Found Myself a City Kitchen

Fall is here and it's raining in NYC. I had a Broadway show to watch tonight so up to Times Square I went. I'm not super crazy about this area because of the floods of tourists and their traps. But I found this awesome fast food spot that's better than McDonald's and faster than the line at Shake Shack (by the way, the only Shake Shack that doesn't have a line is on Route 17 in Jersey). It's called City Kitchen and it's part of Row NYC Hotel. And yes, it's a a food stall market similar to Pennsy and Todd English Food Hall but City Kitchen is locates on 8th Ave and 44th Street. It's a great eatery while you wait for your show...or friends...or for the tourists to leave the place you really want to go to.

City Kitchen has about six stalls only, serving sushi, ramen, tacos, doughnuts (!), pita sandwiches and seafood rolls. I love the modern gastro pub vibe and it's a great meeting place. The main entrance is on 8th Avenue next to Row NYC but I prefer to enter through the 44th Street entrance (there is an elevator and stairs to bring you to the 2nd Floor).

44th Street Entrance

The 44th Street entrance opens up to the "Japanese"side of the market where the ramen and sushi stands are located. If you grab a stool, you'll have a view of 44th Street. I find this particularly convenient if you are going to a Broadway show but know that you are short on time for a sit down dinner. It's funny because when I sat down, I saw a pizza joint across the street. I thought, I could've eaten over there. But as foodie, I think I would've been mad at myself. I want a decent meal before I'm in a show for three hours.

For tonight, I opted for the Black Belt Ramen - the Kuro-Obi - a ramen dish with sliced pork belly. The soup itself was a chicken broth with some kind of sauce to make it creamy (the flavor tasted peanut-like to me). My one regret was not asking for some hot oil sauce or Sriracha sauce. I usually like some hot seasoning in my soup. Also, for a food stall, I was surprised they had the plastic spoons (similar to what's given in a Chinese restaurant). I guess it is logical but I just didn't expect it. 

So now you know my Times Square secret. With 2-for-1 Broadway shows, the U.S Open and Fashion Week happening at the same time, it's knowing fun little joints like City Kitchen to help me "re-set" as I maneuver around the city. The only downside is that City Kitchen closes at 9pm. :(

To check it out, visit: http://citykitchen.rownyc.com

~T~