newyorkette

In a little nook on the periphery of Astor Place, you’ll find a teeny tiny little place that you might walk past even if you were looking for it (as I have, many a time), were it not for the wisely installed bright flags with Japanese writing on either side of it’s narrow front. It’s not a sit-down place. In fact, you’ll be lucky to find standing room on a cold day. But it’s yummy. It’s “Japanese comfort food,” as the little sign inside says. If you don’t mind rubbing elbows, stand inside. There’s a bench outside that seats three strangers, or four friends.

The thing you want to appreciate is that this is the Japanese equivalent of hot dogs or knishes. In Japan, you’ll find this food at the outdoor markets. I know, because I’ve had “Takoyaki” there myself. What is Takoyaki? They are defined at Otafuku as “octopus balls.” Who am I to say different? You get six, with some dark savoury sauce and a dollop of mayo as a topping (they ask you how much you want before they dollop it), finished off with a sprinkling of bonito shavings. The light pastry outside contrasts with the hot, creamy inside, and the little chunk of octopus you’ll find, usually on the second (and final) bite of each “ball.” You can even watch them being made on their little rolling, vibrating grill in the window. If octopus balls don’t tempt you, go for the cheese or plain versions.

Other warm, comforting snacks include the well-known Yakisoba, and the lesser known, but no less soothing to a hypoglycemic 4 o’clock zombie, Okonomiyaki. Otafuku is also one of the only places that won’t cost you an arm and a leg and take an hour and a half if you’re hungry in the neighborhood. Have a snack there while you wait for Decibel (my favorite saké bar) to open, just down the block, at basement level.

Otafuku
236 East 9th
212-353-8503

Posted Monday, November 27th, 2006 at 6:00 am under tables for one: when you vant to/must eat alone. Feel free to trackback from your own site. All images on newyorkette.com are the intellectual property of Carolita Johnson, and you must ask (and receive) express permission to use them or reproduce them in any way whatsoever.