Monthly Archives

November 2016

Packaged Ramen

Clearspring Shoyu Ramen

The last packaged ramen hubby brought back from London was so awful (cool Marks and Spencer packaging though) that I swore off the stuff if it came from the UK. Not too long ago he brought back another discovery that he thought looked promising but I was skeptical and hid it on the shelf. However desperate times calls for desperate measures when you are hungry and with an empty pantry.

The brand is called Clearspring and the shoyu packet was liquid instead of powder and that was a plus. The brown rice noodles cooked perfectly with a bit of a spring to them instead of turning out mushy. I kept it simple by adding thin sliced rare steak and dried seaweed with kimchi on the side. It was a decent satisfying bowl of noodles. Would I make it again after all there is one more packet left? Probably not but I will keep it in the pantry for ramen boy since he does experiment and makes noodle concoctions with leftover dried noodles.

Hubby leaves again for London and asked for requests. Let’s definitely skip the ramen this time. Marks & Spencer crisps are the way to go.

Sacramento, CA

Kru

A much needed night out with hubby and our friends at Kru’s new location in East Sacramento.  It’s a wonderful addition to the neighborhood with outdoor seating and a stunning interior which is open, airy and inviting and with a handsome sushi bar to boot.

We were in a sushi state of mind but I knew for the sake of this blog I would have to try one of the ramen offerings and so I ordered the cold tea smoked duck ramen for us to sample. Impeccable presentation with the soy dashi carefully poured into the dish at the table. The dish came with thinly sliced rare duck over cold noodles and garnished with shaved radish, two tempura green beans (I snagged both actually my favorite part of the dish), micro greens, seaweed and masago or tobiko. It was hidden from the photo I took and now I can’t recall which fish roe it was. I’d prefer they didn’t include the roe since it didn’t add anything to the dish and was more of a distraction. However put in some ikura with the optional poached shrimp and I would be singing a different tune.

It was a delicious evening out and we will be back again soon. The ramen was good but not the main attraction. Definitely the go to place for sushi and my new favorite Peter Rabbit cocktail with Botanist Gin, Lime, Elderflower Syrup and Gifford Elderflower Liqueur.

Kru
3135 Folsom Blvd.
Sacramento, CA
(916) 551-1559

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My pretty friend about to dig into the raw oysters.

Chicago, IL

Jinya Ramen Bar

I was the lucky recipient of a free breakfast at a Starbuck’s drive thru the other day. People were spreading the love by paying it forward with generous gestures. Thanks to Chicago Cubs fans which reminded me that my post was way overdue.

I ran the Chicago Marathon recently and it was an extraordinary experience. I love Chicago and wish I had more time to explore the city and eat my way through each neighborhood. My first carb loading meal was at Jinya Ramen Bar in Lincoln Park. I didn’t know that it was a franchise with locations in California and other states as well. My ramen slurping partner in crime and I ordered gyoza to share. A bit on the oily side but we both were hungry and it quickly disappeared. The spicy chicken ramen one of their most popular noodle dishes was a winner even though presentation was lacking. It was a bit tired looking and was difficult to get a pretty picture. Nevertheless the chicken broth was flavorful yet light and the thin noodles which are my preference were appropriately springy. It came with thin slices of tender chicken, spicy bean sprouts, spinach, chopped green onions and shredded negi (Japanese scallions). I liked the addition of the two types of scallions and of course my favorite is the onset tamago (egg) and its delicious oozy yolk.

Fellow marathoners came to Jinya the day after my visit and weren’t wowed by the meal. I don’t know what they ordered but I think they were hoping for a more traditional Japanese style of ramen. I am a fan of a classic bowl of noodles but the creative culinary potential with ramen is endless and I appreciate the variety.

Ramen is perfect fuel for running a marathon and Jinya hit the spot.

Jinya Ramen Bar
553 W Diversey Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 857-5140

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