Man, that humidity was pretty nasty last week, wasn't it? Well, here's something new I tried and also an old favorite for you.
"Cold Ramen" at Karami Ramen:
So, "FOY" SomTommy sent me an email in the middle of 90% humidity week asking me if I had tried the Cold Ramen at Karami Ramen. I mentioned that over multiple visits; Karami had never been a favorite of mine and that I haven't really found a "go-to" version of Hiyashi Chuka in San Diego. ST replied back that Karami was serving ramen, with cold noodles and a cold broth! Hmmm.....
So, before doing some shopping at Nijiya, I decided to see what this "cold ramen" was all about. And yes, there was a sign on the door that said Cold Ramen - $9.90.
It was pretty quiet during my visit. Considering that this was noon on a weekend and the strip mall was packed; it seemed strange. But maybe not, since it was still quite warm and muggy out.
The young man who served me was pleasant, the service prompt, no complaints there.
As for the "ramen".
So yes, this was nicely chilled. In fact, I bit into a couple of ice cubes. On the bright side; there would be no complaining about one of my pet peeves; the ice cold tamago….as it was cold, with a good shoyu flavor. Speaking of shoyu flavor; i'm certain the temperature really affects the tastebuds as this was super salty. It could have used some sour - savory - sweet tones to help things along. It became a bit much and I couldn't finish it. The chashu was also nicely flavored and tender. The menma was routine. For some reason, I really enjoyed the corn....I think the cold heightens the sweetness of the corn. It was my favorite part of the dish.
So, ST, I know Karami is a favorite of yours. The price at $9.90 is reasonable. This wasn't bad, but I'm not sure I'd have it again. Thanks for letting me know about it though.
Karami Ramen
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Gyokai Natto Don at Izakaya Sakura:
Yes, it's that time again, yet another post on Izakaya Sakura. To be perfectly honest though, I think Sakura has not aged well...the service has been spotty and on occasion, the food has been a bit off. And so; it's been nearly a year since my last visit. It was during another hot spell and I got one of my two "hot weather" go to dishes at Sakura, the Ebi Kakiage Udon. This time though, I decided to retry what used to be my other warm weather favorite, the Gyokai Natto Don. The last time I tried it in September of 2017 it was mediocre; a ton of rice, barely any fish.
So, how's the 2019 version of the dish?
While still not quite hitting the same highs as when Sakura didn't have a sign (ChrisR - I still remember when you said it was "an end of an era"); this did hit the spot. Meaty magura and toothsome ika; with a few pieces of shiromi (white fish) thrown in; fermented goodness from the slimy-stringy natto; pungent wasabi, umami from the seaweed, textural pungency from the scallions......still a bit to much rice for me these days; but what the heck, I was hungry. The miso soup was good, the agedashi tofu held form and didn't breakdown and get mushy......
Just what the doctor ordered.
Maybe I need to return more often?
Izakaya Sakura
3904 Convoy St Ste 121
San Diego, CA 92111
Well, at least it's cooled off a bit today. And looking at the weather elsewhere, you know how much we love Paris, but the mercury hit an all time high there this week at 108.7! Sheesh!
Hope everyone kept cool over the last week. What have you been eating to "beat the heat"?
it’s been hit and humid here too, glad it has cooled down for you!
Posted by: kat | Sunday, 28 July 2019 at 11:43 PM
Yeah, it's a still a bit warm, but much cooler at night now Kat! Keep cool!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 29 July 2019 at 06:31 AM
This hot weather makes me want NRM and Thai beef salad!
Posted by: Derek R | Monday, 29 July 2019 at 07:31 AM
Santouka used to do a hiyashi chuka during summer. Not sure if that's still a thing. I usually make it at home. Zaru soba and somen are also good during these hot summer days.
Posted by: Junichi | Monday, 29 July 2019 at 09:55 AM
Hi Derek - NRM?!?!? Man, you're tough. We've been making our Thai Papaya runs the last two weeks as well.
I've tried the Hiyashi Chuka at Santouka twice Junichi. Didn't care for it much:
https://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2011/06/a-hiyashi-chuka-comparison-yakyudori-santouka-and-izakaya-sakura.html
I've found that most places in San Diego tend to overcook their soba - have you noticed that as well? So, like you, I'll just make it at home.
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 29 July 2019 at 10:10 AM
I was in Paris for that 108 day. I would have given nearly anything to be in San Diego eating Hiyashi Chuka instead!
Posted by: Dereck | Thursday, 01 August 2019 at 09:54 AM
Oh man Dereck.....that's tough. I'd have died if we had stayed in an apartment without A/C on that day. Glad you survived! Though it's still Paris, right?
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 01 August 2019 at 09:55 AM
It was still Paris, and fantastic at that. I was at the Westin Vendome, so the A/C was highly valued. Invictus was good also.
Posted by: Dereck | Saturday, 03 August 2019 at 07:01 AM
Awesome Dereck!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 05 August 2019 at 06:59 AM
Bummer that you didn’t like the cold ramen at Karami. Better luck next time.
Posted by: Som Tommy | Wednesday, 07 August 2019 at 02:41 PM
Hi ST - Thanks for the recommendation. It was interesting trying something a bit different.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 08 August 2019 at 06:51 AM