Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New York. Show all posts
Friday, September 5, 2014
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
A Ramen Manifesto...
RAMEN.Co
By Keizo Shimamoto
Ramen.Commencement
When I first created the Ramen Burger not only did I want to make it delicious, I wanted to make it represent the natural blend of two cultures. Two cultures that represent my life and my hybridized imagination: Japanese-America. With that as my base I felt I could create something special. Luckily enough, my Ramen Burger became an instant sensation and took the world by storm within hours of being announced on this blog. With appearances on almost every media outlet you can imagine (and some you can't imagine), my Ramen Burger was being talked about in households around the country {and the world}, tacitly educating the difference between instant ramen versus traditional. With that said, it is time to re-introduce a separate focus.
Ramen.Continuum
The success of Ramen Burger has given me an entirely new opportunity--an opportunity to reach millions with my passion for ramen. There cannot be a better time than now to remind people that I, Keizo Shimamoto, is not just the creator of the Ramen Burger, but a devoted ramen fanatic and an aspiring ramen entrepreneur with dreams of spreading ramen love throughout the world. Four years ago, I quit my job as a computer programmer to embark on a dream. A dream where the goal has always been to constantly live, learn, spread great ramen throughout the world, and to educate those who are unfamiliar with the traditional Japanese styles. Evidently, there is much more to ramen than just "instant." Undeniably, it is our responsibility to bridge the gap with the world's perception.
Ramen.Concept
In Japan, ramen is generally considered fast-food--a type of food that can be eaten in thirty minutes or less. With an increasing number of fast service type restaurants gaining popularity in America, ramen would be a natural fit for that I-don't-have-much-time-SO-MAKE-IT-FAST model. Therefore, in order to bridge the gap, this new model will provide real ramen, real food in an instant.
Ramen.Comfort
Comfort food: Ramen, Ramen Burger, and one other--the Japanese Bento. Aside from ramen and burgers, I also grew up eating bento. In fact, during my four years in Japan, if I wasn't slurping ramen I was probably ordering take-out at the local bento shop. In my eyes, there have always been two kinds of Japanese bento: Makunouchi (a box bento with many small items) or fast service bento (a delicious protein with a few small items). I've always preferred the fast service kind when I've needed additional comfort in between bowls. With that in mind, my Japanese bento will be an additional soul food in Ramen.Co's concept and allow you to completely satisfy your hungry soul--all around Japanese-American comfort style.
Ramen.Conclusion
Ramen.Co is just the beginning. Playing off the name and my authentic bi-traditional concept, Ramen.Co will begin to open up multiple opportunities. .Collaboration, .Cooperation, .Collection, .Connection, etc. The ideas and possibilities are endless, beginning from a strong foundation. A strong foundation that involves a wide range of talents. A wide range of talents that thrives from a common bond. A common bond that builds from passion. A passion that pours from my soul and into your food. Ramen.Co, the next generation of soul food is here.
By Keizo Shimamoto
Ramen.Commencement
When I first created the Ramen Burger not only did I want to make it delicious, I wanted to make it represent the natural blend of two cultures. Two cultures that represent my life and my hybridized imagination: Japanese-America. With that as my base I felt I could create something special. Luckily enough, my Ramen Burger became an instant sensation and took the world by storm within hours of being announced on this blog. With appearances on almost every media outlet you can imagine (and some you can't imagine), my Ramen Burger was being talked about in households around the country {and the world}, tacitly educating the difference between instant ramen versus traditional. With that said, it is time to re-introduce a separate focus.
Ramen.Continuum
The success of Ramen Burger has given me an entirely new opportunity--an opportunity to reach millions with my passion for ramen. There cannot be a better time than now to remind people that I, Keizo Shimamoto, is not just the creator of the Ramen Burger, but a devoted ramen fanatic and an aspiring ramen entrepreneur with dreams of spreading ramen love throughout the world. Four years ago, I quit my job as a computer programmer to embark on a dream. A dream where the goal has always been to constantly live, learn, spread great ramen throughout the world, and to educate those who are unfamiliar with the traditional Japanese styles. Evidently, there is much more to ramen than just "instant." Undeniably, it is our responsibility to bridge the gap with the world's perception.
Ramen.Concept
In Japan, ramen is generally considered fast-food--a type of food that can be eaten in thirty minutes or less. With an increasing number of fast service type restaurants gaining popularity in America, ramen would be a natural fit for that I-don't-have-much-time-SO-MAKE-IT-FAST model. Therefore, in order to bridge the gap, this new model will provide real ramen, real food in an instant.
Ramen.Comfort
Comfort food: Ramen, Ramen Burger, and one other--the Japanese Bento. Aside from ramen and burgers, I also grew up eating bento. In fact, during my four years in Japan, if I wasn't slurping ramen I was probably ordering take-out at the local bento shop. In my eyes, there have always been two kinds of Japanese bento: Makunouchi (a box bento with many small items) or fast service bento (a delicious protein with a few small items). I've always preferred the fast service kind when I've needed additional comfort in between bowls. With that in mind, my Japanese bento will be an additional soul food in Ramen.Co's concept and allow you to completely satisfy your hungry soul--all around Japanese-American comfort style.
