Silverlake Ramen

"This ramen chain from Los Angeles has locations all over the country, including this one in Midtown. And accordingly, the dining room looks like a snapshot from a corporate overlord’s vision board. The ramen, which makes up the majority of their menu, is an unenthusiastic copy-and-paste as well. If you are here for a quick ramen lunch, get the Shoyu on Fire. It's the best option because the chicken stock broth is a little spicy and there’s a hint of lime flavor. Otherwise, skip these bowls of mildly flavored broth and stick to the slightly better appetizers like crispy rice topped with spicy tuna or a pork bun stuffed with chunks of pork belly and a nice hoisin mayo. Food Rundown photo credit: Juli Horsford Shoyu On Fire Like we said, this is the best of the ramen options here. Lime and jalapeño give this noodle bowl some character, so you don't have to doctor it much. Classic None of the meats are standouts in the ramen, but avoid the pork on this one because it’s tough. The pork stock broth isn’t creamy or watery, just kind of an in between “meh” with little flavor. Edamame One of the safest orders here, which should mean something. photo credit: Juli Horsford Crispy Rice With Spicy Tuna This is exactly what it sounds like. The crispy rice squares have a nice kick from the thick jalapeño slice on top, and then the avocado slice cools things off. photo credit: Juli Horsford Pork Bun The buns are another safe bet. This pork belly is cooked the way it should be (tender) and has a nice hoisin mayo to keep things moist." - Juli Horsford