Volume 1: New York Asian Film Festival 2011 edition

I've long wanted to devote some blog-space to another passion of mine -- the pursuit of good and off the beaten path eats.  What better time to kick off this sister site to Unseen Films than to coincide with the launch of this year's New York Asian Film Festival.  One of the things I love about getting lost in the fog of unique films at each year's fest is the chance to take in exotic visuals that give you a sense of being in all these breathtaking locales.  Why not enhance the experiences further by taking in the local tastes transported right out of the countries that are making these electrifying films -- after all, this is New York City where international cuisines line the streets in full force.

Although the the festival is no longer at the IFC theater, which shares a neighborhood with loads of fast and cheap international late night eateries, its recent home of Lincoln Center is a just brisk walk from Hell's Kitchen, home to throngs of Asian and other international grub hubs competing for foodies' attention.

Here are some spots I recommend, and will probably be frequenting at one point or other myself.

1. Bali Nusa Indah (Indonesia/Malaysia)

I know where I'll be eating to get myself in the mood for this year's hyper-eccentric musical from Malaysia, SELL OUT.  While Bali Nusa's kithcen boasts Indonesian cooking, which isn't exactly the same as Malaysian, it does share some similarities.  In both, you'll find thick and rich curry rendang with plenty of tender shreds of beef to tear off the generous cubes and deep charred satay sticks.  Bali Nusa also does a Roti Canai straight out of the Malaysian playbook, pairing piping hot steam filled layers of flaky bread with a side of fiery chili pepper laced peanut sauce.


NYAFF goers, give yourself time because this place is down between 45th & 46th Street on Ninth Avenue.  

2. Pam's Real Thai/Pure Thai Shop House

There is only one Thai film in NYAFF's lineup this year, a knock down drag out martial arts flick, BANGKOK KNOCKOUT (BKO).  If you want a taste in your mouth that hits as hard as a muay thai kick to the temple, head over to Pam's Real Thai at the corner of 49th Street and Ninth Ave.  This has been my favorite Thai restaurant in Manhattan for a while.  No frills, no elegance, just supremely hot home cooking served up by a humble and friendly staff.  Ask for the extra spices and you will get a set of sauces and powders that mean business.  A highlight for me are the khao soi noodles, a northern dish with two types noodles bathing in a rich and spicy curry broth. You can throw in some bitter pickles and diced red onions for contrast.  The oxtail soup is also a powerful concoction of herbs and spices that will knock out whatever's ailing you.

A Thai option that is closer to the Walter Reade Theater is Pure Thai Shop House, a little up the street on Ninth Ave between 51st and 52nd Street.  I haven't been there but they have my full confidence after dishing out some truly unique Thai snacks at this year's Ninth Avenue International Food Festival.  They also served up extremely sweet and syrupy Thai ice tea.  Look for their Mondo Exotica shop banner.



3. Szechuan Gourmet (Sichuan Chinese)

After one of this year's mind melting Wu Xia flying swordsmen epic or Johnny To's scorching revenge thriller PUNISHED, burn out your taste buds at this top contender for Sichuan spice.  If you have any doubts, head for the signature dish: Mapo Tofu.  The wobbly tofu floats in a deadly sea of peppercorn infused heat that has left me in agony hours later.  There are excellent appetizers like wispy cellophane noodles in a pungent sour and spicy broth.  In fact, nothing on the menu has failed to impress.  Just skip the bland sesame chicken sort of stuff and go for the Sichuan specialties.

On 56th Street between Broadway & Eighth Ave.

4. Terakawa Ramen

This new branch of the East Side Japanese ramen workhorse opened a few months ago, just in time for the New York Asian Film Festival.  It is the closest to the theater of all my recommendations, on Ninth Ave between 57th and 58th Street.  Head over there for some stamina noodles to get you in synch with any of this year's Japanese films.  You'll be craving this especially after NINJA KIDS!!! with lead ninja kids Rintaro dreamily proclaiming that 'every ninja loves ramen.'

I've seen pampered Yelp-ers give this place a hard time, but it is the real deal (to them: quit with the whining about not getting enough melt in your mouth char-sui pork slices; Japanese dining was never about eating to the point of excess.  If you want some extra pork, cough up the dough for an extra order!)  There are a few varieties of soup in this small counter-top eat and run joint. I recommend the spicy tantanmen, the tonkotsu pork broth ramen, or for a bit of a smokey taste, try the mayu ramen with a black layer of garlic oil.  Like any good cheap Chinese inspired Japanese eatery, you can order sides of gyoza and 'cha-han' fried rice.

Here's to some good films and good eats!  Will be back with another entry giving the lowdown on where to grab some sustenance when Subway Cinema's NYAFF co-presents with Japan Cuts at The Japan Society on the east side.

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