I had dined for lunch recently at Ma Peche, David Chang's new Midtown venture, when it first opened, and was not totally blown away. I went back last week for lunch and was completely satisfied with my meal.

A salad of squid, peanuts, and scallions ($14) was excellent. Great flavor and texture, the way I love to eat!

Wild burgundy snails, pork sausage, garlic, and tarragon ($18), is not a typical dish I eat during lunch time, but it was decadently delicious! These were some tender snails in some flavorful broth.

Now, I must be honest, and let you know that I had come from a party before this lunch, and was a tad buzzed. But, my culinary awareness is so strong, that it can fight through alcohol, and assess fairly and accurately the fare put into me. This was good food.

Ma Peche
15 W. 56th St. (bet. 5th and 6th-at the Chambers Hotel)
New York, NY 10019
212-757-5878
www.momofuku.com/mapeche