Marilu F.
Yelp
Doesn't look like much from the outside, but upon entering your eyes will pop out in shock at the resplendent ramen bar, vibrant wall décor, and tables seemingly made out of bamboo.
Passed by with my cousin after visiting an aunt of ours in the area. We figured we'd check out the foodie scene and this is what entranced us. Or specifically me and I just happened to drag her along, haha.
When we arrived, there was only one other patron, sitting down and happily slurping away at her ramen. By the time we paid and were leaving, the lunch crowd had come in. I guess we beat the rush and brought them business. Who knows?
Given it being our first time at this location (and certainly not the last if I have anything to say about it), we asked our waitress plenty of questions. We were so grateful for her. I'm just saddened that I forgot to ask for her name. She provided exemplary customer service.
We ordered four dishes:
1) Edamame: Given starvation, we chose two appetizers. This was the first of two. We inhaled these. They were promptly made, fresh, and they were seasoned just right. That last bit in particular stands out as my cousin is notoriously picky with seasonings.
2) Okonomiyaki: Second of the two appetizers. This is essentially a Japanese pancake. I've had this before and I adore it. On seeing it, I had to have it, and on witnessing the patron nearby eating it, well that merely confirmed it. One of the better ones I've had, and more so, my cousin tried it and enjoyed it. Score.
3) Shrimp Tempura Udon Noodle Soup: My cousin's entree. They brought the shrimp tempura separate. Perfect for picky eaters. Not to mention that they gave her the option of whether to keep the udon noodles or go for thinner ones. She was pleased with her dish.
4) Aka Hinageshi Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen with Hana's Spicy Red Sauce: My entree. I was between this and another spicy ramen dish. Chose this based on the waitress' suggestion and it didn't disappoint. I admittedly could've used more spice, but I opted not to given the drive I had back and frankly I didn't want to tempt the fates. The egg, the seaweed, the pork melded well together. I only wish I had gotten more pork slices.
All in all, this was a winner. It made for a memorable occasion. Definitely deserves all the praise it has gotten. Surprising tidbit about the location upon my conversation with the waitress - they've only been around for two years. Gasp, I know. I was shocked, but somehow they have survived all this pandemic insanity, and well, with just tasting a dish you can easily see why. Will recommend heavily to anyone visiting the area.