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

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Trick or bush...

Day 1093:

No tricks here. Just The Bush.






Happy Halloween everyone! Not much excitement this year since we've been busy getting things back in order after NY. And unfortunately, no Bassaween this year either. Although a customer did forgot some maid outfits last week and Boom wanted to wear them today. I stopped him. You're welcome.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Tokyo Ramen Show 2012...

Day 1092:

It's that time of year again. This year's Ramen Show features 40 booths split into two weeks (20 per week) and today I caught the last day of the first week. Some of the booths were already sold out, but there were still plenty of ramen to be slurped on this Tuesday afternoon.


Without much time and only one stomach, I just set out try a ramen that looked good.


And Hachioji Ramen (八王子ラーメン) from the Tamagumi (多摩組) group stood out the most. 12 shops from around Tokyo collaborated on this ramen. And why did I pick a Tokyo ramen when there were so many others from around Japan?


Well, it looked good.


And it tasted good.


My second bowl was probably one of the more popular bowls of this year's show. Osaka Black (大阪ブラック) from King-emon (金久右衛門).


The line was long and it moved quick...


But the ramen was a little disappointing.


The soup had an interesting bitterness that wasn't necessarily bad, but the noodles didn't feel like they matched.


Alright, that's it for the Tokyo Ramen Show (for this week at least). I have a filming to attend!


And...that's a wrap!


Afterwards I stopped by the 808 Lounge to give Uno-san some gifts.


Then it was off to meet some peeps for dinner.




Thank you Leo (and sparkling wife) from Kirimachi Ramen in SF! Very nice to meet you!!


Meanwhile, back at the lounge...


A bloody mary with liquid smoke.


And more oysters...smoked.


I'm not a smoker, but everything just smells and tastes like smoke now.

Monday, October 29, 2012

ET forever...

Day 1091:

After a long weekend, I finally had time to go to ET.


Eifukucho.


Taishoken.


ET! (in case you were new and didn't know what ET stood for.)


Heaven in a bowl...


Heaven in my soul.


I ate this bowl for lunch and soon thereafter I passed out...and next thing I knew it was midnight. I guess I'm still jet-lagged.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Saturday, October 27, 2012

1089...

Day 1089:

The Saturday long-shift has always been killer...


With jet-lag it's even worse, but it feels good to be back!

Friday, October 26, 2012

Tradition continues...

Day 1088:

Arrive in Tokyo, eat at Bassanova.


Whew, glad to see Boom is okay. He kinda disappeared after the festival. haha.


GCS!!!


I'm back.


And adding to tradition...


Cheese senbei!!!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Last minute meals...

Day 1087:

I wanted a carne asada burrito, but a western bacon cheeseburger took its place.


At the airport I couldn't pass up the boneless buffalo wings.


Or the chicken caesar salad.


Goodbye LA!


It was short, but I'm glad I got to stop by. See you again soon!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Fun dip...

Day 1086:

Hollywood!!!


When I first heard of Ikemen, I couldn't help but think Mike and Ikemen? Sure that's the wrong pronunciation, but what does Ikemen (pronounced "ee-kay-men") really mean to those that live in Hollywood?


Dip Ramen, that's what it means! Wait a minute, that sign looks familiar. They should replace the "EAT" with "DIP."


Hey, I know that guy!


Ikemen Dip Ramen.


Zebra Dip Ramen.


Johnny Dip Ramen.


Go Sun Go!


Chicken Ramen.


Ramen California? All this dippin makes me crave some Fun Dip (dessert tsukemen?). Hey Ikemen, please make a French Dip next! Thanks!


Adachi-san!!! Quick story: I met Adachi-san a year and a half ago at Yokohama Sogo when I first started working at Nakamuraya. At that time he was looking to go to America to spread his bonito shaving business. Well, he made it to America by becoming the manager of Ikemen (btw this is his first time working at a ramen shop) but is still trying to start his bonito shaving business. Hang in there, Adachi-san!!


Early birthday dinner with mom and Herb. Thanks mom and Herb!!


After dinner, I got to hang out with my best friends from high school. We've all been through a lot over the years (and I can't remember the last time we were all together in one spot), but our friendship has always persevered in the end. The next twenty years shall be no different.

Daizo, Toke, and Jay
Dip that!