Category Archives: asian

Fanny’s Ginger Fish and Cold Sesame Buckwheat Noodles

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One evening at a friend’s house, a friend of theirs named Fanny magically appeared with a whole fish in a brown bag. After a few minutes in the oven and stirring up a fragrant mixture in a pan, she came up with this simple but sumptuous fish dish that we’ve tried to replicate since. Below is a recipe for the fish as well as a made-up cold noodle dish that I’m sure is a mockery of someone’s Asian sensibilities. Tough.  🙂

Enjoy!

Fanny’s Ginger Fish

 
In a greased glass baking dish, bake one whole fish covered in foil  at  400C. Bake for 15-20 minutes then remove promptly. While the fish is resting, in a pan saute ginger strips in sesame oil until brown then drizzle with a little bit of Kikkoman Soy Sauce. While hot, pour ginger and oil mixture on top of fish and serve. 

Cold Sesame Buckwheat Noodles

In a boiling pot of water add 1-2 servings of buckwheat noodles then turn off the heat. Soak the noodles for five minutes, drain and soak the noodles in cold water until ready to serve. In a separate bowl mix together chopped ginger, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoons white or rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons water, 1 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to taste and then serve on the side. Drain noodles well and top noodles with scallions before serving, allowing diners to spoon the sauce over their noodles to their taste.


Favorite Things: Pho at Nicky’s & My PHO-naticism

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Nicky’s Vietnamese Sandwiches (311 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn) is a family-run restaurant that offers the best, uncontested pho and banh mi around.

The pho is tasty and generous, and the banh mi roll is unparalleled in NYC. Although those two are great enough standard-bearers for the store, take a chance on their rice and noodle dishes. I’m a fan of the grilled pork chop over vermicelli.

They also have a full iced coffee/pearl tea counter if you’re so inclined.

It’s always a treat to catch Quynh’s hospitality if she’s there, although lately she’s been running around both stores (there is another one on Nassau st in the City). But not to worry – a brother, mom or dad is always around to make you feel welcome and cater to your palate’s desires.

Nicky’s has been our neighborhood go-to for many years and we’ve never been disappointed! But don’t listen to me, I’m just a PHO-NATIC.


Favorite Things: Ihawan Indulgences

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Ihawan Restaurant (70th & Roosevelt in Woodside, Queens) is the place to go for authentic Filipino food in New York. Known for their pork barbecue skewers, we also frequent this place their other specialties, namely Daing na Bangus (fried milkfish), Crispy Pata (fried pork knuckles), and sisg (sizzling pork facial muscles and ear).

The Daing is perfectly fried and the serving is very generous. Served whole and butterflied and deboned, it is a favorite breakfast treat eaten with rice and dipped in spiced vinegar.

The Crispy Pata is just fried pork personified. The photo is self-explanatory.

And finally, the Sizzling Sisig is an explosion of taste. A famous drinking dish, finely chopped cheek muscles are sauteed in onions and sprinkled with lemon juice before serving. I don’t think you’ll find anything quite like it.
I’ve lived in NY for a decade and have sampled several restaurants in the tri-state area, but nothing comes close to Ihawan in authenticity and value. And I haven’t even mentioned the avocado shake yet! (Say what?!) Notice I didn’t mention anything about decor and ambience. It’s a Filipino restaurant. What do you want? 
Mangia!