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| - Only star deduction because of the "waiting" line set-up. Went there during lunch and it gets crowded. It feels especially crowded when you enter and there are people standing there waiting to be seated. Not much room to spread out. Either you felt you were going to almost sit at people waiting for take-out or diners at the counters. Back-up a bit more and you are at the kitchen. Customers waiting to be seated didn't know where to line up or put their names down for the wait. Perhaps they can have a "hostess podium" outside before you even enter the space. Would help with crowding at the entrance and not make it awkward when patrons are trying to get out of the restaurant.
FOOD! ok, now to the important part. Had the rice crispy squares as appetizers. DEF. WOW! yes, i know how to make spicy tuna poke at home, but how do I get my rice to stay square and crisp without burning them dry? I highly recommend this as an appetizer. My coworker who I went with had the Tori Kara Age (crispy chicken) these were good too, I was expecting something like bonchon, but these were boneless pieces, with a sweet glaze and a spicy chili dip! very good too.
We sat outside - it was a bit chilly, but nice in the sun and we planned on having ramen anyways and it would keep us warm. We both had the Tonkotsu ramen and it was delicious. Arranged nicely, served not too hot you burn yourself. Noodles tasted freshly made and the pork belly was done right. I wasn't able to finish my soup because of the appetizer. Being new to Charlotte, this will def. be my go to ramen place as it's just down the block from my office!
Because it was a bit chilly, I didn't get to try their deserts. Next time for sure! I want that soft serve.
Staff was friendly and quick. Just a little confused on how to seat the incoming lunch crowd. Would be nice if they communicated "pick-ups here, people waiting to be seated here, people to put name on list here" again as noted in my intro, if people can be caught before entering the small indoor waiting area, by having a podium outside. Perfect crowd control solution!
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