A new month...

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Day 303:

Equals new money. Yes, payday is finally here. Time to go get a haircut! True, I could probably shave my head on my own, but it's always more fun hanging out at the local barber shop.

The Bush was calling. I was actually in the mood for some Hiyashi Chuuka, but they were all out for the day so I decided to go with the Moyashi Soba. I'll stick to the regular ramen next time.

The half-size gyoza is a great filler.

Today marks Boom's 5th full day and I must say he is catching on quick. All the better since Komuro-san is anxiously awaiting her last day. Btw, Bassanova turns 8 this month. Expect some sort of celebration in a couple weeks. I'll also be heading to Kyoto for a few days this weekend to work on a secret project. Haha...jk. I'm just going to do what I always do, hang out and eat ramen.

I'm not sure how to say this, but some unforeseen circumstances may be arising on the horizon. It's unsure how much longer I can continue this selfish dream of mine...

Slowing down...

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Day 302:

Okay, I think I need to take it a little slow today. Needless to say, last night was again one of those nights. I needed a cure. The Chinese restaurant down the street always seems to do the trick. This time I ordered the Canton Ramen. Thank you.

Being in the lazy mood that I was, I forced myself to get into work a little early. And since I was early, I decided to make my own shoyu-dare from scratch. It was okay. Paired with the tonkotsu soup, it kinda reminded me of Wakayama-style. Hmm...I could be on to something.

Shuga then proceeded to make his signature chinjaorosu. This seriously needs to be put on the menu. It contains our menma and our chashu so it's unlike any other chinjaorosu you've probably had.

Let's get big boss on the phone...

Bullseye...

Monday, August 30, 2010

Day 301:

At 11am my doorbell rang and woke me up from a deep sleep. I thought I was dreaming, but when I opened the door it was the mailman with a package of...homemade cookies!! Hellll yeah! After joking around with Allison from Sushiday on twitter, saying that I wanted to try her homemade cookies and that she should send me some, she actually did! Allison you rock!! This is gonna be a great day.

Soon after ingesting half the cookies for breakfast, I headed out to Komagome to try Nishio (西尾中華そば), a shop that Brian raves about and one that's been on my list for quite some time.

At first glance, it's simple. The way a 'chuuka soba' should be. But that ordinary first sip gains momentum into an extraordinary last sip. The way every 'great chuuka soba' is. It began a little too sweet, but soon blossomed into a full flavored bowl.

The maize flour-laced noodles were great, but I would have loved something a little thicker with this soup. Anyway, if Nishio is alright with B, then Nishio is alright with me.

The buta-don is great too.

And this is how the rest of my day off went. As I left my apt, I was sent off by my favorite neighborhood cat (still haven't decided on a name).

A quick stop to play with my nieces and their new dog, then I was off to have dinner...

...with her. It's been over two months since I've had a normal night alone with her and it felt good to catch up over some tasty food at a Showa-themed izakaya.

Cheese-wrapped bacon is always a must-order.

No, she is not my girlfriend, but I will still only refer to her as 'her.' It's a long story. Anyway, I tried to take her picture and this was the best I could do.

After dinner it was off to this quirky bar that only deserved our company for one drink. In other words, it sucked.

But right around the corner there was an awesome darts bar where we ended up staying until 3am. I thought I was pretty good.

But she kicked my ass.

The shop manager then provided us with some free passion...fruit, that is.

Now that's some nice form...

After dropping her off, it was time for a Shuga-Boom reunion.

Alright, I'm tired. I'm going home. お疲れ！

300...

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Day 300:

As I planned to lead 300 ramen-hungry soldiers through the battle fields of over a million or so ramen shops in Japan, I looked behind me and there was no one there. They all succumbed to the beat of a drum. Oh well, I still got you guys right?

I was stuck riding around Sasazuka at probably one of the worst times of the day. The time where all the good ramen shops close between lunch and dinner (nakajime). And as much as I didn't want to go to Nagahama-ya (博多ラーメン 長浜や), I ended up desperately entering for a slurp.

What surprised me most as I sat down was the all Chinese staff. Not that I really cared about it (I mean I'm an American working in a Tokyo ramen shop), but it just felt...different.

I ordered the Tokusei Tsukemen and after one slurp I wanted to retreat.

Disappointment was an understatement because I didn't really have any expectations in the first place.

The egg wasn't even hanjuku! So to prevent further damage to my already overworked fingers, I will stop from describing this tsukemen any further.

Time for a cleanse! Ahhh..now that's more like it.

Brian was in the house tonight and quickly became friends with these hardcore Hanshin Tigers fans just by saying, "I hate the Giants!"

Go Swallows!

Oh brother...

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Day 299:

I slept for as long as I could today. And when I awoke, I felt like hangin' with the brothers...the Nakata Brothers (中田兄弟).

I was in the mood for some anago-laced tsukemen.

Indeed this tsukemen was a treat. Slightly sweet, but strong enough to make your tonsils retreat. The tsukemen is definitely better than the ramen here.

The noodles are from Mikawaya Seimen so we all know that they're good. They are the fat hirauchi type. 4 minutes and 40 seconds.

The sweetest part of all was the kakuni chashu in the tsukedare.

Inspired, I decided to take some of Shuga's kakuni and blend it with our tondaku wadashi ramen. Woah!

Woah!!