There are a lot of local choices when it comes to ramen. It doesn’t seem all that long ago when that was not the case. But around 2015, San Diego experienced what could be described as a bona fide ramen boom. Tajima, Ramen Yamadaya, as well as a few more, were joined by Rakiraki, … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: BeShock has ramens that go to 11
In a classic line from perhaps the greatest mocumentary ever made, Nigel Tufnel explains to Rob Reiner that Spinal Tap’s amps “go to 11.” Reiner seems dubious. “If we need that extra push over the cliff,” Tufnel expounded, “you know what we do? 11! Exactly!” What Tufnel was … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: j/wata goes beyond the sushi emoji
When most people think about sushi, something like nigiri probably comes to mind: a pristine raw fish slice sitting atop a block of hand-pressed, vinegared and seasoned rice. Nigiri is the “sushi” emoji on Facebook, Google, iOS, LG, Mozilla, EmojiOne and emojidex. It’s pretty … [Read more...]
WORLD FARE: Japanese style comfort food at Santouka and Musashiya
"Edible art" is an idea often attached to Japanese high cuisine like sushi or kaeseki. But the notion that Japanese food is inherently precious and high-end is exaggerated at best. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka and Musashiya, both inside the Mitsuwa Marketplace (4240 Kearny Mesa Road), … [Read more...]