[Los Angeles] [Japanese Cuisine] Happy Cup Ramen Truck

Happy Cup Ramen Truck

twitter.com/HappyCupRamen

For more pictures of this place, please refer to (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/07/los-angeles-japanese-cuisine-happy.html)

I happened to see this ramen truck on the way heading back home. This truck reminds me of what we used to see back in Asia (A small stand selling only few items).

Food trucks became extremely popular over this past year (esp. Koji Taco). However, its still predominately Mexican/American or Korean Food. Japanese food wise, its completely left out in this region until Happy Cup Ramen showed up.

I had horrible experience eating at Mottainai Ramen few days ago where everyone in our party left sick (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). Since then, I am intrigued to try out this new ramen joint.

This Ramen truck as been running for 2 to 3 months. By a Japanese guy who used to owned a restaurant in South bay area, then supervised and Shinsengumi for approx 6 months. The menu offered plenty items for a food truck! From Ramen ( 7 different flavors) to Fried rice, curry rice, fried items..etc. Price is on average about $6.50.

Now to the Core. ** Note this is a Food Truck, so I have taken off service component or the presentation part from the review.

Tonkotsu Ramen (Rich Pork Broth) - It was served with bean sprout, a slice of chashu pork. The Noodle was good in terms of firmness and they used the typical ramen noddle (wavy one, so it can pick up the soup easily). BBQ pork (chashu) was tender, but not the point that will melt in your mouth. The broth, however, was not as Rich/Thick as I expected. Its somewhat thin, but I can still taste the chicken/pork broth. I think the owner altered the taste a bit so it is not as salty as compares to traditional Japanese broth. However, for late night eats (8pm to 3am), its fast, simple and delicious for what you are paying for (and pretty authentic, too).

Like others suggested. This place is not fancy, but its definitely a solid Ramen joint. Next time if you happen to be in the area and feeling hungry? Give it a try.

You can follow them on Twitter @HappyCupRamen

[Gardena] [Japanese Cuisine] Mottanani Ramen

Mottainai Ramen

1630 W Redondo Beach Blvd, Ste 9
Gardena, CA 90247

(310) 538-3250

For more pictures, please look up Chinese Version of the Review (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/07/gardena-japanese-cuisine-mottanani.html)

Lack of Flavor, Lukewarm, Greasy Ramen Broth. Overcooked Thick Noodle, Strong Smell Chashu Pork slices (YUCK) = Nasty After taste. Do they put MSG in their broth too?? Not good for your health!!

**** I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE****

Came here per Rameniac's recommendation. Came with friends so we can get a fair evaluation of this place. I also read people's review in regards to how good every little dishes are over here...etc etc etc....Its simply the biggest disappointment in years. The following review sums up the comments from my peers and I.

1. The Broth were ALL luke warm when it was served (Shoyu, Miso and Tonkotsu).
2. The Broth were too Greasy, it gives nasty after taste when it was not hot.
3. The Chashu Pork was the MOST PORKY part of the ramen. It has a strong porky after taste, makes me think they must bought some cheap pork, I had upset stomach all night thanks to the strong aftertaste from the pork , NOT the soup.
4. The noodle that they used in the shoyu ramen was nice in firmness, but it taste like the ones we bought in vacuum pack. The thicker noodle can not pick up the soup well.
5. The Gyoza has nice fillings, however it was not perfectly grilled. It was sticky so when we picked up with chopstick, it breaks easily.
6. Last but not least, the Magic "Bomb" does not make any magic when the soup is not hot. It simply can not dissolved well in the bowl with the temperature of the soup. Its just a market gimmick.

I do not know how people would give high rating for this place. Perhaps I came on the bad days? or the owners changed strategy since soft opening or???

I have to give props to their service. Thats the reason that I am giving them a star. A ramen store that does not make good ramen, its like a disaster.

[Costa Mesa] [Japanese Cuisine] Sushi Shibucho

Sushi Shibucho

590 W 19th St
Costa Mesa, CA 92627

(949) 642-2677

High quality sushi + Very Reasonable Price in Orange County = Hidden Gem.

I wouldn't think this place as "sushi nazi" as others suggested. In fact, I do agree with others this is a very quiant, homey feel sushi joint. It seems like this place is run by family members, but uncertain.

However, the owner does not like people to talk on the cell phone while eating. He will "politely" to remind you. Just be respectful and he will do the same.

I was here for dinner and since we arrived early, we did not have to wait to be seated. However, towards 7-ish. All the seats were taken, and this is during a weekday night. Can imagine how packed this will be during weekend.

I ordered the Omakase sushi at the bar. It was served piece by piece. I mentioned that I want more "traditional" flair, which he did not disappoint me with. I was presented with fresh fishes from tuna, salmon, real tai (red snapper) with skin, orange clam, shrimp, sea urchin, mackerel, halibut, pike, eel, etc. The quality of the fish were very solid. I feel I am getting a very good quality fish for the price that was charging. Its definitely one of the better sushi joints in the area.

