Domo Izakaya

During our recent trip to Destin, Florida, we finally had the chance to tick off one of our major bucket list items: visiting Crab Island and sampling local cuisine. As we arrived from Minnesota, a local resident who learned about our love for ramen recommended Domo Izakaya, highlighting it as a must-try due to one of his favorite dishes. Intrigued, we decided to give it a go.

Domo Izakaya is a bustling spot, but we lucked out by arriving just before the dinner rush. Our wait was a manageable 15 minutes—any later, and we might have been waiting significantly longer. As soon as we walked in, the restaurant exuded a welcoming vibe. For anime enthusiasts, particularly fans of One Piece, the decor is a delight with figurines and anime posters adorning the walls.

Our table was comfortable, thanks to bench pads that added a nice touch of cushioning. Our server was attentive and friendly, enhancing our dining experience. We knew exactly what we wanted, so we ordered the japanese calamari, pork bun, Spicy Miso Ramen, and Domo Chashu Black Ramen.

The appetizers arrived promptly and were both satisfying and tasty. I particularly appreciated that the calamari included the whole squid, not just the tentacles—definitely a plus in my book.

Now, onto the star of the show: the Domo Chashu Black Ramen. My bowl arrived steaming hot, with an enticing garlic aroma that immediately whetted the appetite. The pork chashu was perfectly tender and glistened invitingly. The whole egg, rather than just half, was a delightful touch, adding richness to each bite. The soup was a comforting, flavorful experience that rekindled my love for ramen and even inspired me to start blogging about it after I was done.

At $18, the ramen was reasonably priced for its quality and portion size. If you’re in Destin, Florida, make sure to include Domo Izakaya in your plans. We highly recommend it for an authentic and enjoyable dining experience.

Tonchin Ramen

Tonchin Ramen, originally established in Tokyo in 1992 by brothers Katsuhiro and Motohiro Sugeno, has recently opened its doors in Los Angeles in 2023, bringing its renowned flavors to the United States. With a mission to bring people together through excellent food, Tonchin Ramen has earned the reputation for using the freshest ingredients in their dishes. Excited to try their Los Angeles location, my friend Eric and I did our research and eagerly anticipated our visit.

Upon entering Tonchin Ramen, we were greeted by a spacious, modern, and upscale atmosphere. The staff displayed great energy and vibes, instantly making us feel welcome. As we got seated, we could sense that our experience was going to be remarkable even before placing our orders. Glancing at the menu, Eric and I look at one another and knew we had to try the classic Tokyo tonkatsu ramen, the signature dish of Tonchin.

Upon our bowls arrival, we were impressed by the presentation. The focus was clearly on the depth and flavor. The bowl featured thinly sliced chashu pork, bamboo shoots, and spring onions. However, what set this bowl apart from other Ramen bowls we have tried was the complexity of the broth. With each slurp, we could taste the harmonious blend of dark soy sauce-based kaeshi, pork bone, and other carefully selected ingredients, creating a delightful dance of flavors in our mouths. The broth was both clean and savory, with a subtle hint of salt.

If we were to provide constructive feedback, we would have preferred a slightly more generous portion of the perfectly balanced chashu pork slices. I believe it would have added an extra dimension to complement the overall bowl. However, the handmade noodles elevated the entire experience. Their texture and quality surpassed many other ramen shops we have tried in Los Angeles over the years.

Leaving Tonchin Ramen, we were left with a positive impression and a sincere appreciation for the staff's outstanding service. Finally having the opportunity to taste Tonchin's offerings without stepping foot in Japan was a true delight. We highly recommend Tonchin Ramen to anyone in the area who is seeking a memorable ramen experience.

Tonchin Ramen not only stays true to its philosophy of bringing people together with excellent food, but it also sets a new standard for quality ramen in Los Angeles. With their commitment to using the freshest ingredients, crafting complex and flavorful broths, and delivering exceptional service, Tonchin Ramen has undoubtedly found success in their expansion to the United States. Our visit left us longing for more and grateful for the opportunity to savor Tonchin's authentic flavors right in our own backyard.

XOLO

I recently had the pleasure of trying the Birria Ramen at Xolo in Flint, Michigan, and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight! Combining Mexican and Japanese cuisines, this unique twist on traditional ramen pleasantly surprised my taste buds.

The bowl of Xolo Birria Ramen was a work of art, filled to the brim with a harmonious blend of flavors. Including julienne veggies added a refreshing crunch and vibrant colors that perfectly complemented the other ingredients. The poached egg added a silky, creamy texture, creating a luxurious experience with every spoonful.

The star of the show was the chilli braised pork. Tender, succulent, and bursting with flavor, it effortlessly stole the spotlight. The pork paired exceptionally well with the spicy broth, creating a symphony of savory and heat that left me craving for more. The fresh ramen noodles were perfectly cooked, providing a delightful chewiness that completed the dish.

