"Menya Goku in North Center is Wasabi's sister restaurant where the main draw is their tantanmen. Their take on this ramen (whose origins are rooted in the Sichuan province of China) is a nutty and savory pork broth spiced with tingly peppercorns. It’s also loaded with thin noodles, bok choy, tender menma, and nikumiso ground pork that's full of umami. Their brightly lit dining room is small and narrow, with mainly counter seats and small booths. It’s ideal for a solo meal on an April evening—because Chicago "spring" is basically just an extension of winter." - john ringor