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…

Los Angeles, CA

Tatsu Ramen

I went on a 24 hour road trip. My mission: Glen Hansard and ramen. I will travel to the ends of the world to hear this man sing and this was a perfect opportunity for a girlfriend’s trip to Los…

Sacramento, CA

Kimchi Craving at Binchoyaki

My girlfriend and I haven’t had catch up time in ages. She hadn’t been to Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining and so we decided to meet there. I was hoping to finally try the infamous duck ramen but it wasn’t available…

Packaged Ramen

Sun Noodle Tantan Ramen

I always have at least two packages of this ramen in our freezer and if I am running low I make sure to stop at our local Japanese market to buy more. This is a proprietary staple for ramen boy. He…

Sacramento, CA

Raijin Ramen House

I was feeling in need of some comfort. Ramen boy just finished with his doctor’s visit. It was just a routine physical that’s required for school and he passed with flying colors. Really no need for concern but I…

Sacramento, CA

The Izakaya

After three weeks of an intense math review ramen boy declared that summer has officially begun for him by sleeping in till 1 pm (those days are a faint memory for me) and then futzing about till he realized…

Oakland, CA

Ramen Shop

My first visit to Ramen Shop was a couple of years ago. Ramen boy insists it was last year when he was in 7th grade but if memory serves me right I am sure it was in 2014 not…

Sacramento, CA

Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining

I hesitate taking my mom to Japanese restaurants since she likes to give her two cents and the experience makes me feel like a kid rolling my eyes begging her not to embarrass me. Now that she’s in her 80’s…

Oakland, CA

Itani Ramen

On a whim decided to go on a Sunday road trip with ramen boy. Hubby was out of town, no soccer commitments and it was the day before a month of summer school. Perfect for a ramen getaway and…

Sacramento, CA

Kru Restaurant

I didn’t come to Kru for a ramen experience. My mom had an outpatient surgical procedure and she was craving some really good sushi. This can be a tall order for an 86 year old Japanese woman with very…