Jin Ramen

Jin Ramen is one of my favorite Upper West Side restaurants. Especially at this time of the year nothing feels better than a hot bowl of soupy noodles to warm the soul. 

Even though the weather is getting a little cooler, it doesn't stop New Yorkers from enjoying outdoor seating. All along Amsterdam Avenue, you will find people bundled up trying to soak up these final days of semi warm weather. 

I took my friend Emma to Jin when she came to town. I don't think she was too keen on the idea of pork belly in her ramen.... So she decided on the Green Coconut Thai Curry. It is chicken, pork broth; curly noodles, bean sprouts, zucchini, yellow squash and a seasoned soft egg. 

Jin Ramen has amazing pork buns! They are stuffed with pork, ice berg lettuce and spicy mayo. The buns are so soft and slightly sweet. They are the perfect appetizers and I order them every time I go. 

The Kakuni Ramen is my obvious favorite, and I get it almost every time I go. It is pork broth, thin noodles, filipino style braised post belly with bok choy, garlic chips and a poached egg. Nom nom nom!

Drew Came to Town!!!

Last weekend my very good friend Drew came to visit. He is with out a doubt one of my most favorite people on the planet. I met Drew my sophomore year of college and I have adored him ever since. He is clever, smart, creative and he makes me laugh harder than any one I know.

When Drew arrived last Friday night you could tell we were both so excited to see each other. He was so sweet and greeted me with flowers. Whenever we get together we can't stop laughing. I have been trying to convince him to move to New York for the longest time. We were best friends in college at Utah State and I am so glad we have stayed close since graduation. 

Jacob's Pickles is a very popular brunch spot on the Upper West Side and a couple blocks up the street from my apartment. It is comfort food that makes you smile. I mean you have to wait over an hour for a table, but it really is Southern-style cooking done well. I ordered a classic bacon egg and cheese and Drew ordered the pancakes. We were both SO full once we were finished. I can't believe how much food we stuffed down.