All Posts By

ramen mom

Chicago, IL

Jinya Ramen Bar

Posted on November 5, 2016

I was the lucky recipient of a free breakfast at a Starbuck’s drive thru the other day. People were spreading the love by paying it forward with generous gestures. Thanks to Chicago Cubs fans which reminded me that my post was way overdue.

I ran the Chicago Marathon recently and it was an extraordinary experience. I love Chicago and wish I had more time to explore the city and eat my way through each neighborhood. My first carb loading meal was at Jinya Ramen Bar in Lincoln Park. I didn’t know that it was a franchise with locations in California and other states as well. My ramen slurping partner in crime and I ordered gyoza to share. A bit on the oily side but we both were hungry and it quickly disappeared. The spicy chicken ramen one of their most popular noodle dishes was a winner even though presentation was lacking. It was a bit tired looking and was difficult to get a pretty picture. Nevertheless the chicken broth was flavorful yet light and the thin noodles which are my preference were appropriately springy. It came with thin slices of tender chicken, spicy bean sprouts, spinach, chopped green onions and shredded negi (Japanese scallions). I liked the addition of the two types of scallions and of course my favorite is the onset tamago (egg) and its delicious oozy yolk.

Fellow marathoners came to Jinya the day after my visit and weren’t wowed by the meal. I don’t know what they ordered but I think they were hoping for a more traditional Japanese style of ramen. I am a fan of a classic bowl of noodles but the creative culinary potential with ramen is endless and I appreciate the variety.

Ramen is perfect fuel for running a marathon and Jinya hit the spot.

Jinya Ramen Bar
553 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-5140

fullsizerender-39

 

 

Los Angeles, CA

Tatsu Ramen

Posted on October 12, 2016

I went on a 24 hour road trip. My mission: Glen Hansard and ramen. I will travel to the ends of the world to hear this man sing and this was a perfect opportunity for a girlfriend’s trip to Los Angeles. I got to have my groupie moment being directly up front in the pit up close and personal. Not bad for a middle aged mama getting to relive her youth. Not that I feel old and he is in late 40’s but his fan base that evening waiting in line were definitely millennials. I was very impressed that his music draws so many type of people. Glen is generous with his music and so the evening ended around 11 pm. A L.A. friend recommended Tatsu Ramen and since it stays open till 3 am the evening was still young. Why not slurp noodles at midnight and party like rockstars. Well more like cross our fingers that late night eating wouldn’t give us too bad of indigestion.

Tatsu Ramen was packed. As expected a young crowd. Millennials know yummy ramen and so it was a sign of good stuff to come. The restaurant has an iPad ordering systems as you walk in. Normally I’m sure it is very efficient but if you aren’t familiar with it and you use reading glasses that you can’t find in your purse it takes a little time to master. In fact I missed ordering some additional sides but I was already holding up the line behind me so I quickly paid for my order.

I ordered the Soul Ramen their signature ramen with tonkotsu broth, black garlic oil (mayu) and sweet umami sauce, ground beef, green onions and chashu. The noodles were thin and springy and served al dente like I prefer but the bowl felt a bit unadorned since I didn’t customize my order. My girlfriend had the perfect shoyu tamago (soy sauce egg) that I wanted with the oozy yolk inside. The broth had lots of umami so I appreciated the simplicity of the dish. I quickly slurped the noodles and finished the broth to the last drop.

Tatsu Ramen touts to be ramen with soul and combined with an evening of great music it proved to be so. Hip, young and tasty. Ramen boy would dig this place.

Tatsu Ramen
7111 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 747-1388

fullsizerender-34

Sacramento, CA

Kimchi Craving at Binchoyaki

Posted on September 17, 2016

My girlfriend and I haven’t had catch up time in ages. She hadn’t been to Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining and so we decided to meet there. I was hoping to finally try the infamous duck ramen but it wasn’t available for lunch and so I went for the cold kimchi ramen. We ordered a couple of lunch sets to share along with the noodles. I was interested in her take of the restaurant since she is a born and bred Tokyoite with a very sophisticated palate and she spends a lot of time in Los Angeles where there are a plethora of delicious Japanese restaurants.

