Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Tokyo Ramen Show 2010

Ramen Show 2010

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I've heard that the annual Ramen Show in Komazawa Park draws a crowd, but this was ridiculous.

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I arrived at noon, with exactly 3 hours to eat before I had to be somewhere. I can eat 4 bowls in that time. I can try at least.

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First up with a collaboration between Keisuke and TETSU, 2 of my favorite shops. The show was all about collaborations. Almost all of the 30 or so booths were mash ups of top shops from around the country.

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Being opening day, the news reporters were in full force.

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Japanese lobster from Keisuke, and fish from TETSU.

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It was ok, but tasted a lot like what you get at the Tokyo Station shop. Total time in the line - about 30 minutes.

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Congratulations SF Giants.

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While in the next line, Keizo brought by some Taishoken. Solid.

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I figured I'd go for a miso. What better than one from Saitama. Here's where I started in line just before 1:00.

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Here's where I got to by 2:45. It took almost 2 hours to move halfway in line. And the line was even longer when I gave my leftover tickets to my friends and went on my way.

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So be warned, this event is absurd. I left after having a bowl in 3 hours. This was a national holiday, so Thursday and Friday should be a little better. Unfortunately, I don't think I can make it back, Komazawa is a little out of my way.

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I don't know if I enjoy these ramen events, to be honest. I've never had a stellar bowl at one, and eating ramen out of a plastic bowl in a crowded park isn't much of an adventure in my opinion. Maybe I'm just jaded after today.

If it rains this weekend I'll go back though.

1 comment:

Al said...

No, you are correct. Sounds kind of like a festival concert. While they sound great on paper, more of a good thing--oh boy!, good things are actually better in smaller, intimate venues.