Ramen.Conclusion
Ramen.Co is just the beginning. Playing off the name and my authentic bi-traditional concept, Ramen.Co will begin to open up multiple opportunities. .Collaboration, .Cooperation, .Collection, .Connection, etc. The ideas and possibilities are endless, beginning from a strong foundation. A strong foundation that involves a wide range of talents. A wide range of talents that thrives from a common bond. A common bond that builds from passion. A passion that pours from my soul and into your food. Ramen.Co, the next generation of soul food is here.
Saturday, March 1, 2014
Tahara-san...
Tahara-san, the master knife-sharpener from Sakai City, was in New York for the Restaurant Show and today he was holding a knife-sharpening demonstration at Korin.
After exchanging emails and keeping in touch for almost a year now, I wasn't going to miss this for anything.
This man is an honest Japanese hero.
Can't wait to see him again in a few days.
After exchanging emails and keeping in touch for almost a year now, I wasn't going to miss this for anything.
This man is an honest Japanese hero.
Can't wait to see him again in a few days.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Rejuvenated...
I had to step away and get me some ramen.
This was definitely one of the better bowls I've had in awhile.
Speaking of bowls, Neil's limited edition spaghetti featuring Asia Dog sausage was a must eat even though I was full.
And my bro was in town so we went to suck on some octopus.
Things are somewhat back to normal I think.
This was definitely one of the better bowls I've had in awhile.
Speaking of bowls, Neil's limited edition spaghetti featuring Asia Dog sausage was a must eat even though I was full.
And my bro was in town so we went to suck on some octopus.
Things are somewhat back to normal I think.
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Smorgmash...
A few months ago I had an idea. A few weeks ago I proposed this idea to the folks that run Smorgasburg.
Then I told my idea to Neil from Lumpia/Adobo Shack and we ended up creating this. Then THIS started to get people excited.
So the time has finally come. This weekend (starting tomorrow), anyone can buy my ramen bun and then take it to Adobo Shack to get the limited edition Adobo Shack Ramen Burger. And yes, this won't be the only mashup. Several other vendors will be mashing up their items too. Who knows, their might be some secret mashups as well, so don't be afraid to ask!
Then I told my idea to Neil from Lumpia/Adobo Shack and we ended up creating this. Then THIS started to get people excited.
So the time has finally come. This weekend (starting tomorrow), anyone can buy my ramen bun and then take it to Adobo Shack to get the limited edition Adobo Shack Ramen Burger. And yes, this won't be the only mashup. Several other vendors will be mashing up their items too. Who knows, their might be some secret mashups as well, so don't be afraid to ask!
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Ramensnow...
I walked out my door to a snowy surprise.
And instantly thought..."I must slurp ramen!"
I had never been to Ramen Takumi before so it was worth a try.
Shoyu Chashumen.
Not bad.
It served its ramen purpose.
Afterward, I kept playing around.
It's getting even closer.
Ramen snow!
Seriously, this isn't funny. A week ago I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
Be careful out there folks. I slipped my way all the way home and saw many others do the same. It's brutal out there. Tomorrow morning won't be fun either, but at least alternate side parking rules won't be in affect. :)
And instantly thought..."I must slurp ramen!"
I had never been to Ramen Takumi before so it was worth a try.
Shoyu Chashumen.
Not bad.
It served its ramen purpose.
Afterward, I kept playing around.
It's getting even closer.
Ramen snow!
Seriously, this isn't funny. A week ago I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
Be careful out there folks. I slipped my way all the way home and saw many others do the same. It's brutal out there. Tomorrow morning won't be fun either, but at least alternate side parking rules won't be in affect. :)
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Sunday sellout...
My view today.
Mashup alert! Beehive Oven and our Burger Maker patty.
Sundays are usually slow, but for some reason we sold out of our Sunday average of 250+ burgers before 3pm.
Time to nap...
Mashup alert! Beehive Oven and our Burger Maker patty.
Sundays are usually slow, but for some reason we sold out of our Sunday average of 250+ burgers before 3pm.
Time to nap...
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Back in NYC...
Greeted by a rainy, snowy slush...from the airport I went directly to our kitchen to pick up our supplies then headed straight to Smorgasburg.
And then I went back to the kitchen to make more buns. But first, a new ramen.
I miss wearing shorts.
And then I went back to the kitchen to make more buns. But first, a new ramen.
I miss wearing shorts.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
All wrapped...
Is this too close for you?
Having a little fun at Smorg again...
With my friends at Best Summer.
Lol awesome!
When I got home today I realized that my Omiyage ET was expired. You know what that means right?
Expiration Heaven.
I should have brought home a whole case!
Tomorrow...I'll see you in Hawaii!!!
 |
| Bacon Shredded Beef Ramen Burger |
Having a little fun at Smorg again...
With my friends at Best Summer.
Lol awesome!
When I got home today I realized that my Omiyage ET was expired. You know what that means right?
Expiration Heaven.
I should have brought home a whole case!
Tomorrow...I'll see you in Hawaii!!!
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