It is a yakitori joint so it’s a given that we had to order some sticks. I highly recommend the seafood set (it’s not listed but if you ask nicely they will prepare one for you with an additional charge). The grilled salmon with ikura on top is pure heaven and the grilled prawns with the head easily separated should you want to eat it (my mom would) has an out of this world buttery taste. Just salt, prawn and the binchoyaki charcoal giving it the delicious flavor. My friend ordered the chicken set and I told her to skip the breast meat stick and to ask for the ground chicken/duck sticks instead which are yummy. With breast meat there is a 50/50 chance that it will be dry although I’ve discovered that a 30 minute salt brine to chicken breasts when I make tenders for ramen boy always results in a super moist and juicy tender. My girlfriend liked the yakitori but did mention that it would be nice to have an option of a 5 or 10 stick lunch set where you could pick and choose what you wanted. I have to agree since we are a picky lot.

The cold kimchi ramen was one of specials for the day listed on the chalkboard. The noodles were perfectly springy hiding underneath a lot of fresh goodness including corn, cherry tomatoes, seaweed, scallions, micro greens and of course the ubiquitous kimchi. I should have taken a more careful look at what was inside but we had quickly slurped it up. Thumbs up for the tangy yuzu sauce that was used was a perfect match.

Chef Craig surprised us with some complimentary desserts and the plum granita with fresh raspberries, homemade marmalade (sweet goodness) and cream seemed like an odd combination but it went so well together. My favorite dessert in a long time.

My friend and I lingered for a while after eating. She had just shown me a silly Japanese app called Egg that I quickly downloaded on my phone for some selfie fun while we were in the restaurant. We were laughing up a storm but the servers at Binchoyaki didn’t care and let us have our good time. Ramen boy later informed me that I am so last year and that the app is like Snapchat. Oh well.

img_6663-2

Packaged Ramen

Sun Noodle Tantan Ramen

Posted on August 11, 2016

I always have at least two packages of this ramen in our freezer and if I am running low I make sure to stop at our local Japanese market to buy more. This is a proprietary staple for ramen boy. He knows where it is and he knows how to make it. He says when I make it with love it tastes much better but I’m no fool. Nonetheless I consider it his stash so I rarely eat it. Until today.

I knew I had sour kimchi in the fridge and some scallions. Couldn’t be bothered with the egg so in a pinch it was a fast and easy meal for me. I like the Sun Noodle Brand because it doesn’t contain any MSG or other preservatives and its pretty tasty. The frozen noodles cook perfectly al dente the way I like it with still enough spring to it and the spicy sesame paste has just a little kick to it. I squeeze the paste into the ramen bowl and pour bowling water in it. Cook the noodles, drain and put in the bowl with the soup, chopped scallions and kimchi.

As I start to slurp the noodles ramen boy comes into the kitchen. He said he could smell the ramen wafting up the stairs to his bedroom and thought I made him some noodles. Nope hands off this ramen as I point to the freezer.

Sacramento, CA

Raijin Ramen House

Posted on July 22, 2016

I was feeling in need of some comfort. Ramen boy just finished with his doctor’s visit. It was just a routine physical that’s required for school and he passed with flying colors. Really no need for concern but I had sweaty palms driving him there with a feeling of doom and gloom. Keep in mind that I go to doctor’s appointments and hospitals often since I accompany my mom and I never feel this way. I am always concerned but I am guessing that deep down I worry something may be wrong with my baby. Yes I know it sounds pathetic but my baby is a teenager now. He had a rough start coming in to the world, I had a hard time having him and a mother’s love and worry is forever. Forever.

So to celebrate a routine doctor’s appointment we went for some ramen. He had the garlic shoyu tonkotsu ramen with just the chashu and a side of gyoza. I wanted cold noodles and so I ordered the kimchi mazemen. Kimchi is the ultimate comfort food and pair it with rice or noodles and with an oozy egg all is well in the world. Raijin’s mazemen did not disappoint and I was quite happy to be given a whole egg. For presentation it would look better split in half showing the yolk but it would have spoiled that first bite and the burst of egg yolk into your mouth. The egg was cooked to perfection. The noodles were chilled and springy on top of some mixed greens, chopped chashu, kimchi, dried seaweed and a light shoyu citrus based (ponzu) dressing. It was on the bottom and not drizzled on top which I preferred. Absolutely delicious.

