ken212

IMHO... Although RaiRaiKen is very good, especially the MISO (PS-I actually worked there for a short period a couple years ago, one of the few Japanese faces there) my preference is Yakitori Taisho a couple blocks away on St. Marks Place near 3rd Ave. Pretty much consistantly great TONKOTSU (Pork Broth) RAMEN (It is the only ramen they serve, and my favorite). The only thing that isnt consistant unfortuantely is their Chashu (Sliced pork) on good days you barely need to use your teeth since the meat is so tender and flavorful... it practically melts in your mouth. Amazingly sublime. On bad days however... flavorless, almost rubber texture. A shame really. But the rest of the soup itself has never been a disappointment. I havent been there since November 2005, but I imagine it hasnt changed. I used to go there pretty regularly for the past few years. Everyone who I have taken there and tried the ramen has fallen in love with it regardless of the Chashu.... give it a shot.

Kristin, How was the ume udon? How much was it?(YEN) I love umeboshi in all forms... except umeshu (too sweet) But that ume udon looks really tasty.

Wow Kristin.... This deli sounds like the real deal. Thanks for finding the article. I am definitely going to look into this, although I am not going to expect them to have it, with the ban on US meat. BUT Bagels on the other hand... RE:BBQ... I walked by the Hard Rock Cafe by my office in MinatoMirai, and they have the BBQ Pork Sandwich.... 1800YEN... GULP. Well I know I will crack sometime soon, I hope its somewhat worth it.

Hey Scott, Yeah the thought did cross my mind, but I think an even bigger hurdle would be finding a right size oven. unfortunately I dont have a large (at least U.S. size) oven in my apt. And I dont think I've even seen any here that would be considered large. They all seem like little fish broiler style. By the way.... Does the tomato/spaghetti sauces here taste "sweeter" than back home for any reason. I used some tomato sauce when I first arrived here and it just tasted awful. Thanks...

Now thats what I'm talkin about! I'm gonna check these places out this weekend... I learned to set my expectations waaay down, but I know these places are probably better than the random "wannabees" I'd probably stumble along on my own. Good lookin out! Katz and Ess-a-Bagel would kill here, without a doubt. I'd most def. be a frequent patron. And I know there would be many others that would feel the same way. You gonna offer discounts to New Yorkers right?!?

Maaan... H&H bagels sure would hit the spot.　 Thanks for the info on the pizza places. I will go on a mission sometime to track them down. Ramen... it is one of the reasons why I am here. Thanks for everyones advice. I am on a mission and will report back with any successful findings. I went to a chain place LA PAUSA over the weekend, and tried their mini Margharita Pizza.... I still have a way to go, but must say the sauce was pretty good. Just wished there was a little bit more of it. The crust was crunchy, but somehow managed to look like raw dough, and tasted like a cracker. BUT I'd go back if the craving hit. Beggars cant be choosers, right?

Torakris... Thanks for the tip. I will try to check it out. I am in Yokohama as well, so hopfully it isnt too far from where I am. So you say the best restaurants for BBQ are Tony Romas or TGIFs?... oh well. I better start learning to make my own BBQ pork. Do you have any recommendations of your favorite Yokohama eating spots (pref. inexpensive places... nothing fancy) I would appreciate any advice. Also is Costco the best place to buy "American" groceries? How much is the membership? Easy access by trains? Thanks again....

Hello... I have been here for over 6 months. I would say over these past 6 months I have been searching all around for pizza that is somewhat close to what I used to enjoy in NY. I have seen many plastic pizzas that look great, but upon receiving the actual pizza, been disappointed on many occasions. Does anyone know of any places that serve pizza that taste somewhat close to what you would find in NY. I know theres NYers on here that probably share the same feeling I do, or know of where to satisfy the craving. You guys are my only hope... While I'm on it.... Anyone know of a good Pastrami joint? Bagels? not a soft roll with a hole in the middle, but a real NYC style bagel...? How about an American style Hero (sub, hoagie, etc) shop, other than SUBWAY or a good BBQ joint (pref. North Carolina style...) I'm asking alot, right...? I'm dying here.