Charles T.
Yelp
If you told me 15 years ago that the Water Gap Diner would be serving Ramen and brewing their own sake in the future, I'd have laughed. I'm glad I didn't know what was coming, it would have taken away from the shock of it all. Sango Kura is something I needed, without knowing how badly I wanted it. Traveling 2 hours for Ramen is a thing of the past. Getting a plate of hot, delicious noodles locally is a reality now. Did I mention they brew their own Sake?!
My buddy Jake accompanied me for this trip as he was a seasoned veteran of the Water Gap Japanese delights and I needed some guidance...and a night hanging out with a great friend. He is also a Sake drinker, which helped as well. I typically am not much of a sake guy myself, but I was intrigued looking at this menu. They had a sake that was aged in Bourbon barrels. Bourbon...is something I do. A lot. This tasted nothing like any Sake I've ever had before, in a very good way. I ended up having 3 glasses. I nearly bought a bottle to take home, and will definitely be doing so in the near future.
For an appetizer (on Jake's suggestion) I went with the "Tako Yaki". These were basically just a ball of octopus that had been battered and had some sauces and some bonito flakes on it. I am always weary when ordering octopus dishes out...any duration too long and you've got yourself a goodyear appetizer. These were excellent. Soft and the octopus was a bit firm with great flavor. The sauces played well off of this and the bonito flakes were a fun dancing addition to the dish. Would absolutely order these again.
For the entrée, now that I've talked about ramen 15 times...I didn't get ramen. The "Yaki Meshi" just caught too much of my attention for me to ignore my urges. This fried rice dish (enough rice to feed 3 people honestly) had cabbage, mushrooms, pork, and a fried egg. I ordered it extra spicy and it was just spicy enough to make me happy, but nothing overbearing at all. Another dish I'd certainly re-visit, but I do believe next time in I must try the ramen. Of course the time after that I'll need to try the Yaki Soba. Seems as though I have a lot of trips planned out.
Sango Kura, zero doubt about it, Delaware Water Gap, PA - Didn't Suck!