Just what the doctor ordered.

Raijin Ramen House
1901 S St
Sacramento, CA
(916) 498-9968

IMG_6342

Sacramento, CA

The Izakaya

Posted on July 6, 2016

After three weeks of an intense math review ramen boy declared that summer has officially begun for him by sleeping in till 1 pm (those days are a faint memory for me) and then futzing about till he realized the time having missed breakfast and lunch that he was starved. I couldn’t really get angry with him because ramen mom forgot to have lunch too futzing around on the computer. Of course he wanted ramen and I didn’t want to cook so going to The Izakaya was timely since their happy hour started at 2:30 and who can say no to $5 ramen.

It was already a full house when we got there everyone patiently waiting for the half hour to start ordering. Three types of ramen are offered: house ramen, spicy ramen and vegetable ramen. I didn’t feel like having a bowl of noodles so I went for a roll instead. Ramen boy had the spicy ramen plain as usual with just chashu and we shared some pan fried pork gyozas. I have had the ramen before and let’s just say that it’s a no frills but pretty tasty bowl of noodles. Smart marketing on their part since the place is always packed for happy hour. I also like the small details like serving water with lime slices and a piece of candy with your bill.

Walking out the door for less than $20 is a great deal. Now off to get some $5 coffee.

The Izakaya
Ramen and Japanese Pub
5651 Freeport Blvd.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 391-1378

Oakland, CA

Ramen Shop

Posted on July 2, 2016

My first visit to Ramen Shop was a couple of years ago. Ramen boy insists it was last year when he was in 7th grade but if memory serves me right I am sure it was in 2014 not too long after its opening. He was aka sneakerhead and I remember driving to Oakland for a shoe expo. I had something to eat while I waited for him so I wasn’t hungry when we got to the restaurant. So he ate solo. Seriously all I remember about our visit was the bill. I literally gasped at the amount berating myself for not requesting his toppings on the side to eat.

A friend from Singapore was visiting and staying in Oakland and so I suggested we meet up at Ramen Shop. For the sake of the blog I needed to try the ramen this time. The boys hadn’t seen each other since 2008 and the three of them are ramen lovers albeit very picky ones. Rockridge is a booming neighborhood and by the time we got there people were milling around outside enjoying the fine day. My friend and her family were already seated inside and the place had a very cozy vibe. Servers were really nice answering our questions. It would have been easier to just go with the kids menu of just noodles and broth but our two older boys are teenagers and too cool for that. So instead we ordered ramen without any toppings and then paid an additional $4 for chashu bringing each bowl over $20.

The former Chez Panisse chefs and owners of Ramen Shop serve beautiful and unique ramen. The menu changes daily with three types to choose from with a traditional base of noodles made in house (imported noodle machines from Japan), different broths with a twist like with Meyer lemon and various vegetables depending on what’s fresh and in season. My miso ramen was chock full of flavor with springy noodles and veggies. The finely chopped red onion was a bit of a surprise but it wasn’t overpowering at all. Care and thought goes into each bowl and I appreciate that effort.

However, I don’t appreciate the dent in my wallet. I am sure many would say you get what you pay for and the quality is pretty darn good. I suppose it’s best not to bring the kiddos if they aren’t going to eat from the kids menu and to go in with an open mind that it’s not traditional ramen. It’s not their claim to fame anyway so I didn’t have that expectation. I am just a firm believer that ramen should be affordable and enjoyed by everyone. With that in mind, the area is really becoming the hot spot for ramen with Sobo Ramen, Shiba Ramen and Itani Ramen that I know about and Ippudo opening its doors in Berkeley soon. Ramen diversity is a good thing.

