INSTANT RAMEN

Of course after having real Ramen there is not even a contest or comparable likeness aside from the Noodles technically being Instant Ramen Noodles. The Maruchan Instant Lunch had me intrigued since it has been decades since I had rehydrated Corn in my Broth, also of note the "Hot & Spicy" moniker on the packaging is not a falsity, of course you can always make it hotter but I believe some people might find this Too Hot.

As is always the case between myself and Instant Noodles I do grow tired after a few forkfuls but this is a good product insofar as Instant Noodles, the Corn adds a nice touch and is on the sweet side.

CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR ONE IS A LOT OF FUN

Actually, Chrismas Dinner for one is quite depressing but if you view my previous entry concerning last night that made up for it in spades.

This is a very simple Meal of (clockwise from 9) Pepper Steak, Pillsbury Croissant, Seabrook Farms Creamed Spinach and Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes with Heinz Savory Beef Gravy garnished with Parsley Flakes.

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES/TWELVE BELLS

The Lone Crustacean.

Thanks to Jennie & Joe for inviting me to their annual Feast of Seven Fishes gathering of the tribes on Christmas Eve. Pace myself I did with the Drinks and the Delicacies and still could not fathom ever eating again. The family spirit and the Christmas spirit was indeed in the air, Wouldja pass me a slice of Prosciutto, NONONO.

BURP.

Excuse Moi.

Chick Pea Salad and Celery Salad.

The Appetizer portion of the evening. Fresh Mozz, Pepperonicini, Various Cheeses, Apricots, Prosciutto, Cappaciola, Mortadella and everyone went NUTS as in bowl of Nuts.

My plate of Appetizers.

Prosciutto, Cappaciola, Blue Cheese, Fresh Mozz and a good Hunka Hunka of Italian Bread.

Fried Boneless Smelt a la Marco.

First plate of Baccala, Scungilli, Smelt & Celery Salad flanked by my Drink based upon Pear Vodka and Lime but only a nice glass of Vino goes with a Meal so I procured my first of the night before I tucked in.

And the tables are set.

A Huge Bowl of Scungilli (Conch).

Whole Buncha Shrimp & Baccala

Baccala a la Nick

Roast Loin of Pork a la Caroline.

Linguini in Clam Sauce a la Joe.

Escarole a la Nick.

Delicious Stuffed Calamari a la Jennie.

The Desserts Table prior to the onslaught but one slice of Cake down.

FEAST OF THE SEVEN FISHES ON WIKIPEDIA

A BUCK IS A BUCK - 2 BROS PIZZA

On my way to class I pass 2 Bros Pizza and thought nothing of it really but when I read that their flagship location in the village shut its doors I decided to sample a one dollar slice which they are famous for.

Well the one dollar slice was worth about a dollar and was quite bland so do not let it be said that this Blog only contains positive reviews.

RAMEN SUMMIT - IVAN'S RAMEN/MOMOFUKU

My friend Yasuo was in town for two days and he graciously and generously invited me to Lunch at not one but two highly rated Ramen establishments. 

Now Yasuo certainly knows the deal when it comes to Ramen being a highly experienced Gourmand in the way of the Noodle and Broth so I was fortunate to receive training from The King Of Ramen himself.

Saturday's Lunch was at the "hot spot" Momofuku and we arrived one hour prior to opening in case a line formed outside and that is exactly what happened.

Pictured above is "Momofuku Ramen" which consists of Pork Belly, Pork Shoulder, Poached Egg, Soy Dashi Pork/Chicken Broth, two sheets of Nori and of course Ramen Noodles, the swirly discs are a type of fishcake.

The photos and Food descriptions in this entry are courtesy of Yasuo since frankly he takes better Food pics than I do and I am rather experienced myself.

Brisket Bun - Pickled Red Onion, Horseradish, Lettuce & Cucumber on a Bun.

This I enjoyed greatly but was almost full like a little girly man after just one, Absolutely Delicious yet still gearing up for the Ramen (pictured above).

Chicken Wings - Smoked Chicken Wings, Pickled Chili, Garlic & Scallions. 

These were Delicious and I took the leftovers "to go" even not being a "wing" guy.

Sunday's Lunch was at Ivan's Ramen and what an Outstanding experience this was, This Food was just Outstanding and when I say Outstanding I do mean Outstanding.

Amongst the Appetizer section sampled is and was as seen above "Kewpie Ebi" which is Fried Whole Prawns smothered in Kewpie Mayo, Smoked Chili and Lemon on a bed of Watercress, Oh My Gosh, Delicious.

Roast Pork Musubi - Roast Pork, Salted Plum Wasabi, Roasted Tomato, on Toasted Nori.

This was Just Oh My God, Delicious.

Tokyo Shoyu Ramen, Soy Sauce, Doshi, Chicken Broth, Char Siu, Egg, Enoki Mushroom Supplement, Rye Noodle in Broth with Umami.

In deep respect for my Ramen Sensei

Yasuo I already knew I was going to follow his lead in these proceedings but perusing the menu on the Ivan Ramen website the evening before Sunday Lunch I did spy this little item which intrigued me to no end so I swayed to the Bacon side of the Force and this was indeed Delicious, I was already "stuffed" from the little Appetizers but made sure to take the remainders to go.

BLT Mazemen - less broth, thicker Ramen Noodles, Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Kewpie Mayo, Dashi & Whole Wheat Noodles.

Hitachino Nest Red Rice Beer - Belgian style Ale from Ibaraki, Japan.

Delicious.

Jedi Yasuo Kenobi and Padawan Spike selfie taken at Mos Eisley.

Yasuo's empty bowl, I am yet to learn but am grateful for the lessons I have learned.

Darth Yasuo's ratings.

Momofuku - 8/10

Ivan's Ramen 10/10

IVAN RAMEN ONLINE

MOMOFUKU NOODLE BAR ONLINE

JOE'S LINGUINI CARBONARAESQUE

This being a Food Blog I try to keep things impersonal but a bad day I did have and my good friend Joe invited me over and made me a Delicious Dinner in what can barely but technically be called "Fusion" dining. Mind you this was not the Mahavishnu Orchestra but for the Palate it was.

Joe made it a good day for me after all.

Carbonara Sauce containing Butter, Peas, Shallots, Parsley, Heavy Cream, Grated Cheese and to make it "Fusion" some Shredded Cappaciola. Help me out Joe, I may have missed some ingredients.

This was tossed with Linguini and Tempered Egg, of course there was a prepared Salad to compliment and enhance the Culinary experience.

The Delicious Salad consisted of Kale, Grape Tomato, Fennel and Pepperonicini but I don't remember the Pepperonicini (I am going from notes here folks).

For Appetizer, Smoked Mozz and Italian Bread.

OATMEAL

Looks like a big bowl of slop, maybe because it is a big bowl of slop but its extremely healthy slop.

1/8/15 - Maple & Brown Sugar - This looks extremely promising, almost a completely different animal, not nearly as soupy and smells Delicious.

THIS I can eat, still not my favorite thing this oatmeal is but going to get some at the Supermarket soon to continue my health regimen. Mapley and Brown Sugary just like a Pancake Should.