The tofu appetizer was pretty plain but still delicious if not for the fact that it's tofu that you can dress up with cucumber and various little toppings like green onion. Tofu from the pack is not that cheap either so this appetizer (which I believe is half a pack) was quite worth the price.
If I had been the one to order the Volcano Ramen, I would probably give Koraku a 3/5. The haphazardly thrown in vegetables just seemed so unappealing. I guess I had gotten used to eating ramen that only had the basics like nori and chashu. However, my best friend in middle school was Japanese and her mom would make ramen with the same haphazardly thrown in vegetables so that was a nostalgic twist.
It wasn't the vegetables that did me in, though. It was the broth. The spicy level of the Volcano Ramen was okay but it was just the type of spice that weirded me out. It tasted like it didn't belong in ramen but would rather be in some type of curry dish.
Why 4/5 stars then? The miso ramen! Whenever I try a new ramen place I always go with miso the first time I'm there. Now, I am a die-hard Monta fan but I think Koraku's miso ramen suits my taste just as well. It might not be as decadent and rich as Monta's but that is also where it shines. The chashu isn't as fatty but it still maintains its richness and texture. The broth was very yummy and not too heavy and the noodles were cooked just how a like it (okay maybe a tad too soft, but I always preferred firm noodles anyway).
Our waiter seemed somewhat shy or reluctant to be serving us though, as if he was forced into this job. Maybe he's just new?
On another note, the ice water here tasted really good and not like cheap tap. +1 for you, Koraku. I'd definitely come again for the miso.