15462 S. Western Ave. #102
Gardena, CA 90249
(310) 323-7882
Tozai Plaza
I first met Tajima-san (the original owner) shortly before he closed the Rowland Heights Tampopo earlier this year. As we talked, he acknowledged the public's familiarity with Tampopo, the movie, and confessed his desire to build a franchise of Tampopo restaurants along the West Coast. After first opening this Gardena location, he went on to open three more in Costa Mesa, Irvine, and the aforementioned Rowland Heights. Sadly, those three are now closed and this last remaining Tampopo is owned and operated by somebody else.
What I'm about to say next might irk Tajima-san (and others), but I hope he gets to read this so he understands the reality of what's going on. The Gardena Tampopo is not at all living up to the aging movie. In fact, it may be tarnishing the name instead. Soon enough, Tampopo Ramen will no longer be associated with a wonderful movie, but with a bad taste in one's mouth. I hate to say it, but that's the truth. Tajima-san, please come back and open YOUR Tampopo before it becomes too late...onegai!!
Tampopo Ramen: Supposedly a tonkotsu base, this Tampopo Ramen tasted only like pepper. Honestly, I couldn't taste much else. It wasn't creamy, it wasn't rich, and it definitely wasn't very good.
The menma was from a can (I think I have some in my cupboard) and the chashu was borderline nasty. I swear, the scab on my knee probably tastes better.
I think I've said enough. This will be my last review for 2008. The next post will be what you all have been waiting for... |^o^|
Keizo, Stop wasting your money on this c*@ppy ramen and come back to Tokyo. Your tastebuds and gut are being wasted on this sewer water filled with toxic waste. That Tampopo ramen looks like the runoff from my neighbor's garbage can. BTW, I'm going to talk to Inomata-san this week. I'll let you know what he says. The guest room is nice and ready for you and Jade and Ruby say they're going to sleep in Uncle's bed with you.
ReplyDeleteHi Keizo,
ReplyDeleteOuch! :( I could feel your pain just by looking at the pictures. That's some bad, bad looking Ramen. My condolences.
@anonymous: Thx bro! Have fun in Kawaguchiko!
ReplyDelete@Exile Kiss: Thanks. It was pretty painful.
it's sad to see restaurant go under. i feel their pain!
ReplyDeleteI'm *still* mad that Tampopo took over Surugaji @ the Costa Mesa Yaohan all those years ago!
ReplyDeleteHi Keizo,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are telling it from your heart. The truth always sting, but hey...it's still the honest truth.
Ditto on the ouch!