What makes this place even more intriguing is its unique ambiance. If the seating happens to be full, don't be discouraged! Check out the speak-easy next door, which you can access through a secret entrance hidden behind a bookshelf. It adds an element of excitement and mystery to the dining experience, making it all the more memorable.

From the moment I walked in, it was evident that Xolo is a fun place with surprises. The fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisines showcases the creativity and passion of the chefs. The friendly and attentive staff ensured every customer had a memorable dining experience.

If you're in Flint, Michigan, and looking for a truly unique and inspiring culinary adventure, I highly recommend visiting this Mexican restaurant for their Birria Ramen. The flavors, textures, and surprises will captivate your senses and leave you craving more. It's a testament to the endless possibilities when different culinary traditions come together to create something extraordinary.

Santa Ramen

If you're in the mood for some warm and comforting ramen, Santa Ramen is definitely worth checking out. On a cold and rainy day, Eric and I stumbled upon this restaurant and were pleasantly surprised by the spacious and retro Japanese decor. One of the posters on the wall even showcased the various ways to enjoy ramen, which was a nice touch.

The menu boasted a range of mouthwatering ramen bowls, from pork cheek to stewed pork belly. However, what caught my eye was the softshell crab ramen. At $18.50, it was a bit pricier than some of the other options, but it was worth every penny. The bowl was filled with half-boiled egg, corn, bamboo shoots, wakame, fried garlic, and roasted seaweed, and all the ingredients worked together in perfect harmony.

The service was also top-notch, with the staff being friendly and attentive throughout our meal. Overall, I would highly recommend Santa Ramen to anyone looking for a delicious bowl of ramen, whether it's a cold and rainy day or not. The food is simply too good to pass up.

Saikai Ramen Bar

Eric and I recently visited Saikai Ramen Bar in Los Angeles, CA, and were blown away by their Gyukotsu bowl. We decided to add the Miyazaki A5 Wagyu ribeye cap for an extra $15, and it was worth every penny. The creamy and delicious broth was made from 36-hour beef marrow, shredded brisket, seasoned shiitake, green onion, and mirepoix oil. Every spoonful was breathtakingly delicious, and I found myself taking additional sips until the very last drop of broth was gone and all the wagyu beef melted from my mouth.

In addition to the ramen, we also ordered the chicken karaage, which was cooked to perfection, and crispy lotus chips that complemented our meal perfectly. While the dining area was a bit small, it's to be expected in Los Angeles. The minimalistic décor gave the restaurant a modern vibe, which added to the overall experience. Definitely try to get here early because parking is very limited.

I enjoyed the meal so much that he finished the bowl to the very last drop and we plan on coming back again soon. Saikai Ramen Bar is definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for a great bowl of ramen in Los Angeles.

Fukuryu Ramen

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Fukuryu, a ramen restaurant located in Ohio. The restaurant had a cozy and relaxed atmosphere, with friendly staff and an open kitchen concept.

I decided to try their signature dish, the Tonkotsu Ramen Bowl, which was priced at $15. The bowl arrived in front of me, and I could immediately tell that it was going to be a delicious experience. The ramen had very thin slices of braised pork belly, bamboo shoots, and wood ear mushrooms. The broth was very light and enjoyable, with a salt base that was not too creamy, making it perfect for those who prefer a less rich ramen.

One of the unique things about Fukuryu was the diversity of the staff. The team seemed to come from a range of different backgrounds, which added to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of the restaurant. As I enjoyed my meal, I could hear the staff members conversing and sharing stories about their lives. It was truly a heartwarming experience.

Overall, I would highly recommend Fukuryu to anyone who loves ramen or wants to try it for the first time. The food was fantastic, and the staff was friendly and welcoming. I will definitely be visiting this restaurant again in the future

Signature Tonkotsu

Delicious and Savory!

Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles

With the cold weather in Minnesota, we decided to travel out west for ramen to Los Angeles. It’s been a while since we last visited the Golden State where the ramen scene is forever changing. This time our research brought us to a ramen joint in Sawtelle Japantown (formerly known as Little Osaka) in West L.A. called Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles. Their signature dish is the Tsukemen ramen or “dipping ramen” but they are also known for their Tonkotsu ramen. When we arrived at Tsujita there was already a line of people outside hoping to land a spot at the ramen bar or a table, which got us excited because we felt we were in for a treat! We threw our names on the waiting list, peeked at the menu to pre-plan which ramen bowls to order, and observed the reactions of the customers leaving the restaurant. We were soon to be enlightened by the restaurant’s motto, “The ‘Taste’ creates ‘Bond’ of people, that is Tsujita’s belief.”

We got seated at the bar. Tsujita gives you the option of choosing between soft, medium or hard noodles (hard noodles = al dente). Their noodles are not made on site and instead are prepared by Sun Noodles. We ordered the Cha Siu Tonkotsu Ramen and the Killer Tonkotsu Ramen (spicy). The Killer Tonkotsu came with three tender pork belly slices, green scallions, nori, black fungus, and red chili peppers. The spice level was just right so if you’re in the mood for spicy ramen, we highly recommend trying the Killer Tonkotsu. The Cha Siu Tonkotsu had a rich, salty pork flavor but with a bit too much green onions. We enjoyed the soft boiled egg served warm. Overall, great atmosphere with modern décor, friendly wait staff, and well crafted ramen bowls.

