The clamor of total strangers forced to interact at crowded tables.
The alternating rush of hot air from the jet-propelled heater and cold winter wind from each time the door is opened. The chopping of a cleaver. The frying of this and the boiling of that. The confusion of the massive menu being deciphered into cohesive orders. This is the scene … late night … in Noodletown …
Earlier tonight, my friend Helen and I were in Brooklyn to see Motel Creeps play at the brand new Luna lounge. Thankfully, Helen convinced me to drive instead of us being slaves to mass transit. This made getting there and back much easier considering the weather had finally gotten bone-chillingly cold. It also made it possible for us to make a favorite stop in Chinatown on the way back to Jersey.
If you want wonderfully authentic Chinese food served fast and cheap—and you don’t mind being cramped—then Great NY Noodletown (28 1/2 Bowery, NYC) is the place to be, anytime. Open 24/7 and scant in the area of décor, this place is perfect for a full meal or a quick snack. Tonight I got the beef and tomato with rice. Helen got some shrimp dumplings, broccoli and soup.
Coming here always makes me realize a need to get more adventurous in my eating habits, even if only for my own edification. The problem is that I have no tolerance for seafood. This puts a damper on any truly daring food exploration. Here I am trying to position myself as an enthusiast of cultural fare and yet creatures with tentacles or gills gross me out.
Well one thing is for sure; Great NY Noodletown would make a fine stepping stone for challenging my self-imposed limitations. Not tonight though. I’m totally fine with asking for a fork and digging into my beef and tomatoes with rice. So for now, it’s safe, simple and cheap eats before heading home.
See also:
Luna Lounge Returns
