I have been looking forward to going to wine country to run the Asics Vine Body Sole Half Marathon starting at Beringer Vineyards and finishing at Charles Krug Winery. Hubby suggested back in February we make a weekend out of it since he heard about the race from his colleague. So Friday morning I said my goodbyes to ramen boy as I dropped him off at school, went to a quick meeting and then hit the highway for an early lunch at Eight Noodle Shop in Napa. It was a beautiful day and I was hungry for some noodles. I was the first customer and was quickly seated out on the patio by the owner David Lu. At the time I thought he was just the waiter but after chatting a bit about the menu and his general demeanor I could tell he was the head honcho. I am trying to promote the blog so I gave him my business card and told him that I was ramen mom. I have never introduced myself as ramen mom before and the moment I blurted it out it was too late. Pretty dang awkward. He kind of looked at me like “yeah? … ” Definitely next time I will just say my name and that I write a ramen blog called ramen mom. Live and learn. Now back to the noodles.
I ordered the $14.99 lunch set which came with a choice of a small plate (appetizer), entree and beverage. I decided to get the pulled pork steamed bun, pulled pork ramen and ice tea. I saw the dessert menu had Okinawa doughnuts with apple and caramel and a miso butter scotch panna cotta. Which to choose? I know I had to try at least one. I should also mention that they have a really good wine list but it is Napa after all. The pulled pork bun with their house pickled cucumbers and carrot was tasty. The succulent pork balanced well with the slightly tangy cabbage slaw inside and the steamed bun held it together without falling apart. Gyoza and ramen is my thing but I have noticed that pork buns are all the rage at many American ramen-ya’s and really good homemade gyoza is hard to come by. Even Ippudo follows this pork bun and ramen trend in the U.S. or perhaps they started it.
I was excited to try the noodles here since the owner told me they were homemade from the kitchen. He also explained to me that the broth was a combination of pork, chicken and veal. The broth wasn’t overly rich but very flavorful with a slight oiliness. The noodles were thick and hearty. I think it compliments the pulled pork but I usually like my noodles thinner with more spring to it. One of my pet peeves is the noodle and broth ratio of serving ramen and they got this down pat. Presentation was very simple with spinach, a perfect soft boiled egg, green onions and menma. My first bite of the noodles with the seasoned bamboo shoots and the broth was earthy and delicious. Perhaps a little less pulled pork but can’t complain the ramen really hit the spot. I made sure to leave room for dessert and had the miso butterscotch panna cotta. OMG! The frothy whipped cream on top with the slightly salty miso tinged and butterscotch pudding underneath pure heaven.
This was a fortunate pre-race meal. The Chinese characters for the number eight means good luck in the Chinese culture. My race bib number was lucky number seven and I ran 12 minutes faster than the New York Half Marathon. Yep it must’ve been the ramen at lunch, the vino that night and good luck on my side.
Eight Noodle Shop
1408 Clay Street
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 637-4198
www.eightnoodleshop.com