Soft Launch At Koko Ramen Last Night Bodes Well For Ramen Lovers

Who would have thought that there would be two ramen shops on Cortelyou Road, within a couple blocks of each other?

New area restaurant, Koko Ramen, had its soft launch last night. Friends and family of owner and chef Hann Low gathered to sample the menu and enjoy Koko Ramen’s cozy, wood-paneled interior, which actually fronts onto Marlborough Road.

In addition to a bowl of “Tokyo-style” ramen, I was able to try a kale salad and some gyozas, pan fried pork and vegetable dumplings. (There are several types of ramen on the menu.)

The ramen’s pork-based broth was rich and delicious, and the dish also contained a hard boiled egg, spinach, and a slab of almost butter-like pork, perfect for a chilly May night.

The salad was lovely — with some spice and crunch to it; and the gyozas were flavorful and hot when they came to the table. I apologize to readers that I wasn’t able to get photos. I’m excited to go back and sample more of the menu.

Hann and another partner are also opening a Spanish-style tapas and wine bar called Manchego, right next door. Manchego will front onto Cortelyou Road.

Manchego’s new space, while not totally done, is quite beautiful. The old wooden bar remains, but the space has been opened up, and the ceiling is decorated with beautiful tree branches, creating an arbor-like effect.

The new bar will pair Spanish, Argentine and Chilean wines with small dishes, I was told. Family and friends were allowed to sample some of the wines under consideration last night.

Koko Ramen hopes to be open later this week. Manchego will open its doors as soon as Koko is off and running, Hann said.