Support from the fam...

Day 137:

My mom is in town (Hi Mom!) and she came into Bassanova with my bro and his fam for lunch today. A big part of why I am here doing what I am doing is because of them and the support that they have given me. My days have been long, but seeing my nieces run into my arms asking for ramen makes it all worth it.


Tonight was a very long night. It was the first night that Komuro-san, Sugahara-san, and I worked without an additional 4th person. With a line out the door, the three of us scrambled to recieve orders, grill the chashu, make the ramen, wash the dishes, serve the food and drinks, and clean up after the customers. It was hectic and crazy but we did it. We survived and it felt good to do so.


You're probably getting tired of seeing pics of Bassanova's food by now (sorry), but I'm sure not getting tired of eating it.

Friday the 19th...

Day 136:

It turned out to be a long night of work that ended as the sun began to cast its light upon this cheese gyudon (beef bowl) from Sukiya. We were exhausted but hungry and this was the only place open.


And then I slept for four hours only to wake up hungry again, but this time for a double teriyaki burger from Mos Burger.


Then of course my usual free dinner was waiting for me when I got to work.


This may not have been one of the healthiest of days, but it was worth it.

Free samples...

Day 135:

A representative of Mikawaya Seimen stopped by this morning to drop off some new samples of noodles that he thought might go well with our ramen. (Wow it feels so good to say "our" when referring to Bassanova. haha.) The first one I tried was a thicker version of the hirauchi (flat) noodles that we use for the green curry. I chose to try them with the green curry tsukemen hearing that they had more of a chew.


Mmm. You can tell right away that these noodles have more color than the ones we use. The added thickness and chew really complement the tsukemen nicely.


I don't think these noodles would work in the ramen though, but it might be good to start using them in the tsukemen. We'll have to think about it.


For dinner, I took a quick break and met up with a friend at Koya, the Tan Tan Men restaurant located down the street from us right next to Shindaita Station.


The interior was very nice and the tea cups were pretty, but the tan tan men...


...now that was a different story. The smell and flavor of sansho (Japanese pepper) was so strong that I struggled to finish it.


But I was with good company in a relaxing atmosphere and that's all that mattered.


Back at Bassanova, we had an extremely busy night that just didn't seem to ever end. It was great. And even though our team chemistry still hasn't fully developed, we handled the rush in stride.

Also, a shoutout goes out to Patrick who arrived from San Diego and came straight to Bassanova after reading my blog. Much appreciated!

A blow to the jugular...

Day 134:

With the signs of Spring beginning to bloom, I spent the late morning strolling through the streets of Shin-Koenji in search of a fridge and washer for my apt. The weather was so nice I didn't even need a jacket.


That's when I passed by 豚骨ラーメンじゃぐら. Written as Jagura in English, I'd have to agree with Ramenate that the name should probably be written as Jugular. Anyway, this nice weather was making me crave something thick.


I think I came to the right place! You can choose from three different oils (black, brown, or red) that get added to your ramen.


I ordered mine with the black. I wish I could somehow show you how thick this soup was. Next time I'll have to take video.


Not only was it thick, it was gooood. The thick noodles added to the blow and I was ready to get knocked out.


The paprika-laced mini Asia Meshi had a nice sweetness that countered the droopiness of the ramen.


There's also a bottle of jasmine tea that you can add to your water afterwards to flush out any clogged arteries.


Jugura did not dissapoint. Tonkotsu ramen lovers should definitely add it to their list. Someday I'll be back to try their Cheese Cream Ramen which is limited to only 10 bowls at night.

Ramen set...

Day 133:

Just like I have barely enough time to write a post, I had barely enough time to stop in a local shop for their ramen set. I don't think I'll be going there again, but don't worry my posts will continue. I just need to get situated. Stay tuned...


Btw, I realized that I didn't have any clean clothes last night so I had to wake up early and could only get 3 hours of sleep. This ramen shop was next to the coin laundry in Okinawa Town.