Hello From one foodie to another

My sister and I were trying to plan a nice dinner for our parents. She had suggested a place named Ippudo because it was known for its ramen. My thoughts jumped immediately to the bricks of noodles we dump into boiling water, and then sometimes add in Napa cabbage for color. She wanted me to go to a place that sells that to me at an over priced rate? No way.

 

It’s a no reservations restaurant, which should have been clue number one. This place is packed for a reason. All my senses were overwhelmed as we were led through a maze of people and tables. The waiters shout greetings and food orders, making the atmosphere show-like. The interior is modern, but has Japanese influences, such as the open space, sparse decorations, and wood paneling. The tables also vary from private booths to communal tables where strangers can share a belly-warming bowl of ramen.

 

We were fortunate to have the seats right in front of the kitchen window, because watching the chefs create an edible masterpiece is always fascinating and unexpected. They used wire nets to boil the noodles for individual portions. The garnishes on top consisted of different kinds of Japanese pickles such as pickled radish. There are often thin slices of sweet and flavorful barbecue roast pork, scallions, and half a boiled egg burying the silky noodles below. All these ingredients were steeped in a perfectly seasoned broth; mine was a rich pork broth.

 

A huge bowl heaping with noodles and garnishes appeared in front of me. It was a piece of artwork. The vibrant colors of the pickles and the different textures of the seaweed, pork, and finely chopped vegetables. I can confirm that it is nothing like the plastic wrapped noodle packages that you can buy by the dozen.

The downtown location is always jammed pack and they don’t take reservations, but it is worth the experience and great for meeting up with friends. If you prefer a calm dinner experience, the midtown location may be a better fit.