Kyushu Ramen-Van Nuys
Keizo’s recent post and the chilly evening weather put me in the mood for ramen. I’ve been to Kyushu quite a few times over the years mostly due to its close proximity to my valley abode. This was my first visit back in some time so I was ready to wipe the slate clean and looked forward to any improvements.
Luckily, I was able to go with a friend and sample a few different items. I ordered the specialty Kyushu ramen which is a tonkotsu based selection. While the presentation certainly was lovely, the broth was still rather bland and watered down. The chashu was pretty standard–several half inch slabs floating about and menma was firm with a solid bit of crunch to it. The fresh sprigs of spinach added a subtle texture and freshness to the bowl.
The shoyu ramen had a very delicate flavor, bordering on plainness. Again, the presentation was better than I remember with fresh toppings that were carefully placed.
Since the menu was updated sometime in late 2007, the ramen combo with gyoza is no longer available. However, there is a sole shoyu ramen and fried rice combo. Kyushu’s fried rice had been prepared with minimal oil in the past but this time it was marginally dry which may have impacted the flavor towards blandness. Just a whisper of more flavor would have been appreciated.
Lastly, we tried the saba appetizer, which can be prepared with sea salt or a miso dressing. We opted for the sea salt version. It was rather standard, not particularly soft and supple like Foo Foo Tei’s scrumptious offering. Still, it was a decent appetizer and good for Omega-3s, eh?
I’m interested to see if things progress with a new chef at the helm, because although a delicate change in the ramen was detectable, it wasn’t anything outrageously good. Plus, the service is just as slow and unobservant as it ever was, leaving us to fetch our bill after failed attempts to gain attention. For now, I wouldn’t go out of my way to eat here.
Funny I wasted most of today watching youtube vids of Chaahan being made! I feel like an expert.. NOT. But you’re right, the Chaahan looks a bit dry. Those bowls of ramen look so heartwarming though! It’s making me hungry.
You’re more of an expert than I, I assure you. It was a tad on the dry side, although it was tasty.
Sorry to build up your expectations! It’s too bad Shuchan doesn’t use his own tonkotsu recipe. That would be awesome but I guess he can’t give up all his secrets. Hmm, that chahan does look a little dry. Have you or Dennis ever tried making chahan with Little Smokies?
No need to apologize! I’m glad I went. We’ll just have to see how things pan out. Maybe he can be bribed. Oh goodness, nope, haven’t tried making it with Little Smokies. Sounds interesting!