Ramen Noodles

   Now as an American, when you hear ramen, you think of the stuff that comes in the block of dry noodles that you can buy for 25c.  But that's not what I'm talking about.   Ramen actually means noodles in Japanese, to be specific a type of noodle soup.  And its not the kind you can make in the microwave out of block of dry noodles. 
  The other day my friend took me to a place she has been telling me about for a year.  She has been talking this place up for so long, that finally getting to go was almost too much for me to handle!  Almost.  Once she told me where it was I felt like an idiot.  I drive by it everyday on my way to the gym, and I have even been to the Starbucks next to it.  Yea I said Starbucks.  I live in Japan, we don't have dunkies here. 
   So I met my friend at the restaurant for lunch the other day.  I left right from the gym, because I was in the neighborhood.  It was over 90 degrees and super sunny, but we were still going to get a huge bowl of noodle soup!  Soup is always good!  She said she always gets the signature dish.  So I figured i should go for it too.  Tan Tan Ramen.  The food came out pretty fast so I was even more excited.  In fact I was so excited I kind of forgot to take picture until I was half way through eating!  Sorry guys, I just have to destroy food when I see it sometimes!   The noodles where in a spicy broth with bamboo shoots and green onion.  There was a pile of nicely spiced ground beef.  It was slightly sweet with a bit of ginger and garlic. And of course they had extra chili and chili oil on the side so I had to add some as usual!

Half eaten Ramen

   The restaurant itself was pretty cute.  Small with an open kitchen so you can watch the cook if you sit at the bar.  There was a huge dragon painted on the wall which was actually pretty cool.  Next time I go I think I will sit at the bar so I can watch them cook.  I love to watch Asians cooks.  They are so fast and efficient.  Maybe I can get some of their secrets!        
   This place was so good I cant wait to go back!  I'm sure I will taking Pete there for some diet cheat days real soon.  Especially since its right down the street from the gym.  There was so much more on the menu to try that I'm sure I will be back.

Cheesy picture eating

Sorry its not funny.  Its friggen soup.