you’re already heading to the East Rive er to catch the fireworks on Friday, make a stop at Riverpark for an all-American family-style July 4 barbecue. Fixings include peel ’n’ eat prawns, heirloom tomato panzanella, smoked pork baby back ribs and Southern fried chicken. The BBQ menu ($65) will be served from noon until 7 p.m. (email: reservations@riverparknyc.com)
Country-style restaurant Root & Bone opens Monday in the East Village. Chef Jeff McInnis will offer dishes like Grilled Peach Caprese, Braised Short Rib Meat Loaf and Carrot and Parsnip Root Cake. Brunch will be served Saturday and Sunday starting at 11:30 a.m. (rootnbone.com)
The taste of Malaysian street food is hitting Williamsburg. Pasar Malam, which translates to “night market,” opens Monday. Chef and owner Salil Mehta will serve up traditional dishes like Nasi Lemak, which is coconut rice with fresh pandan leaves, and Singapore Chili Crab. Wash it down with Malaysian-themed cocktails like Hard Thai Iced Tea, a spiked version of pulled tea.
jsettembre@nydailynews.com