Otafuku

Otafuku - Kinda Sucks!
236 E 9th St
(between 2nd Ave & Stuyvesant St)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 353-8503

Perhaps because I just don't appreciate the art of the Takoyaki very much.
But when people talk about Takoyaki in the city, this place in the East Village always comes to mind.
In my opinion, there really isn't much here that can be considered much of anything. Bits and pieces of boiled octopus, mixed in a batter and then cooked in cast iron molds till the outer portion is slightly crispy and the center is still gooey.
Then comes a barrage of toppings that makes our NY hotdogs look bland. There's a sweet and sour brownish glaze the Japanese call "sauce", mayonnaise, seaweed powder, pickled red ginger and bonito flakes to garnish this street food staple.
It's also enjoyed piping hot while you utter the words "Ah-Tsu" which literally means, "Oh, Hot", as you eat these bite sized balls with a toothpick.
I just don't get it.