There's a new Zuzu in town. And it ain't no flower shop. It's a ramen restaurant called Zuzu Ramen located at 173 Fourth Avenue. They're open Tuesday through Saturday 5-10 p.m. Closed Mondays.
It's owned by the folks who brought you Sheep Station also on Fourth Avenue. Zuzu is meant to emulate the sound of someone slurping soup I was told. And soup is the thing at Zuzu Ramen.
I discovered this corner restaurant walking up Fourth Avenue. I noticed from across the street some Noguchi paper lanterns in a softly lit storefront.
I'm a sucker for Noguchi paper lanterns.
When I crossed the street I had that feeling that I was embarking on a great discovery. All the signs were there: an interesting crowd, a serious looking chef in the kitchen, an enthusiastic waitress, wonderful ktchen smells.
The incredibly comfortable stools at the counter were the real deal maker. I had the ‘ZuZu’ Ramen with Charshu, Slow Cooked Egg, Bamboo Shoots & Seasonal Vegetables in a Smokey Dashi Broth for $14.
I said to the waitress. "What is this? I've never tasted anything this good before. I mean I've had ramen but I guess this is how it is supposed to taste."
The soup portions are large and I took half home and shared with the family. They all agreed. Very, Very tasty.
The chef's name is Akihiro Morot and he grew up helping out in his father's ramen restaurant before moving to New York where he worked at Lespinasse and Jean Georges. Says Village Voice Foodster Sarah DeGregorio:
classical training (both Japanese and French), Moroto isn't afraid to
mess with tradition: Several dishes on the menu, such as green
curry–miso ramen and hot-and-sour ramen, are his own invention.
What a great discovery. Fourth Avenue is SO happening.
Here's the menu at Zuzu's Ramen:
Noodles in Broth:
Green Curry-Miso Ramen with Charshu,
Slow Cooked Egg & Seasonal Vegetables $10
Hot & Sour Ramen with Shrimp,
Tomatoes, Thai Basil & Lemongrass $11
Garlic Soy Ramen with Bok Choy, Slow Cooked Egg
& Bamboo Shoots in a Vegetable Broth $9.5
‘ZuZu’ Ramen with Charshu, Slow Cooked Egg,
Bamboo Shoots & Seasonal Vegetables
in a Smokey Dashi Broth $14
Noodles in Sauce:
Slow Cooked Beef Curry
with Noodles & Vegetables $14
Tasty Morsels:
Pan Seared Pork Dumplings with
Shiso Seed Dipping Sauce $7
Seaweed Salad with Mesclun Greens,
Cherry Tomatoes and Citrus Vinaigrette $6
Edamame with Green Tea Salt $5.5
Vegetable Dumplings with
Shiso Seed Dipping Sauce $6
Mini Pork Buns with Braised Pork Shoulder,
Scallions, Cucumber & Sweet Chili Sauce $8
Rice Dishes
Slow Beef Curry with Carrots, onions & Potatoes $13
I love this place. The Charshu is one of the best cuts of pork ever put in my mouth. I love the open faced pork bun. Please, I implore you…eat here. Let us maintain a truly unique foodery in our hood.