rev:text
| - ***I'd give this place 3.5 stars if I could!***
As I opened the door, the delicious scent of ramen wafted into my nose. I waited 15mins for a table, watching people slurp down their noodles as I slurped down my saliva in anticipation.
The service and ambiance were great. It was warm, cozy, we'll ventilated, and filled with people. Looking around, there is a sign on the wall that proudly states that they make their noodles, gyoza, ground pork and Takoyaki in house.
True enough, I was seated beside a staff member who was painstakingly hand-folding gyoza. So mesmerizing to watch, really makes you appreciate the time it takes to make vs. eat one.
I was captivated by the King of Ramen bowl. With a name like that, it sounded decadent. I had to have it. It was interesting, different from any other ramen I've ever had. It tasted like a korean fusion ramen, as the spicy, red broth was wok-fried with ground pork/mushrooms/beansprouts/carrots/green onion - very similar to the veggy mix you might see accompanying a teriyaki dish. I think that this is the netsu ramen ($9.95), but for $3 more, the "King" comes with chasiu x 3, half an egg, one slice of fishcake, bamboo shoots and seaweed. I wonder if the taste of this dish was influenced by the fact that this franchise is Korean-run. In hindsight, I wish I'd examined the menu more thoroughly (too hungry!), and perhaps ordered a more traditional ramen to properly review this place as the tonkotsu, shio and shoyu broth bases were also available.
I am on the hunt for the perfect Takoyaki, just like in Osaka. Since they make their own, I had to try it. It came with 6 pieces, a nice share plate appy. I'd have to say that the skin was thicker/denser than I liked and the tako a bit small, but big props to it being handmade!
|