The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road (at Vernon Boulevard), Long Island City, NY 11106
www.noguchi.org
Mu Ramen, 1209 Jackson Avenue, Long Island City, 11101
ramennyc.wix.com/popup
14 December 15
Japanese Treasures in Long Island City
Mu Ramen and the Noguchi Museum
I’m the annoying mom that forces my kids to go and explore with me in the weekends. Many times they complain before going, but they actually always end up finding the things we see very cool and interesting. I think it’s important to expose kids to culture and living in New York there are so many opportunities — I'm sure one day they will appreciate it. :-)
This weekend I wanted to try Mu Ramen, an authentic Japanese restaurant serving ramen and other specialties. As the restaurant is not next door and actually a thirty minute drive from where we live, I thought making a day out of it and visiting the nearby Noguchi Museum would be a perfect inspiring Japanese match — they are both in the same neighborhood in Long Island City. MOMA PS1 is also in Long Island city and another nice place to visit very close to Mu Ramen if you have the time.
My ramen at Mu Ramen was amazing — one of the best meals I’ve had for a long time. The stock was very rich and perfectly balanced, the result of a long and arduous process of simmering that makes it especially silky and luscious, yet light. I could get addicted to this and, knowing how healthy it is, I should eat it much more.
The Noguchi Museum was founded and designed by Isamu Noguchi, one of the twentieth-century’s most important and acclaimed sculptors. Born in Los Angeles to an American mother and Japanese father, he moved early on to Japan where he spent his first thirteen years before moving back to the USA, to Indiana. Though he initially studied medicine, he was drawn to sculpture. When his studies led to an apprenticeship with the great Constantin Brancusi, his course was set. During his long and very productive life, his ouevre would eclipse even that of his master, working in a huge variety of styles and mediums and collaborating with some of the century's greatest names — Merce Cunnigham, Gerige Balanchine, John Cage, and Louis Kahn. Additionally, he designed mass-produced items for the public, such as his famous glass and walnut coffee table and the ubiquitous Akari Light Sculptures. You can see more beautiful things from Isamu Noguchi here.
Noguchi designed and opened The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, New York in 1985. It is sited in a 1920s industrial building across the street from where he had established a studio in 1960, with a serene outdoor sculpture garden, and many galleries that display his work, and photographs and models from his career. If you have time, I recommend that you watch the biographical video that is continuously playing on the second floor. He had such a fascinating life!