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 Angeles. I got to have my groupie moment being directly up front in the pit up close and personal. Not bad for a middle aged mama getting to relive her youth. Not that I feel old and he is in late 40’s but his fan base that evening waiting in line were definitely millennials. I was very impressed that his music draws so many type of people. Glen is generous with his music and so the evening ended around 11 pm. A L.A. friend recommended Tatsu Ramen and since it stays open till 3 am the evening was still young. Why not slurp noodles at midnight and party like rockstars. Well more like cross our fingers that late night eating wouldn’t give us too bad of indigestion.
Tatsu Ramen was packed. As expected a young crowd. Millennials know yummy ramen and so it was a sign of good stuff to come. The restaurant has an iPad ordering systems as you walk in. Normally I’m sure it is very efficient but if you aren’t familiar with it and you use reading glasses that you can’t find in your purse it takes a little time to master. In fact I missed ordering some additional sides but I was already holding up the line behind me so I quickly paid for my order.
I ordered the Soul Ramen their signature ramen with tonkotsu broth, black garlic oil (mayu) and sweet umami sauce, ground beef, green onions and chashu. The noodles were thin and springy and served al dente like I prefer but the bowl felt a bit unadorned since I didn’t customize my order. My girlfriend had the perfect shoyu tamago (soy sauce egg) that I wanted with the oozy yolk inside. The broth had lots of umami so I appreciated the simplicity of the dish. I quickly slurped the noodles and finished the broth to the last drop.
Tatsu Ramen touts to be ramen with soul and combined with an evening of great music it proved to be so. Hip, young and tasty. Ramen boy would dig this place.
Tatsu Ramen
7111 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 747-1388
