I am not a fervent amateur of ramen. That's it, it's said. But an amateur discoveries, oh yes! It must be said that my knowledge of this dish was limited to bags sold in grocery stores with broth concentrated separately. Tasted, mostly believed in the high school yard. These are the memories that come up when I hear ramen noodles. I had witnessed the craze for this Japanese dish over the last few years and had seen the establishments starring it open here and there, but I had never made it.
In this electrifying Friday night, I arrived with the head to make a trip to Japan, just that! It's not my fault that we were annoyed that the restaurant was the most authentically Japanese in the city. My boyfriend and I arrive at 75 St. Joseph St. and the entrance is already busy. There are just two places left to slip into. The next will wait on the sidewalk. It must be said that the restaurant does not accept bookings and we took a chance on a Friday night. We had obviously been many to have had the same desire to travel to the land of the rising sun that night. We are third in list. In the lead, a family, second Asian tourists and we close the march, quickly followed by a line that runs along the sidewalk. In addition to the small neighbor at the end of the street (the post office), it is no longer common to see processions forming in front of institutions, but admit that it piques curiosity. In this era where everything is going fast and the supply is more than abundant, when people see you waiting to eat somewhere, you think it's probably worth it.
And I can say yes, the restaurant is worth the wait. The open kitchen, the staff, the decor and the layout, everything is there to bring us to Japan. We are greeted even in Japanese. I go another way: I had never drunk sake. While making the remark to our waitress, it makes me taste immediately before ordering, knowing very well that this rice wine does not please everyone. Indeed, I'm happy to have finally tasted, but I lean for a Japanese lychee cocktail. Unfortunately, I find it a little bland, but I'm still happy with my essay. As a starter, I go for a slate proposal, the white tuna caught: a real melting delight in the mouth accompanied by a salad of seaweed! My companion chooses spring rolls that are tasty. On the main course, you can not miss the ramen. However, I am a little puzzled by the menu, it offers different combinations, but pretty much the same ingredients. We choose between a miso broth or soy sauce, then between one of the selections proposed. All contain shallot, sprouted beans, nori (seaweed leaves) and naruto (white fish pie). I go there with the most garnished, Omori Miso including pork shuhu, stir-fried vegetables, egg and corn. For a change of scenery, I am served! The naruto intimidates me a bit and I dare not taste it. The dish is comforting and the flavors are new to me for some. I end all on a note of freshness with a sesame ice cream.
I come out of the restaurant with my expectations outdated; I really got a return trip to Japan. By cons, I am not without becoming a fan of ramen ... to each his tastes!
Note:
8/10
What impressed me most about my visit:
scenery
The specialty of the house:
Ramen
The most expensive main meal on the menu:
Omori Miso, Kimchi or Vegetarian, $ 14
The cheapest main meal on the menu:
Shôyu or Miso, $ 12
Do I recommend this restaurant:
Yes
At what time of the day did I visit?
Supper
Most :
-Service
-Authenticity
-Japanese products
-Open kitchen
The lessers :
- Restricted menu
- No reservation