Ramen Shop
5812 College Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 788-6370

FullSizeRender 27

Sacramento, CA

Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining

Posted on June 21, 2016

I hesitate taking my mom to Japanese restaurants since she likes to give her two cents and the experience makes me feel like a kid rolling my eyes begging her not to embarrass me. Now that she’s in her 80’s and not going to change her ways I’ve just learned to go with the flow and hope that she likes the food. Binchoyaki did not disappoint and is a nice addition to the Japanese food scene in Sacramento introducing izakaya type of food (Japanese tapas).

The miso soup was a welcoming start for the meal to come. It came out piping hot and the flavor was on point according to my mom. Lots of seaweed, green onions and a surprising addition of shaved corn. We later found out that the owner/chef blends three types of miso for his soup and makes his own dashi. I had the kushiyaki set with Negima (chicken leg and green onion), Binchoyaki Tsukune (minced chicken and duck), Muneniku (chicken breast) and a skewer of okra . My mom had the black cod misoyaki. She thought it was good but was more impressed with the miso soup (she ordered another one), the salad (very finely shredded green and red cabbage, carrots and lettuce), the cucumber pickles and the quality of the rice.  Most importantly, the green tea came out to her in a Japanese tea pot with scalding hot water the way she likes it and the presentation of the food with different types of dishes sealed the deal with her. She felt like she was eating at home but someone else was serving her.

For the sake of this being a ramen blog I had to try the shio ramen on the menu. Probably the most understated bowl of ramen I’ve had since Ramen Lab in New York but without chashu or even an egg. The toppings were simply finely chopped green onion, seaweed, menma and topped with three thinly sliced kamaboko mostly for decor. The chicken based broth was very lightly seasoned and not too salty. There was a mysterious ingredient that added some black flecks to the broth and to the noodles. At first I thought it was black pepper and then realized it was actually charred green onion. Nice touch gave the broth a very slight smoky flavor. The noodles complemented the other dish that I had but on its own it would likely be too bland for me. I think an ajitsuke tamago (marinated soft boiled egg) would add that oomph I wanted to taste and was wishing for.

So as I reflected over the meal with their delicious white peach sorbet I thought wouldn’t it be great if Binchoyaki served different types of ochazuke. Maybe salmon or ikura, umeboshi, pickles and …

I suppose the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining
2226 10th Street
Sacramento, CA
(916) 469-9448

FullSizeRender 24

Oakland, CA

Itani Ramen

Posted on June 13, 2016

On a whim decided to go on a Sunday road trip with ramen boy. Hubby was out of town, no soccer commitments and it was the day before a month of summer school. Perfect for a ramen getaway and more. Actually it’s the only way I can spend some quality time with my fourteen year old. I bribe him with ramen and a long drive so that we can talk — if he doesn’t have his headphones on. I’ve learned that if I don’t force the conversation he usually instigates it and so I’m open ears.

It was a scenic and pretty quick drive through the Delta to Oakland. We made a pit stop for the best strawberries at a tucked away stand that we found years ago on another trip and knowing that the strawberries are at its peak now just had to buy a flat to bring home for later. We had to circle the block a couple of times to find street parking near the restaurant but it was a good opportunity to peruse the neighborhood. Noticed it was a choice location right near the Paramount Theatre and next door to a cannabis establishment. We had a good chuckle when we thought the line of young people outside were waiting for ramen. Definitely a conversation piece with ramen boy commenting that when the people had the munchies they would come next door to eat ramen and gyoza.

The fast food style of ordering and paying for your meal in advance at Itani Ramen is definitely a smart move for the area and clientele. Ramen is just not a lingering kind of meal but I suppose if you have appetizers, drinks and good company its all possible. We are the eat and go type of people especially when it comes to noodles. Ramen boy ordered the shio ramen just with chashu and no veggies. He was hungry so he asked for extra noodles. I had seen on the Instagram page a picture of the shivering noodle dish and had to give it a try. Our 10 piece gyozas were quickly devoured by him I think I only got two pieces. Absolutely delicious. Light, crispy with a bit of crust and topped off with a generous amount of finely chopped scallions. The how to eat gyozas instructions on the table was a nice touch. He liked the noodles which are made fresh at the restaurant but because he asked for extra noodles the noodle and broth ratio was off. There wasn’t much broth in the bowl so it was too dry. The ramen should have been served in a bigger bowl or the extra noodles should be delivered piping hot when you are ready for more. He didn’t share his chashu but I did have a sip of the broth at the end and he let me have his half egg. The egg was divine and the broth was milky and light with a not too salty finish. I’d like to try the shoyu ramen next time.

