Ichiban Ramen - Torrance, CA

Ichiban Ramen is a small spot near Mitsuwa and Torihei (a great Yakitori place) in Torrance, CA.

The Decor is modern, the menu is different with a kind of gastropub-ish taken on a Ramen restaurant.

The ramen soup itself was made from a chicken base and only Shoyu, Shio, and Spicy Miso were on the menu today.  Miso being one of my favorites I went for it, and wasn't disappointed.

This spice was light, not to sharp with only a slight burn at the end.  The toppings were sesame seeds, bean sprouts, negi, corn, egg, and chashu, which was had a nice and strong roasted flavor.  The noodles were springy and full of flavor but the soup its self was the highlight for me.  It was right and packed with different flavors and finished with a kick.  It was not too salty or oily and because it was chicken based there was no pork fat floating in it.  It felt slightly on the lighter side but without sacrificing flavor.  This bowl was definitely nothing like the "miso" it is listed as, but it was delicious all the same and I would definitely order it again.

In addition to ramen we also had the Kara-age:

This Kara-age unfortunately came with the most pathetically small lemon wedge, so it lacked that sour citrus flavor that goes so nicely with the crispy chicken.  The pieces of chicken themselves were large and juicy, but not flavorful enough on their own and I assume that was due to a lighter marinade being used (or not marinating long enough).

We also had the Gyoza:

These were pretty standard gyoza, crispy on the bottom, steamed on the top, and filled with meat and negi.  They were a nice addition to the meal.

Overall,  Ichiban Ramen has a great menu, a nice ambiance, and makes a fantastic Spicy Miso Ramen.  I am looking forward to going back and trying the Shio and Shoyu soon to see what unique twist they put on them as well.  I highly recommend Ichiban Ramen to anyone who is up for delicious, well crafted Ramen.

Jidaiya in Torrance, CA: Nearly Ordered the Entire Menu

Today our friends Gene and Akiko recommended one of their favorite places in Torrance, CA, Jidaiya Ramen:

 

Inside its decor is definitely Izakaya style with a counter made Tokyo style that creates a laid back ambiance.  This place has a full menu featuring Kai Shio Ramen made from a Chicken soup base with different types of seafood in it, as well as their main JIDAIYA Tonkotsu Ramen made from a pork soup base.

Kai Shio Ramen (Chicken soup base):

The Kai Shio Ramen is typically served here with thin noodles, we changed them to thick.  The broth was light, not very greasy and actually not that salty either compared to what you would expect.  Personally, I prefer a fattier broth but this should serve well for those with lighter tastes.

The JIDAIYA Tonkotsu Chashu Ramen (Pork soup base, Thick noodles):

The first thing you notice is that the broth in this Tonkotsu is packed with flavor and there's some pork fat floating in it, but that is pretty typical for a strong Tonkotsu soup base.  Secondly, its on the saltier side for Tonkotsu, more so than the Shio ramen.  On my first taste of the soup I thought it was delicious.  Once the noodles and toppings were gone however, the fat content of the broth was too high for me to drink the whole thing, maybe because I'm new to the game, or maybe because I didn't want to have a heart attack this weekend.  Either way the soup base was great and wasn't the only positive either.  The egg was seasoned with shoyu and cooked PERFECTLY.  The yolk was so creamy it was honstly my favorite thing next to the broth itself.  The thick noodles were slightly chewier than normal, the chashu was thin and slightly bland but in this dish the soup is the star so that didn't really matter.  The menma (bamboo shoots) and nori (dried seaweed) accented the dish nicely as expected.  Overall, it was an above average bowl, with a perfect egg:)

Besides ramen there are plenty of other things to try at Jidaiya that they do well.  Gyoza (called UFO because of the appearance straight out of the frying pan), Tan Tan men and Ja-Ja men (like ramen without the soup base), and Takoyaki (dough with octopus inside).  They even have a ramen burger (the buns are made from ramen noodles) but I didn't have a chance to try it today (next time!).

UFO Gyoza and Ja-Ja Men:

 

Ja-Ja Men:

Takoyaki (dough with octopus inside):

Jidaiya in Torrance is a great place.  Lots of variety and quality on their menu.  I highly recommend it if you like a good Tonkotsu that is on the saltier and fattier side.  They will be at the Yokocho Ramen festival at the end of march so try them there!

Back from SF and straight to Yamadaya!

Landed at LAX and on the way home just hopped off the 405 south for quick trip to Yamadaya in Torrance!

Started with the Chashu bowl,

Next was their Kara-age,

Then finally... Yamadaya's Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen 

The dashi tonight was not too heavy, yet packed with flavor.  The Chashu here is not my favorite but the thick noodles, menma, tamago, and negi blend so well with the broth that it ends up delicous so  the Chashu becomes an afterthought anyway.  This place is great and will definitely get you your ramen fix.

Stopping here was an awesome welcome home to So Cal!  Thanks Yamadaya,  see you again soon.