**** Minato 3 Ramen & Sushi has closed
A few months back I'd head that a new Japanese Restaurant had opened up in the old Com Tam 75 space. While I wasn't particularly motivated to try the place out; I needed to head over to Northgate Market for a few things and really didn't feel like eating at Pho 87 again. So I decided to head on over to check the place out.
The interior was basically the same as the old restaurant; save a few changes....same odd, wheeled chairs; the counter area converted into a sushi bar that was too high to actually serve folks.....the televisions played Korean Boy and Girls Band videos constantly.
I glanced over at what the other two tables where eating.....rolls; I knew I wouldn't be going for the sushi....so I looked over the "Ramen" part of the menu. I decided to just try one of their basic ramen. Not that it matters, but when the employees spoke, it was in Korean; thus the videos
I went with the Tonkotsu Ramen ($8.99).
So that's what arrived; a super thin, bland, lukewarm "broth", that had a rather odd fragrance that I can't quite place. Eventually, the beni shōga (pickled ginger) bled all over the soup. The noodles were typical mass produced, "JFC" stuff and quickly got mushy. The boiled egg was fine, but not seasoned, and ice cold. The chashu was actually pretty decent; slightly porky, tender, and had been heated before serving. Of course there was all the corn and other stuff in the broth.
Maybe it's because the last couple bowls of ramen I'd had before coming here were at Menya Ultra, Ichiran (mediocre, but ten times better than this) in Kyoto, Gogyo Ramen (Kyoto), and Kizo (Tokyo), that this seemed below mediocre. But I'm fairly certain that if I even went to Ajisen tomorrow, it would be several levels better than this. Bummer.
Well, you know me, right. A couple of weeks later I decided to head on over to Minato; just to.....well see if my meal had just been an off day. There was no way I'd be having ramen; but since it seemed everyone really enjoyed the "sushi" here; I'd at least try the fish. So I ordered what was called "Carpaccio Salad" ($7.95) on the menu. Which was basically four slices of sashimi drenched in ponzu and sesame oil with some Kaiware (radish sprouts) and two slices of avocado as the "salad".
The salmon was the best piece here; the shiromi (white fish) was still partially frozen and stiff as a board and even drenched in the sauce; the maguro, which actually looked good, tasted a bit off.
I'd also ordered the Katsudon ($10.99), which I kinda expected to look like this (my home version), if not better.
This is what I got.
Check out that albumen. They didn't even bother to cook the eggs at all. It seems they just decided to crack a raw egg over the tonkatsu. Hey, I love tamago meshi, but this ain't that. This definitely needed more onions and cabbage really doesn't belong. The pork was tough and rubbery; the sauce tasted like the bottled stuff you add water to.
Good lord, I hate to be harsh, but this was pretty bad. Makes Katsuni at Okan Diner seem like it deserves a Michelin star.
Usually, I'd give a place another shot....three strikes and all that. But I just can't bring myself to return. The folks working here are sort of friendly. That is, the Server, who was actually chewing on food once when he served me, is really nice. The sushi guys are kind of detached. I'm hoping you enjoy the food here more than I did if you check them out.
Minato 3 Ramen & Sushi
5420 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115
Yuck...
Speaking of ramen standards, have you tried Wokou in Carmel Valley yet. It's in my neck of the woods so I've been a couple times, but I'm curious on your opinion of it.
Posted by: Jason | Tuesday, 25 July 2017 at 01:31 PM
I've heard of it thru Eater, but haven't gotten there yet Jason. I'll put it on my "list".
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 25 July 2017 at 01:32 PM
Yikes. $16 for champon? Cabbage in katsudon? Your dedication to give places a second chance is commendable.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 25 July 2017 at 02:11 PM
It's a different universe Junichi......
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 25 July 2017 at 03:31 PM
a bazillion :(
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 02:13 AM
A bazillion Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 06:32 AM
That raw egg, :(
Posted by: caninecologne | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 07:45 AM
And I like raw eggs CC....but not on a so'called katsudon!
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 08:03 AM
I tried this place since it's within walking distance and wasn't impressed. Sad, b/c it's always awesome to have places that are in your own hood. We got the "sushi". Messy, meh, the fish was maybe ok. I hate being harsh as well, but there is no way I'm going back. Life is too short for mediocre to bad food.
Posted by: Christina C | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 08:23 AM
Don't go back, Kirk. You've already taken one for the team and that is enough. A place like this makes me think that opening a restaurant was not the owner's first choice. Too bad he/she did so anyway.
Posted by: alnc | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 10:22 AM
What does "JFC" stand for? My sister and I use these letters for a private curseword kinda thing so was wondering if it's the same meaning here. I have yet to try Menya and hope to soon. It's unfortunate Minato missed the mark on both your visits -
Posted by: Faye | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 02:36 PM
I have driven by many times and just couldn't get myself to try it out...thanks for taking one for the team!
Posted by: jack | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 02:50 PM
It was pretty bad Christina.....
I probably won't Alnc.....
Lol Faye - It is kind of a curse word.... ;o)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JFC_International
I had some hope for this place Jack.....but it went down the drain.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 03:05 PM
Suddenly I feel very sad, which is a compliment to your
Ability to convey just how bad this place was. Thanks!
Posted by: RedDevil | Wednesday, 26 July 2017 at 05:31 PM
I was pretty sad about my visits here RD.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 27 July 2017 at 06:40 AM