Shinkyotei...

Day 1032:

進京亭

Torisoba Chashu Ramen.

Midnight snack.

The posts after today might get a little wacky (meaning past and present may be updated simultaneously). Thanks for understanding!

Skip this?...

Day 886:

I know I'm a bit behind in posts. And that it might be weird to see me post something from two months ago as if it were today. But do you really want me to skip a post like this?

It's just a simple post of my return to Shinkyotei (進京亭), but if I didn't post this then you wouldn't know about their phenomenal Miso Chashumen.

Yes, it's phenomenal!

And just look at this.

Are you drooling yet?

That's what I thought.

Milk and water...

Day 683:

I slept all day only to wake up craving one thing...

The Bush.

Then it was time to have a nice long sober conversation with big boss before he went back to Kyushu. The next few months should be very interesting.

Anyway, it was time to go support a good friend. Kurai-san was performing in a new band and he invited me to help bring down the house.

This place looks very familiar.

Milk & Water was the name of the band and Kurai-san is their new drummer. Go Kurai-san!!

A new definition of ramen rock star...

Never forget...

Day 677:

It's hard to believe that it's already been 10 years. And it's hard to believe that it's already been 6 months. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who are still hurting. May this measly blog give you a reason to brighten your day, even if it is for only a few seconds. And now I would like to observe a moment of silence...

Thank you.

For the record, I didn't enjoy the Nikumashi Tsukemen from Ichimaku (麺恋処 一幕). It was way too salty and the noodles were way too wheat-ey. The only thing good about it was the meat.

Heart land...

Day 618:

Tokyo is definitely a great city. As hot as it is, scenes like this always appear with perfect timing to massage your mind. Suddenly, a 20-minute bike ride in the heat doesn't feel so bad.

Shinkyotei (進京亭) in Shimotakaido has eluded me for some time now. Whenever I've tried to come here (about 5 times), they've been unexpectedly closed. So imagine my delight when I saw the noren hanging out front.

This is another old-school ramen joint. The kind where the master seems unapproachable from the years of wear-and-tear on his face, but is actually a really nice guy. These are my kind of joints.

I've dreamed about trying this Toriniku Soba for months.

Especially with their famous handmade egg noodles (名代玉子入手打そば). So was it worth the wait? Yes! If I could, I would eat every meal here.

But...then I would miss out on this.

Mum knows all the best restaurants. Thank you again for the lovely dinner.

"In every spirit & every season, everywhere"

The shop of truth...

Day 115:

One of my beautiful nieces turned five today. Happy Birthday!!! Unfortunately I wasn't able to attend her birthday party because I was working. ごめんね。I promise I'll make it up to you.

With a light rain falling, it was time to seek out the truth. Makotoya (makoto meaning truth), near Hachimanyama Station, is a fairly popular shop that I've always wanted to try since it's on my way to work.

I ordered the special ramen with 3 toppings and fat noodles. It's a tonkotsu-shoyu blend that is definitely porky but contained a good balance.

The fat noodles were chewy and easy to slurp. But the real star of this ramen was...

...the kakuni! Tender, moist, and full of flavor, I've never seen it done better in ramen before today. The egg and the chashu weren't bad either.

Makotoya also gives out stamp cards so you can get free stuff after a number of visits. After 45 bowls you can get a free t-shirt. I don't think I'll ever be wearing that t-shirt.