Bouley

Bouley's front door, currently hidden behind construction scaffolds

Walking into Bouley it doesn't take long to see just how much the dining scene of NYC has changed.  In a time when restaurant decors are designed and geared towards sleek minimalism, Bouley sits as a reminder, amongst very few others, of the opulent chambers one diner can be tucked away into.

Fresh apples line the wall, perfuming the entrance

From the front door you enter a vestibule of shelves upon shelves of fresh apples.  Perfuming the air transporting you to a fresh countryside orchard.  To the left a waiting room with the hostess stand up front.  A waiting room comprised of plush couches and chairs, floor to ceiling windows and artwork, exquisite chandeliers, and hardwood floors.  Before even entering the dining room you realize Bouley is a labor of obsessive love and care for guests.  This is not the waiting area comprised of a thin banquette set against the wall at your local Applebees.  

The large, romantic, dining room evokes the feeling of the French countryside.  Large Monet paintings, wrapped in velvet no-less, of orchards and wineries hang on the walls.  Fresh flowers sit atop every table that are dressed with rich, thick tablecloths.  Deep banquettes line the walls with plush pillows to cushion your back and to keep you from falling backwards.  A vaulted ceiling is brushed with gold leaf.  A fireplace and a library are tucked away in a darker, more seclusive secondary dining room towards the back of the room.  

Kimchi Taco Truck

Every day between the hours of 11am and 3pm, a block away from North End Grill, and outside the courtyard of The World Financial Center, are five parked food trucks.  Every Monday, one of these trucks is the Kimchi Taco Truck, and unless you decide to come early, expect to wait in line of upwards of twenty minutes.  For this truck has the best food offered all week.

Phillip Lee, the founder of the truck, is a madman.  Seriously, think about it.  A man in love with Korean flavors who wants to make the distinct impact on the American public by bringing it to them in a recognizable form.  Tacos.  Who doesn't love tacos?  Who doesn't love Korean food?  Who the hell wouldn't love a Korean taco??

Now you understand.

If I'm lucky enough to have the time to wait on line at the truck before heading into work, I'm a very happy man.  For $8 you can get three tacos, and then you can eat them right in the park overlooking the waterfront.

Kimchi Taco Truck offers four different types of tacos.  Korean-marinated short ribs, spicy pork, braised chicken, and a falafel kimchi taco for vegetarians.  The rest of the menu is very diverse.  Kimchee bowls and even a kimchi cheesesteak are offered.  All ingredients are made on the truck, and set you off on an intense culinary journey, if only just for a few bites.