As Ciel-senpai has taught us there are many different types of curry from all over the world with each region putting its own spin on the dish. Ciel-senpai also teaches us that all of them are delicious. Japan has its own variety of curry that is generally regarded as a simple down-home comfort food. Japanese curry is a thick gravy-like curry poured on top of rice with a variety of toppings. It is a simple meal that can be made quickly but is very filling. When you are in Manhattan the place to eat Japanese curry is Go! Go! Curry.
The menu at Go! Go! Curry is all baseball themed. The sizes go from walk (small) to triple (extra large). The dish comes with rice, curry, and shredded cabbage. The curry itself has a mild but rich flavor with a hint of sweetness. This is not the fiery rush of a vindaloo but the simple richness of a roux. You then add your choice of meat including breaded chicken, pork, or shrimp as well as pork sausages. There is also tilapia as a secret menu item if you ask for it. You can also throw on a boiled egg, rokkyo, fukuzinzuko, cheese, or natto (WARNING: natto is only for the very brave) for a little extra. There are also special platters like the home run and grand slam that are a mixtures of all kinds topping to top of a huge amount of rice and curry. Those are for groups or power eaters. If you go on a day ending in 5 (go being 5 in Japanese) or whenever Hideki Matsui hits a home run you can get a free topping coupon for your next visit.
If you are going for your first time I love the katsu (pork) curry but you can get the chicken curry if dietary requirements prevent you from eating pig. I have never tried the tilapia as I always forget to ask for it. I do wonder why they don’t have one of the most traditional topping for curry rice, the hamburger patty. It seems like it would be a great addition to the menu. If you are ever in Manhattan be sure to try Go! Go! Curry at least once. I know I go to 273 W 38th St whenever I get the chance.
UPDATE: There is now a new location in the West Village at 231 Thompson St.
When I started watching anime in the mid-90’s I thought lots of fan-service was just part of the deal; if I wanted everything else I liked about it, it was just something that I had to accept. So in a way, I understand the inkling now to reject fan-service outright because there are so many other options. And admittedly, I have a much lower tolerance level than I once did. However, I find there can be an acceptable balance that won’t ruin a story.
Reverse Thieves 