This place, however, is lack of exotic/unique fish. Its more on the safe side, but then, that's at chef's discretion since they are very clear to keeping this a family-style sushi joint.

I think some people get offended because they think sushi joints should offer cocktails, serve spider roll or philidelphia rolls. This is more like a traditional sushi joint unlike those "Asian/Japanese Fusions" or Korean owned sushi joint that will create creative rolls. However, this is definitely a place to visit if you are in the area and serious about eating sushi.

If you sit at the table, you can also order Omakase set, which is beautifully presented and delicious to eat too.

This is one of the few sushi restaurants that still holds its belief of running sushi joint in very traditional way, and I respect chef's decision and highly recommend for those who lives around the area and wants some high quality sushi for reasonable price.

For More pictures of this restaurant, please click (http://travelsmart8.blogspot.com/2010/07/costa-mesa-japanese-cuisine-sushi.html)

[Los Angeles] [Asian Fusion] WP 24 Restaurant

WP24

900 W Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 743-8800

The Lounge here can be one of the best hidden spot in Downtown LA.

Its very tastefully designed, dim light, with views of LA Skyline. Although I have to admit that the view in the actual restaurant has more of the WOW factor in there (Speaking of the views and the design).

The service is very good. Professional, friendly and courteous. Just as what you would expect from Ritz Carlton Hotels (this is part of Wolfgang Puck chain but inside Ritz Carlton @ LA Live).

The drink price is not as steep as I would expect, its actually very "fair" for a place at this caliber. Most importantly, its very good! We all enjoyed the signature cocktails and their classic Mojito. It may not be one of the best on my list, but its certainly good!

The dessert that I received for my birthday was beautifully presented and its very creative nevertheless. Asian fusion penna cotta. Worth a try next time if you are here.

Good atmosphere, good drinks, good view and good friends. oh boy, I had such a good time there for my birthday :)

[Key West] [Cuban Cuisine] El Siboney Restaurant

El Siboney Restaurant

900 Catherine St
Key West, FL 33040

(305) 296-4184

www.elsiboneyrestaurant.com

This is my first try with cuban food. Ordered the famous Seafood Paella for two. Called ahead so it did not take very long for our food to come out.
The server brought some cuban bread immediately which was hot and delicious.

My immediate thought: OH MY GOD. ITS HUGE!!! It got chunks of Lobster tail, shrimps, squid, beef, chicken and lots vegetables. It tastes pretty good but since I am not familiar with the food I have no comparison. It was big enough to feed the family of four. However, both me & my friends believe that it will be better without beef and chicken. If its seafood only, it will be even better.

The fried banana is really good. I thought it would be sweet but it actually turned out to be quite interesting taste. Would not hesitate to recommend this place to others when visiting Key West.

[San Francisco] [Seafood] Swan Oyster Depot

Swan Oyster Depot

1517 Polk St
San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 673-1101

Went to this place again in March, again in June.

I went way too late in March (around 4pm) and the shop already closed its dine-in line so my only choices was to go and my favorite blue point oysters were sold out :( I think it does taste better when you dine in (maybe I am biased).

However, I went in very early in June...wait about an hour..finally had my oysters.

I only go by myself so I can only have so much

1) 1 dozen of oysters (6 blue points, 2 local miyagi, 2 east coast miyagi, and 2 Kumamoto oysters). 1 cherry stone clam.
2) 1 Crab salad with louie dressing.
3) Sourdough bread from boudin bakery.

I have to say...Swan has not let me down once. All the foods were fresh and delicious. The texture of their oysters are the best I have ever had. Mouthful of flavors. Friendly servers too. Felt like you are eating at your neighborhood restaurant.

Cash Only, However :P

[Oakland] [Chinese Cuisine] Vien Huong Restaurant

Vien Huong Restaurant

712 Franklin Street
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 465-5938

This place brings back so much of my childhood memories. I have been coming to this place since age of 9. I have seem their servers aged (So Am I, sniff sniff). However, the taste of the broth has never changed. I actually go to Oakland every time when I visited bay area just to get my crave for the chow chou rice noodle. I wonder when LA can make food like this?

for the Chow Chou rice noodle:
Broth - clear, not greasy, full of flavor
Rice noodle - not sticky/powdery, very fresh unlike other Vendors that leaves their rice noodle for days.
Ingredients - pork , pork liver, shrimp, fish balls, meat ball, ground pork, marinated pork, bean sprouts and more. Its pretty loaded for the price that you are paying

I will also get their lemonade and fried fish cake.

Sure is nothing fancy but I like the taste of this place so much I could be careless. Plus the price is not that expensive but the only downside is that they close by 6pm.