n/naka x porridge + puffs
really loved this n/naka x porridge + puffs ekiben bento collaboration. chef phan can really turn up the flavor yet still keep everything in balance.
and now @PorkyBelly’s power rankings, sponsored by @rlw:
1. shrimp tempura spring roll, numbing calamansi ponzu
i could eat 10 of these, the calamansi ponzu was a brilliant complement for the spring roll. and the nori and rice paper mashup really worked.
2. panko-fried calamari with makrut
expertly fried and i really liked the addition of the makrut to give this another dimension.
3. grilled pork meatballs with leeks + lemongrass
4. porridge - koda farms heirloom rice, dos pueblos ranch smoked abalone, nori oil, lacto-fermented verjus
the porridge reminded me of lumpy mashed potatoes, in a good way.
5. sweet potato + kabocha salad
this was surprisingly good, sweet, creamy, crunchy.
6. yuzu-grilled local kanpachi
7. tarragon gooseberry cake, passion fruit swiss meringue
just a hint of tarragon @TheCookie, and nicely balanced with the sweet meringue.
8. louat agar + elixir
play on vietnamese thach?
9. shiso-pickled egg
10. braised beef rice spaetzle, five spice dashi, burnt onion oil
shout out to the herb slaw and p+p pickles
as with any n/naka meal, a second bang is required, per protocol.