Momofuku (Top), Cienfuegos (Bottom)

It was cheesy bliss, and no longer feeling peckish it seemed the perfect time to explore the neighborhood for its finest in mixology. We had heard about a little Rum Bar called Cienfuegos but when we arrived at the given address we found a shuttered ugly corner with an empty awning an no signs of life. Upon calling the phone number we found that to get into the bar one has to find the tiny Cuban sandwich shop around the corner, go through it and up a flight of industrial stairs to find the Havanaesque paradise. Beat up in the most beautiful way, this place serves 30 or so different rum punches made to order and served in silver punch bowls with ladles. Gorgeous looking Cuban small dishes were all around but we settled in for a round of Rosa Verde, a punch with the most sublime balance of sweetness and spice, its almost indescribable. It consisted of arugula unfused simple syrup, watermelon and lime juice, pink peppercorns and of course handcrafted rum. After polishing off the bowl, we set out for our initial quest for pork buns at Momofuku. They did not disappoint and might be the most addictive savory streetfood on the planet. The most important thing we learned at Momofuku is that there is a fried chicken bonanza platter to be had if you order in advance. It looked to be smoked and fried chicken served 3 ways on a platter that held no less than 24 pieces. Our next foodie quest is the underground lobster rolls in Brooklyn. Stay tuned Roanies.