A new experience with a friend who has a pretty tame palate - we found a place that worked for both of us!
I ordered the pork cutlet ramen, she ordered the corn and pork ramen. We shared an order of spring rolls.
The only odd thing really was the spring rolls arriving after we were already into our ramen - and they were so insanely hot we couldn't really eat them for another 5 - 10 minutes.
The ramen broth was terrific - my pork cutlet was perfectly prepared - crispy, not dry. Just the right amount of ramen noodles for me. I may have overdone it with the fried garlic shaker but oh so tasty with some garlic added to the bowl. The chili powder on the table could have had a bit more bite ... but it was too hot for my friend. She found her ramen just right - she enjoyed all of the ingredients which is a great sign!
The jasmine tea was just right on a snowy day.
Service was fast and friendly. The manager was also friendly and helpful when we had questions about the food and the display of bowls (they replace all of the bowls every year - there is a display of about 20 of the bowls they've used in past years). The sumo wrestler mural is fun and you have to love pink chairs that look a bit like they have handbag handles.
We'll be back.
A great place to have a comforting bowl of ramen on a snowy, slushy Spadina day.
(oh - the bathrooms are clean, though the stairs going down could use some attention)