Neither the excruciating wait for the G-train, nor the rather lonely trek along Bedford Ave should stop you from visiting “Do or Dine.” Open for only about six months and half way between a diner and a pub, with disco lights to boot, this worldly cacophony promises a full belly, a good time and a brunch that never ends.
Sitting at the small bar in the back, faced by an old fashion mirror and pig’s mask for some odd reason, one can enjoy a host of inventive cocktails including the Spherickle Back. Comprised of a shot of whiskey and a mad molecular gastronomic pickle, it will leave you with a laugh, sputter and a cough, all at the same time.
The mixed menu, ranging from biscuits and gravy, to hearty bowls of Berunchu Ramen is satisfying. Actually anything with a large piece of bacon in it gets my vote. Topped with pork belly, ginger, a fried egg, a whole bamboo shoot [not the canned stuff: fresh, crunchy], scallion, roasted goma and of course bacon, the plain flavour of the broth itself, cannot be hidden. It shouldn’t be.
It might take the whole bowl to figure out why you like it, but you’ll drink the whole bowl. In the end, you’ll realize that it’s just beef; good simple not too rich, but by no means watery, beef bone broth. A simple and sturdy foundation is key and then you can build. And the noodles aren’t bad either. They are rather chewy, thick similar to the noodles in Ippudo NY’s Yokohama ramen, but I can’t attest to how they’re made.
Do or Dine†also serves up nachos, which after you scrape off a generous amount of tomatoes, peppers, various cheeses, and sour cream turns out to be gyoza; quite a surprise. The toppings are good; fresh as salsa should be, but really don’t do much but hide the stars of the show, who really don’t shine.
If there is still room to be filled, by all means check out the desert menu. Although sparse, this is not a dessert bar after all; I recommend mochi ice cream. Three balls about the size of makeup sponge skewed by chopsticks, they come in both mango and black sesame.
And why not mix it up.
Break through the thick slightly salty coating similar to porridge paper and dig into the frosted creamy center.
The easy atmosphere and low lights make this the perfect place for a date or a small group of friends; if you visit in warmer weather they even have a back patio.
It won’t break the bank either, Ramen was about the most expensive food on the menu and that was only $12 bucks.
So make the trek. You won’t be disappointed.
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