Just got a res for lunch at Momofuku Ko

[jlix]

I didn't realize that lunch is FIFTY dollars more then dinner! Please let me know if you guys think its worth it-- it would be tough for us to swing it but we could squeak by. How expensive is the wine pairing?

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Momofuku Ko
163 1st Ave, New York, NY 10003

[UES Mayor]

I was a bit underwhelmed when I tried Ko-but that was two years ago-I thought the menu was fine but after having wine pairings etc my bill was astronomical and I am the last to complain about prices. I really wished I had gone to Momofuko Noodle Bar instead cause I love the food and crowded vibe there BUT if you never been to Ko do it and get it out of your system and report back to us.

[ellenost]

I'm a bit surprised that you found the bill "astronomical" since the price for lunch (2 years ago) was clearly stated as $150 (it's now $175), and the wine pairings is also clearly stated at $95. There are no hidden charges at Ko.

Sorry, but even though I also like Noodle Bar very much (especially the fried chicken), you're comparing apples to oranges by comparing Noodle Bar to Ko (Noodle Bar being the most casual and Ko being the most luxurious of the David Chang restaurants).

[UES Mayor]

ummmm,,,.my bill was almost 500 for 2 people!! included alcohol

[ellenost]

Why are you surprised (lunch for 2 $175 X 2 = $350) + (wine pairing for 2 $95 X 2 = $190); your lunch with wine pairing is $540 before tax and tip. It's only astronomical if you didn't know the cost before you sat down. Again, you knew what the lunch and wine pairing cost; you didn't have to order the wine pairing. Don't complain since no one forced you to order the wine pairing. I see many people order single glasses of wine or share a bottle of wine. Don't be outraged at the restaurant; you chose to splurge..

[tpigeon]

don't do the pairing. it is too much alcohol.

[jlix]

how about if the 2 of us shared one pairing?

[ellenost]

I don't think you can share the wine pairing, but you can ask when you get there. I think a better choice is to share a bottle of wine instead. The wine pairing is $95 and, I agree with tpigeon, is too much alcohol. I tried the wine pairing once, and while the selections were excellent, I "floated" home.

I've gone to Ko numerous times for both lunch and dinner, and yes, the lunch is worth the extra $50. The lunch experience is a single seating and takes about 3 hours. There are 16 courses. The dinner takes 2 hours and has 10 courses. I love them both and alternate my visits to sample all of the many delicious courses. The only course that repeats on both lunch and dinner is the wonderful shaved frozen foie gras torchon with lychee, pinenut brittle and riesling gelee (larger portion at dinner).

Have a great time!