Every week, I document another dish that impressed and satiated me during my food adventures around New York City
Summer has officially started and while many of us are still in the comfort of our apartment air conditioning, soup is not usually what I crave (or write about) this time of year.
However, this soup is one that I tried way back in February. That innocent time before COVID-19 and when soup was still something on my mind.
I tried this at the new Golden Diner, which was fast becoming an exciting regular spot in the area where Chinatown meets the Lower East Side. It is an updated diner with both Chinese and Jewish influences. It is also chef-driven with an eye on technique and ingredients.
Last year, I gave their wonderful Wontoni Soup a shout out on my Top Ten Dishes of the Year. Funny that the next thing I’m writing about here is another soup. I guess that’s one of the must tries when visiting a diner like this.
I also sampled their Vegetalian Hero which is amazingly not the first vegan Italian hoagie I’ve tried. It had the expected tangy pickle flavor and very nice cold cut texture from charred tofu skin.
But the matzoh ball soup gave me great comfort. A hearty and light homemade chicken broth can cure just about any ailment while the fluffy carby matzoh ball soaked up the chicken flavor nicely. Chinese celery gives the soup a unique twist and added a more intense vegetal celery flavor to the elixir. Carrots and plenty of dill keep it rooted in tradition.
It was really lovely – simple, familiar, and fresh.
And this kind of comforting soup has been known to help people feeling under the weather. I’m not saying that this matzoh ball soup can cure the coronavirus, but it certainly couldn’t hurt. Price: $9
| GOLDEN DINER |
| 123 Madison Street (between Market Street and Mechanics Alley), Chinatown (917) 472-7800/strong> |
| dolendinerny.com |
