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2016-08-23
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I went to Ichiran on a Sunday around 12:30 expecting that the lines wouldn't be crazy on a weekend. Boy was I wrong, it was like a half an hour wait. They kind of have people managing the line, but sometimes those people wander off and confusion reigns. Several people ahead of us when we got to the front of the line walked into the restaurant because there was literally no one there and no sign or other indication that one was just supposed to stand 6 feet away from the door until.... what? Some
They kind of have people managing the line, but sometimes those people wander off and confusion reigns. Several people ahead of us when we got to the front of the line walked into the restaurant because there was literally no one there and no sign or other indication that one was just supposed to stand 6 feet away from the door until.... what? Someone comes out to get you? How are you supposed to know that?
Anyway, after you get through the line there's an indoor line you have to wait in. At least it's air conditioned. They give you an order form and you select your ramen. I got:
Flavor strength: medium
Richness: medium
Garlic: 1 clove
Green onion: (white) green onion
Sliced pork: with
Spice level: 2
Noodle texture: firm
Extras: kikurage mushrooms, seaweed ($12 ea.)
Drink: ramune
One thing I couldn't quite figure out was the "Green onion" category. You got three choices: "without", "(white) green onion," and "green onion." Now, I understand "without," that one is self-explanatory. But what if you want the white and green parts of the green onion? Does "green onion" mean "(green) green onion" or "(white and green) green onion"? Or can you circle both "(white) green onion" and "green onion"? Maybe the Chinese characters make this clearer.
Here's the ramune. Apparently 'ramune' is 'lemonade' rendered in Japanese phonology. This particular beverage was more akin to Irn Bru, the Scottish soda that tastes like bubblegum. Recommended for highlanders and children.
The first thing I noticed about the ramen was that they didn't put the seaweed I ordered on it. Same for my wife. They tried to charge us for it at the end (and I mean, $12 for ocean weed, not cheap), but I made them take it off the bill. Not an auspicious start.The broth was opaque and noticeably more oily than my wife's broth, since she only got light richness, so that choice does make a difference. I think the light actually might be the better option.
The noodles were firm-ish, but I might go with extra firm if I came again. I know you're supposed to slurp them down really quick, but I'm just not a champion noodle-slurper yet, so I need more time.
Spice level 2 is noticeable but not taxing. If you wanted spicy, I'd recommend going higher, though this is good for casual zing, and ramen isn't really associated with really spicy broth.
Garlic-wise, one clove, which is the highest you can go without them putting it on the side, seemed to impart a good bit of garlicky flavor without being too much. I think this was the right choice (for me, at least).
There were two thin slice of pork. They were quite tender, while still having some meaty toothsomeness, and not a ridiculous amount of fat on them.
Ultimately, it was a real good bowl of soup. I wish I'd gotten my seaweed, because it was lacking in vegetables, and I'm not quite sure it's worth a half hour wait, but I could see coming here during off-hours, if ever I had cause to eat then. Some reviewers say it's not as good as the stuff in Japan. I wouldn't know, I've only been to Japan once, and I didn't even eat tonkotsu ramen while I was there. But if you're not comparing it with anything, it's hard to knock what is, in fact, a pretty good bowl of soup.
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