There’s no easy way to describe Foodies.
I’m talking about the Asian-American diner in Midtown, not people who are persnickety about food.
Foodies is a tiny eatery that probably seats 20, if everyone packs in. It’s in a building that was formerly a gyro shop and a purveyor of Jamaican food, among other things. Foodies has some cool, funky decor and a few dedicated cooks and servers.
But at a place called Foodies, the only thing that matters — in fact, pretty much the thing that matters most at any restaurant — is the food.
It’s good. You should eat it. Then you’ll be all, “Hey, that’s pretty good,” and I’ll be like, “Yeah, I told you,” and then you’ll say, “I can’t trust you, Greg. Not since … the accident.”
Musical sting. And then the camera will zoom in close as I turn away, tears welling in my eyes.
And why am I crying? Probably because of the spicy ramen ($5.99). Woo, lawd! That’s some spicy ramen.
This is a big bowl of thin, curly noodles, shredded cabbage, beef, a hefty squirt of Sriracha sauce and a fried egg on top.
It caused me to exhibit all the signs I’m told come with crying. Watery eyes. Runny nose. A strange sensation of warmth in the cold, black lump that doctors say was once a heart.
I kept eating through the pain, however, because it was tasty.
If you’re less inclined to the heat, might I point you in the direction of the teriyaki chicken platter ($6.99)? It’s exactly what you’re picturing: chunks of chicken brushed with sweet teriyaki sauce, threaded onto skewers and grilled. Gourmet? No. Satisfying? Absolutely.
The pad thai ($4.99) is done well, although it’s likely less popular than the Korean-Greek fusion delight that is the bulgogi gyro ($5.49). Take a pita, put some sweet bulgogi beef and Asian slaw on top, and you’ve got a mighty fine sammich there.
Or if you want to get even weirder (but no less tasty), try the jam and cheese pita pocket ($4.49). It’s strawberry jam and shredded cheese in a pita pocket. I … it … you just … I don’t know how it works, but it does. It does so hard.
I was less enthused by the hot wings (8 for $5.99), but your mileage may vary. I like mine a little crispier.
And I know this is all backward, but let’s talk appetizers. The sampler platter ($7.99)
is a combination of potstickers and a salty soy dipping sauce, tender
crab rangoon rolls, crunchy and wonderful shrimp wraps and hand-cut
potato chips. Oh, and the potato chips. Some are crisp. Some aren’t. If
that doesn’t sound good to you, then you really need to try them.
It’s a treat. I love it. I love everything about it, from top to bottom.
Foodies
was already a little neighborhood gem that plenty of folks have
discovered on their own. With the addition of spicy ramen to the menu, I
wouldn’t be surprised if I had to take a seat at the counter or get it
to go next time I get the hankering for a crying jag.
In fact, just thinking I might have to wait for my next bowl of ramen — sniff, sniff — look away! I don’t want you to see me like this!
Oklahoma
Gazette’s restaurant review policy is to highlight the positive
aspects, and include constructive criticism regarding food, ambience or
service when appropriate.
This article appears in Jan 16-22, 2013.