If you knew Schrader like we know Schrader.

If you don't know Paul Schrader, you should - he is a prince among men.

The ultimate renaissance man, he is handsome, smart, sporty, funny, worldly and wise.
Sort of like New Zealand's answer to George Clooney, except he can't act.
Maybe our Keanu Reeves, but much smarter, and completely hooked up when it comes to food.

He and his business partner Kelda's cafe Nikau is our very favourite Friday night haunt. He and his wife Mary have always been on the leading edge of food, always.

In San Francisco we travelled to Berkeley at his behest to dine at Chez Panisse. It was a meal to remember.

So when Schrader hears you are going to NYC, and Schrader recommends you go somewhere to dine, then you heed the advice.

He said go to Momofuku, which just happens to be only about 400m from our home here, so tonight we Gomofukued - you bet we did.

Momofuku (Japanese for "little peach"):
http://www.momofuku.com/noodle/default.asp

It was teeming with people - a queue out the door and bursting with hubbub. It took about 1/2 an hour to get a seat, but it was interesting to eavesdrop on crazy New Yorkers - not the most demure of people.

Paul had said order the Pork Buns, and we think, that's not a particularly Schrader call. We love Pork Buns, but they are pretty similar all over the world - delicious, but hardly gourmet.

And out they came, individually assembled, delicious envelopes of steamed goodness. They are prepared to order, a perfect dough envelope is smeared with delicious hoisin sauce, hand cut cucumber and 2 slabs of Organically grown pork are placed in as filling, and the whole package is individually steamed and served within seconds.

They are perfect, the pork is tender, the cucumber keeps it all fresh, the dough is hot and sweet, the sauce a perfect tangy contrast. What a recommendation, what a guy!

This trip has been made so much better by the advice of our lovely friends. We had a great time today at a Folk Art Museum tipped to us by Tommy Honey. We ate beautiful Cuban food in Soho thanks to Ruth and Andrew. Jonny Rae told us about Chowder, and Mike Davison sent us to Manhattan's best burger.

It is dirty work, but we are proving to ourselves that our friend's are to be trusted.

Miss you lots

Hudsie