Not in Sync with Tampopo...
I really want to like this restaurant. I really do. The staff are so friendly, the decor is funky and I like Santouka's other locations in California.
After 2 visits, I conclude that it does not stack up to the Santouka brand nor even the other locals like Sansotei.
My first visit: had the Shio Ramen.
My second visit: had the Toroniku Shio Ramen.
Noodles were rough, lacking elasticity. May have been instant noodles. Having the Shio stock I wanted the original clean taste without the heavy pork etc. Instead the stock was not delicate but cloudy and greasy.
The Pork Jowls in the Toroniku were the most choice cut. Unfortunately, it was over-salted and stale.
Overall, I am saddened and was hoping to find another favorite place for quick meals.