いらっしゃいませ!

Welcome to my ramen dream... Currently being interpreted in Ramen Burger Land... Looking for a good slurp? Email me ! - Keizo

Monday, October 31, 2011

Bassaween 2011...

Day 727:

I recently got a message from Jordan (can't believe it's already been a year!) asking me what I thought about Suzuran (中華そば すずらん) in Shibuya.


I had never been to Suzuran, but have heard a lot about it so I promised Jordan I'd go check it out.


Although it's called Chuukasoba Suzuran, the tsukesoba/tsukemen seemed to be the main here. It looked like the most popular was miso, but I chose to go with shoyu.


The noodles were definitely nice and there are also a few different types to choose from. I just went with the standard.


The soup was good, but it reminded me a lot like HIT. I bet there's some type of relation somewhere. Anyway, aside from the kimchi-like aftertaste it was a decent tsukemen.


Happy Bassaween!!!


Yeah we just recycled the wigs from last year. Boring, I know, but the sudden increase in business didn't give us much time to plan something new. Anyway, I hope everyone had a nice Halloween!

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The power of Kentarou...

Day 726:

If I thought yesterday was crazy, today was even crazier. I can't remember the last time we had more than 5 people lining up outside before we opened. We had more customers in the first 30 minutes alone than all of last week's lunch shift. It was hectic, but Super Nobo and I got it done. Fun times!


And what are you looking at?


Between shifts I took a much needed nap and then stopped by Jake-san's for a bowl.


Today's total was 166 bowls served. It may not sound like a lot, but trust me that's normally unheard of at basa. おつかれさまです!

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Milk, junk, and mabo...

Day 725:

Milk is good for you. But milk seafood cup noodle?


Yes I tried it. It tasted like a cheesy chowder with bits of seafood dipped in milk. Not bad, but not my cup of noodle.


The lunch shift was crazy! Thankfully I had Nobo work with me cuz I would have died by myself.


Nobo had also brought me some take-home Junk Garage from his recent visit to the Tokyo Ramen Street.


This was some thick junk.


Basa Junk.


Just like the real thing.


In between shifts I had a craving for Mabo Ramen. Spice!


The night shift was just as crazy. There's definitely a power at work here.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Say yeah...

Day 724:

It's been awhile since I've gone to the gym, but after a quick workout this morning I happened to stumble upon the newest branch of Seiya (せい家 笹塚店) in Sasazuka. It's so new that it's not even listed in RDB. Anyway, Seiya is a chain of Iekei ramen shops throughout Tokyo. I've never been to any of them before, but I've heard good things.


And you can't go wrong with a female chef.


I wasn't really in the mood for Iekei (am I ever?), but Negi Ramen is their most popular so I decided to give it a shot.


I was wrong. She wasn't the chef. She was just assisting her husband. Surely that's more important to know than what I thought of the ramen. ;)


I don't think I can say yeah to Seiya, at least not this branch.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Persistance...

Day 723:

There's a reason I keep coming back to Ichifuku.


This Miso Pirikara Ramen is definitely worth it, but that's not why.


With this year marking their 22nd year in business, Ishida-san (the owner) is a master of her own imagination. Someday, I will beg for her help.


Basa ramped up again tonight. Is it really from TV? Anyway, I did have a chance to test a new tonkotsu ramen. Smooooth...


Our tonkotsu soup is f***ing legit!

Wonton crave...

Day 722:

Lately, I've been craving a lot of wontons.


Maybe cuz Paul was just in town.


Anyway, we broke a record for a Wednesday night. It wasn't crazy busy, but it never died down. There were some customers who came in from seeing basa on TV, but we couldn't really gauge if the increase was purely because of Kentarou.


Anyway, I tried making our TWS with a sample tare that I got from Noodle World.


Not bad! I almost couldn't tell the difference.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Arm exposure...

Day 721:

So today is the big day that Bassanova gets to be on TV.


Before our debut, I stopped by Ranchu to say wassup to my dreaded friend.


Oddly enough, I tasted clam in the soup. But when I asked him about it he told me that he doesn't use any clams.


Apparently when you boil niboshi for a long time it starts to taste like clam. Who knew?!


Action! My friend Mihoko was kind enough to invite us over to her place for a viewing party. Thanks Mihoko!


Damn, that looks good! Kentarou claims that when he gets a ramen craving, Bassanova is the only place he goes. Nice!


My arm!!! Haha. Initially, they were gonna feature a segment on me and my dream (no joke! the director spent an hour interviewing me and having me say lines into the camera), but then they just couldn't find a way to fit me into program. No worries, my arm was shown at least three times.


The after party was spent at an izakaya in Ebisu. (You guys made the blog! lol)


I think Ebisu will become our new hangout.


After a few drinks we walked across the way to Chuukasoba Kiwa.


The master remembered me and was so excited that I came back he gave us a free beer. And not just any beer. This was some premium ish.


Then he looks straight at Tak and says: "You look just like Abe Hiroshi."


Uuuuh...really?


The ramen was great, but I still think it could be stronger.


Kanshoku.


I have a feeling this week will be busy...

Monday, October 24, 2011

Wasting time...

Day 720:

While wasting my time in Shibuya, I found the perfect ramen for the occasion.


What's normally a club/live house at night is a ramen shop during lunch!


And it's run by Raku Raku (Wasted Time ~feat.楽々~)!


Tokusei Niku Niboshi Ramen.


Lately, it seems like a niku niboshi trend is booming. Anyway, this bowl tasted like a mild version of Nagi Golden Gai. It was great.


Time to work.


Check out my latest creation: Negi Tama Yabasugiru-don.


Shhh...it's only on the secret menu.