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| - We were really looking for an izakaya other than Ichiza but couldn't find one (it turns out we were looking for Yonaka but didn't know it), so decided to go to Hiromaru, which we had passed by many times and wanted to try. I loved the interior - simple modern setting that was bright but easy on the eyes - which was divided into 3 sections. When you walk in there is a bar-type area with tables in front. There is a framed division to the large room on the left, and then a room with large sliding doors that provide privacy for large parties. The Japanese server ladies were very pleasant and attentive, and that continued for the rest of the meal. Very nice experience.
We order 2 ramens. Shiroi Tonkatsu is a salt broth-based soup, and Kuroi Tonkatsu is a garlic and seafood salt broth. That's according to the menu, but honestly we didn't know what to expect. We also ordered a gyoza which was just okay. The two ramens, however, were probably the best Japanese ramens I've had in the U.S. The usual ramens have a soup taste that's fairly indistinct. It's one of those where you like it, but you don't really know why. But the two bowls here, had very distinctive taste that was highly satisfying. Shiroi had a distinctive garlic taste, and Kuroi had a mix of garlic and a toasty sesame seed-like flavor. Very different but both very good. The soups were a bit greasy, but that did not detract from the taste.
Having recently been to a couple of places in L.A. that I thought were very good - Jinya and Men Oh - I wasn't expecting much but came away with a place that others will have to try to beat.
Table-for-1 Factor: I think with the sizable bar area and the fact it is ramen, the set up is all there for you to enjoy Hiromaru on your own.
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