My shivering noodle salad was picture perfect and fresh tasting. Much thought has gone into the presentation of this dish and the toppings to go with the poached chicken and cold noodles. The snap peas was a nice surprise cut perfectly to eat along with the cherry tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, dried nori, radish sprouts and pickled ginger in some shoyu dashi. I added some chili oil to give it some more heat. The noodles were very al dente. I like my noodles katame (firmer) for ramen but for cold noodles I like a little more bend and softness to it. Ramen boy tasted the noodles and he thought it was just fine. Personal preference I think.

The concept of a late night open every day ramen joint makes Itani Ramen a cool place to go to and slurp some noodles. Quality ingredients are used here and for that reason I’d come back again to try the other ramen dishes. Ramen boy said for sure he’d come back and it better be for the noodles!

Itani Ramen
1736 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, CA
(510) 788-7489

FullSizeRender 23

Sacramento, CA

Kru Restaurant

Posted on May 25, 2016

I didn’t come to Kru for a ramen experience. My mom had an outpatient surgical procedure and she was craving some really good sushi. This can be a tall order for an 86 year old Japanese woman with very high expectations comparing sushi and sashimi in Japan. I try to prepare her in advance before we walk in the door to any Japanese restaurant and at the same time I cringe in pity for the sushi chef. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. I brought her once before to Kru hoping she forgot. She hadn’t and she wasn’t impressed before because her chiraishi came with the variety of fish on top of the rice but the juices had seeped through soaking the rice which was a huge turn off for her. My dish was excellent and so I hoped it was a one off at the time. I told her this time she should just order the sushi/sashimi set and she also wanted the chawanmushi (egg custard). Well, the fish got a thumbs up from her this time and she was pleased with the miso soup too. The chawanmushi? Well, that’s another story just ask the poor waitress even though we explained to my mother that this was not the traditional Japanese type she is familiar with but she insisted that it then shouldn’t be called chawanmushi but instead called soup. Somehow my mom manages to be charming and sweet and can say all this without offending anyone. I hope. Sorry chef.

I love ikura (red caviar) and I always order it at sushi restaurants. Truly my last meal would be a bowl of steaming hot rice with ikura on top seasoned a bit with mirin and soy sauce. The ikura nigiri sushi here did not disappoint. In fact the best I’ve had recently and pleasantly surprised for Sacramento. It was bite size meaning I could put the whole thing in my mouth and the seaweed was crisp which is critical. Soggy or soft seaweed ruins it. The ikura was bursting with flavor and I really liked the fresh shiso (perilla leaves) accompanying it.

The duck confit spicy miso ramen was a bit of an afterthought for me but ramen mom must give it a try. I am glad I did it was definitely a different spin. The ramen came in a very big bowl so almost seemed lost in it but still nicely presented. Very simple and understated which I liked with a divine poached egg, menma, green onions, fine dried seaweed and the duck leg perched on the side ready to be picked up to be eaten. The skin was well browned and crisp and the meat was tender and delicious. I am not sure if I liked having to use my fingers instead of chopsticks to eat the meat but I do appreciate thinking outside the box. If the meat had been sliced or deboned it would have likely been soggy. The broth had a slight kick to it but still mild enough to not be overpowering. My mom really liked the broth and insisted on taking back the remaining soup so she could throw in some noodles she had at home. This little lady does not waste food! I wasn’t so sure about the noodle/soup ratio. The ramen came with a very small portion of noodles but in the end completely satisfactory since the duck confit is very filling.

You can definitely taste the quality of ingredients used at Kru. We had a terrific waitress so my mom is more than happy to come back. I’d like to try the cold noodles next time and of course I need my ikura fix.

FullSizeRender 20

Kru Restaurant
2516 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 551-1559