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| - Monta... I could rival Neruda with all the love poems I'd write about you.
Like most relationships though, our initial encounter was not ideal, at least on my part. I think it was because this was my first time trying "authentic" Japanese ramen, so I wasn't sure what to expect and left feeling unsure. However, our bond has solidified and deepened with each visit, each more yearning and wanting than the last.
Tonkotsu-Shoyu ramen is my favorite ramen, and I like to relish it with most of the condiments they offer. The pork belly bowl is both sweet and savory. The gyoza is delicious, the pork inside perfectly cooked and rich. Thankfully they don't mark up their canned drinks too much so a party of 2 could get away with 2 ramen bowls and 2 drinks and the bill will come to $20, not including tip.
If you come here in the summer months, prepare to deal with stifling heat. Monta is so small and doesn't have the best air conditioning to battle the heat and since the place is packed all the time, it will definitely get stuffy. A bowl of hot ramen is more enticing in the cooler months. But no matter what time you visit, prepare to wait anywhere from 5-30 minutes for seating. Tables are of course preferable since they're more private and have more room, but you'll wait longer for one. The bar is great too.
Be prepared to get "hurried" in and out because as soon you're seated, your order will be taken and as soon it looks like you're done with your meal, waitresses will zip over and offer to take your bowl in a hurry to get the waiting guests seated. This isn't an ideal place to take your time chit-chatting with a friend for a long period. It IS a great place to get full on rich ramen and then be on your way to your next outing or errand.
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