Ramen is an experience in Toronto that is getting more and more competitive by the hour. The race to make the best ramen in town is hot and I swear I'm at the heals of every restaurant opening, review and release. I want ramen like a sweat stain wants bleach (meaning I want it, don't need it to survive, but if I don't get it you might as well throw me out because I'm useless).
Okay, after a preface like that, lets talk about the ramen.
It's good. It's really good. The noodles are chewy and the broth is accommodating. But...there's a but... it's not the best in town.
Everyone talks about this pork jowl like its magic. Maybe I'm not sophisticated enough for it. I can't even write that last sentence without laughing.
They sat me at the ramen bar (thank you, I'm one person) but the service was slightly lacking. I was not asked if I wanted a drink, and when i finally wrangled one I had to wrangle a re-fill. I also had to wrangle my bill when I was done. So, basically, weird pork jowl and bad service.
Great noodles, great broth. But that doesn't make a great ramen joint.