Saturday, December 25, 2010

Happy Holidays from Ramen Adventures

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At the annual Mitaka Wish Tree, can you spot my wish? Its pretty simple, and I'd wager that it has a chance of success about as close to 100% as you could get.

2010 was an amazing year for ramen. Thank you to everyone who read this site, met up for noodles in Tokyo, gave me suggestions, and included me in their own ramen adventures.

ごちそうさまでした!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

ZOOT (Zoot in Hamamatsucho)

Zoot

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There's been bit of a trend in ramen recently. Hip bistros that serve drinks and snacks at night have been making ramen during the day. This is a great idea, though the inevitable return trip for a night of wine and yakitori tends to be a bit of a shock on the wallet.

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Zoot fits the bill, with comfortable seats, mood lighting, and fine wine. But you came here for the ramen, no?

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As with most trendy shops these days, its simple and good. The soup is full of fat bits and umami.

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I'd like to come back some evening, the wine is enticing.

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Tuesday, December 21, 2010

松風 (Matsukaze in Akihabara)

秋葉らーめん 松風

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I spilled a beer on my keyboard, rendering it useless. This meant that the next days adventure would be into the heart of Akihabara, the electronic district of the city.

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I set the bar low for this shop, even though Matsukaze is in every ramen magazine and book, usually near the front. Akihabara isn't known for it's good food. Maid cafes, 7-story robot stores, and Ferraris decorated with anime decals - yes. Great noodles - no.

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Then I had a taste. This is an excellent bowl. Unexpected.

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The shop blends a typical fish and pork broth with a vegetable puree. The result is a thick, rich, and maybe even healthy bowl of ramen.

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Like I said, a big surprise. The location is down a nondescript alley along a street reserved for discount computer supplies. And if you are in the same boat as me, you'll be happy to know that there is a store about a minute away from Matsukaze selling nothing but keyboards.