Ajiichi Ramen

At the city of Danang in Vietnam, we came across a Japanese Ramen Shop called Ajiichi. This Ramen joint known for making their own noodles caught our attention. Walking towards the restaurant you will notice that the decor resembles that of a Japanese ramen restaurant and had this fargrant pork broth smell that tantalizes each nostril when you breath in. We didn’t realize it when we first arrived here that the owner/chef of this restaurant was from Tokyo Japan. This delighted us as we sunk our heads into our ramen bowls to get a good whiff of that shoyu broth as it arrived to our table.

Our first impressions were positive. The shoyu bowl we ordered came with bean sprouts, green onion, fish cake, hard boil egg and pork belly. For the price of about 120,000 Vietnamese dongs that is equivalent to about five US dollars. The price of this delicious soup makes for a nice treat and affordable meal in Vietnam. If you happen to visit Danang, Vietnam check out Ajiichi for a good bowl of ramen.

 

Man VS Food - Minneapolis, MN

On January 30th, 2018 we were invited to be on set the filming of The Travel Channel’s Man Vs Food!  We were among the crowd cheering on Casey Webb whose lead role in the show combines the passion for food with huge appetite challenges!  The challenge in this episode was to engulf a fully loaded, 2.5 foot banh mi sandwich from Lu’s Sandwiches (Minneapolis, MN). The caveat?  It had to be done within 30 minutes!! The energy, excitement and confidence Casey brought to the restaurant was definitely contagious.  You can see us up front and center!!  We are not going to spoil the results for you so check us out!!  See how Casey did by clicking the following link below!!

Man Vs Food

Ramen Parlor

Pictured: Pork Tan Tan Men (red-chili oil) - with three extra quail eggs

Pictured: Classic Ramen Pork Flavor with kikurage mushrooms (medium spicy)

Traveling by car to San Francisco from Los Angeles can be exhausting. As we juggled between traffic and the slippery road conditions due to the rain, we eventually made a pit stop at San Mateo, CA.  Luckily, Eric’s cousin lives there, so we made a visit to see her and the family (kids were adorable, I might add). Naturally, after we left the house, we decided to make another stop at a ramen joint in San Mateo.  I mean, what's more appealing than a bowl of ramen on a rainy, 50 degrees night?  Initially, we wanted to go to Ramen Dojo, but they were closed by the time we arrived. "On to plan B," we said, which was Ramen Parlor down the road.

One of the things that caught our attention right away was their large, vibrant glowing sign outside the joint.  Another attention grabbing feature was their HUGE parking lot, a bonus especially in California!  As we sat down, the interior of the place reminded us of a typical ramen establishment -- small and quaint with limited seating.  Instead of ordering my usual tonkotsu ramen bowl, I was feeling a bit audacious. One of the ramens I decided to try was the Pork Tan Tan Men (red-chili oil). A little background information on the Pork Tan Tan Men. It is based on the traditional Chinese noodle dish from the Sichuan province known as Dan Dan noodles or Dan Dan Mien.  The Japanese calls this noodle dish Pork Tan Tan Men.  Characteristically, it comes with ground pork, large greens, and is known to be on the spicier side.  Based on my first impressions looking down at the bowl, their version of the Pork Tan Tan Men highlighted all the key elements I mentioned above. As I took several sips of the broth, I noticed the spice immediately that usually is not present in a tonkotsu broth. The chasu (pork belly) was marinated and cooked well.  I just wished it wasn’t so thin. I really enjoyed the vegetables included with the ramen -- shitake mushrooms, baby bok choy and bean sprouts (although I could've done without the bean sprouts). The two highlights of the bowl came down to the noodles and the half-boiled flavored egg. The noodles were cooked with the right consistency and balance as with the flavored egg which was not served cold! I was also impressed how quickly the bowl landed on our table after we ordered. For $11.95, the Pork Tan Tan Men will not break the bank but it is priced a tad higher compared to some of the other ramen joints on the West Coast.  One recommendation I have is to be cautious on the level of spice you select from the menu.  Their ‘mild spice' will send you fanning your mouth after your first sip of the broth!  You have been warned!

Other notes: For the classic ramen, the broth was a medium pork broth, not too salty, good flavor profile.  There is an option to get the broth mild, medium or extra spicy.  Would suggest mild spicy if there is a preference for a kick to the broth because the medium spicy level already took the attention away from the flavor profile of the broth.  Pork belly was excellently marinated and tender, but the reason for the lower rating is the slices were very, very thin.  We would prefer to have the ramen without the spinach and bean sprouts.  The soft egg was not cold which was a bonus.  Priced at $10.75.  Add extra pork belly for $2 (1 piece).