Flotsam & Jetsam

141 First Ave
Between St. Marks Place and 9th St
212.529.2740

I’ve tried eating at this place a couple times over the past week, but every time I went by it was packed and had a line leading out the door.  A couple nights ago a friend and I were hankering for dinner and, lo and behold, Ramen Setagaya wasn’t packed to the gills, so we went in.

First impression – very good.  If you’re a fan of Ramen, and don’t need a large menu, this is the place for you.  The servings are good sized, the broth is sublime and the ingredients as fresh as can be.  Definately check it out.  I’ll be glad when the lines die down (or they open another branch) so that I can get in more often.  Nothing beats a good bowl of Ramen when it’s cold outside.  Ok, almost nothing, but you shouldn’t (notice I didn’t say can’t) eat fondue with a spoon.

This American outpost of a Japanese chain has a big reputation to uphold, but I don’t think it’ll be a Momofuku killer.  The pork buns at Momofuku are to die for, but in a pinch (or if you have a vegetarian in tow), this place will work just fine.