We interrupt the piano adventures for food raves

Met up with Alexa for dinner Friday evening after my Columbus Circle piano adventure. I wanted to celebrate her new EP release over dinner and suggested that we have organic ramen at new restaurant called Totto Ramen. Time Out New York wrote about it recently, and when it comes to ramen, I know that Alexa is game! Even when it's hot, haha.

The restaurant is on the small side, but we were able to get a table. Our waiter said we could store our belongings on the shelf above us. Very convenient! Alexa and I both expressed concern though that our things would fall on us. Maybe it's my Pacific Northwest earthquake mentality that took over. Alas, we were fine. :)

I ordered the organic ramen as it's vegetarian, and here's a picture -- the presentation was so beautiful!  (Also, what you can't see is the pedestal on which this bowl rests.)

I mean, come on! Looking at it makes me want another bowl right now. The broth was so delicious. Now I understand the word "umami," which was used repeatedly on the Food Network last year, and I never quite got it until this bowl of ramen. The combination of veggies was perfection, and I especially liked the delicate texture of the avocado slices. You can't see the noodles from this shot, but they were also really good, especially with that broth. Mmmmm, mmmm!

Afterward, Alexa asked if I had room for dessert. Of course! She knew just the treat for us. There's a place called Xie Xie on Ninth Avenue between 45th and 46th that sells ice cream sandwiches for dessert, among other items. Specifically, it was called the "1000 year old ice cream sandwich," and Alexa explained it looks like the 1000 year egg. Ice cream plus black caramel plus a thin cookie on each side. Sooooo good. And well worth the wait for a table.  Thanks, Alexa!