Marie B.
Yelp
I have an immense backlog of Yelp reviews and can only manage consistent check-ins and photos to share with the Yelp universe. For fellow Yeeps who truly understand, know that I sincerely appreciate your support and signature vision on a daily basis.
I had just completed a regular road trip up to the Bow-Edison-Fairhaven area and was heading down I-5 South. On a spontaneous whim detoured and hopped a Mukilteo-Clinton ferry on 10/5/19, a lovely Saturday fall afternoon.
An earlier review from another well respected Yelper compelled me to visit Ultra House in Langley.
As a seasoned ferry day tripper I expected the crazy lines at the Mukilteo to Clinton route. Packed my patience because despite the late afternoon, I had eyes on the prize. Ramen from Ultra House. What I didn't realize is that they close between lunch and dinner service.
**always check Yelp or call business beforehand to avoid surprises and potential disappointment**
So after the requisite crowds, slow weekend drivers, praying for parking karma, I ran and not walked to Ultra House. Not because it was that good, it was because I was sliding in within the last hour of service. Managed to snag the last seat at the counter. Interior, vibe, and the packed restaurant had such promise.
Service was okay, but I can tell the waitstaff had a hectic day already. The kitchen staff were standoffish and stoic. Whatever. I had studied the menu earlier online, so I knew what I wanted. Time is ticking. Bring it on!
The anticipated wait. And wait. Given water. Given edamame.Tight quarters, so I cleared the counter off from diners to the bussing station to help out. Not a smile or a thank you. Still waiting. Other people waiting never seated, eventually left. Finally my order of Shoyu Ramen ($15 + tax/tip + cost of RT ferry fare) was served. All that patience and high expectation, took one spoonful and that culinary plane crashed and burned.
Nearly four months later from that visit I can still recall being so greatly disappointed. I held off reviewing because that particular Yelper had shouted its praises. But in light of recent events, I must do my due diligence and tell it like it is. This will be my one and only visit to Ultra House.
This underwhelming bowl did not dazzle my palate, spark joy, and if anything is f-ing pissing me off rekindling such a negative food memory. For that cost, such a sad small serving. Size and content was not representative of what was depicted and described on their menu. Items were missing and the integral broth was tepid and bland. But I let this pass because it was a 40 minute wait/15 minutes before closing, patience long ran out, hangry, and figured it was a one off anomaly. The ramen gods didn't bless me with a terrific encounter.
Frequent dining out has one of five hazards: food poisoning, contracting norovirus, Hepatitis A, crap service, or meh what a wasted overall effort. This was the latter. I made up for it walking the entire retail core of Langley, soaked in the sun, despite the brisk chill. At least the ferry ride wasn't a complete waste of time and money.
No to Ultra House. Two stars, one extra star for the weary waitperson who bothered to even acknowledge my presence.
Yes to a future Langley visit instead to Anthes Ferments, the former Kalakala for their memorable ramen.
Until I get to travel to Japan, here's my two recommendations for consistent, amazing, restorative ramen:
*Ramen Danbo on Capitol Hill in Seattle
*Marutama on Bidwell/Robson, West End in Vancouver, BC, Canada.
To the Freeland Yelper, I understand. Striking writing, stunning photography and candid DMs. Life is way too short, virtual wave from the rearview mirror.
Enough said. Time for ramen elsewhere! (2/11/20)