Samurai Noodle: From Japan to Seattle

Last weekend, me and my friends decided to spend our long memorial day weekend in Seattle, WA. One of the most frequently asked questions were: "where should we go next?" and "what should we eat?" I was craving for Japanese food and so we decided to settle on Samurai Ramen as our next destination.

The Samurai Noodle mission to bring traditional Japanese food to Seattle is ongoing! As the stores expand, so does our menu: our newest location brings the taste of true Japanese Izakaya to Capitol Hill with a new menu of authentic Japanese appetizers and sides and a huge sake bar to compliment our famous Ramen.

----- SAMURAI  NOODLE 

 For their noodle/ramen, you can choose how firm you want it to be. From soggy to extra firm.

Japanese Potato Croquette (US$ 2.95)

The mashed potato was deep fried and served with some soy sauce for dipping and little bit of vegetables. They definitely did a great job with the croquette as it is all well cooked and equal crisp on the outside.

Takoyaki (US$ 4.75)

This deep fried octopus dumpling was served with mayonaisse and soy sauce, yum!

Gyoza (US$ 4.75)

This fried dumpling filled with chicken and pork. The crispy part of the Gyoza makes this dish really unique. I've never seen a Gyoza dish cooked and served this way.

A closer look to their Gyoza.

Miso Ramen (US$ 8.00)

The Sapporo style Miso Ramen comes with a block of butter. Chicken broth with miso flavor, wavy egg green onions, corn, bean sprouts and a pat of butter.

Shoyu Ramen (US$ 8.75)

Chicken broth with wavy egg noodles, a slice of pork, green onions and roasted seaweed.

Tonkotsu from Hell (US$ 9.80)

Spicy pork broth with thin wheat noodles, a slice of pork, green onions, corn and marinated bamboo shoots.

Tetsu Max (US$ 8.75)

A peppery chicken broth with wavy egg noodles served on the side rinsed cold. Toppings include shredded pork, marinated bamboo shoots, roasted seaweed and naruto (fish cake).

Tonkotsu Ramen (US$ 8.75)

Pork broth with thin wheat noodles, a slices of pork, green onions, mushrooms, and soft boiled egg (added).

This was my third time coming back to this place. So far, they never disappoint my tastebuds and so, there will definitely be a fourth time.

Samurai Noodle (1)
606 5th Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98104
206 - 624 - 9321

Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday
10:00 - 20:15

Friday - Saturday
10:00 - 21:15

Happy Hour (everyday)
14:00 - 19:00

-----------------------------------------------------

Samurai Noodle (2)
4138 University Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
206 547 1774

Opening Hours:
Sunday - Friday
10:00 - 22:00

Saturday
11:00 - 22:30

Happy Hour (everyday)
14:30 - 18:00
21:00 - close

Student Special:
Monday - Friday
14:00 - 18:00
* Tonkotsu, Shouyu, Shouyu-Tonkotsu, Tounyu, and Daily Special are all US$ 5.25 with any valid student I.D. (Dine-in only)

Carryout Special:
Tonkotsu, Shouyu, Shouyu-Tonkotsu, and Tounyu are US$ 5.25 for take-out all day long

-----------------------------------------------------

Samurai Noodle (3)
412 E. Broadway
Seattle, WA 98102
206 323 7991

Opening Hours:
Sunday - Thursday
11:00 - 22:00

Friday - Saturday
11:00 - 22:30

Happy Hour (everyday)
14:30 - 19:00

Kaihomaru: One of the Best Fresh Sashimi in Jakarta!

Definitely one of the best sashimi-eating experience I've ever had, here in my own hometown - Jakarta, Indonesia. No regrets! Located in Jakarta's so called Japan Town (Blok M). Kaihomaru is a small Japanese restaurant, not too big, not too small, it can probably hold around 50 people in a restaurant.
Stated on Jakarta100Bars.com that Kaihomaru is one of the best Japanese Restaurants. It's sad that maybe not a lot of people know about this place and they don't have website or anything like that.

This is Tairyo Mori, 10 different kinds of sashimi moriawase.

Hotategai Butter Scallop, Japanese type of mushroom on a shell.

Uni, BEST OF THE BEST OF ALL // Sea Urchin

Shishamo, it is a Japanese fish that is grilled and fried as a whole and served with its roe still intact (pregnant fish)

Unagi, tender and just nice. 

Dashimaki Tamago, Tamago means egg and this is some kind of egg omelette. TASTES SO GOOD!

Agedashi Tofu, it was crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, yum!

Mochi Ice Cream, Matcha

Mochi Ice Cream, Ogura

Inside the mochi ice cream, it has these little white pearls that is sweet and crunchy.

It was definitely a great experience after all. Will definitely come back for the Tamago! SATISFIED and no regrets!

Kaihomaru
Jl Melawai VI 23
Melawai, Jakarta Selatan - Kebayoran Baru
021-7398-741

Tokyo Belly: Happy Belly

Tokyo Belly has definitely become one of my favorite restaurants. The food they served definitely made my belly happy. I'll definitely come back to eat their sushis! It's located on the West side of Grand Indonesia Shopping Town. For those who remembers Mr. Curry, here's the replacement of it. Tokyo Belly is also managed by Ismaya, which also runs Mr. Curry, Blowfish, Social House, Pizza e Birra, Fook Yew, Kitchenette, and... What did I miss? Visit their website for more! 

Salmon Ikura Horenso Omurice (IDR 58k) Omurice is basically (omelette and rice) The sauce was yum! Salmon and egg cooked and seasoned perfectly. Under the egg is rice. 7/10

Tokyo Belly House Salad (IDR 48k) This was an okay dish, the fried prawns with a touch of mayonnaise tastes alright. The portion is just right for one person.  6/10

Cute cup, hot green tea.

Tokyo Belly Classic (IDR 53k) I don't wanna say that it's the best ramen I've ever eaten, but the broth was definitely on of the best. I wish the egg could be soft boiled egg instead of hardboiled. 7/10

Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna (IDR 38k) I honestly never had anything like this before. The rice was dried and made into cubes. The sauce was something like yakiniku sauce.  8/10

Twisted Salmon (IDR 38k) This tasted okay, just like any other salmon. The plus side of this is probably the extra stuffs on the top. It was a mix of crunchy and soft, yum! 7/10

Chicken Katsu Curry Rice (IDR 54k) Curry has always been one of the greatest things in life for me. This definitely satisfied my belly. I'll come back for this! 9/10

Seared Salmon Tako Bites (IDR 38k) A great dish for Japanese fusion, creative and original! The thing on top is something like edamame, the next layer is seared salmon, the next one below is soft rice, and last but not least is some kind of Mexican taco. 5/10

Blossom Belly (IDR 55k) A mix of seafood in a sushi roll. Crab stick and salmon, a spoonful of teriyaki sauce. I personally loved it and it was recommended by the waiter. We decided to make a second order for this dish, yum! 9/10

Salad for Sides (part of curry dish) I personally wouldn't call this a salad, too much salad dressing. 4/10

Overall, it was okay and I will definitely come back.

Tokyo Belly
Grand Indonesia, West Mall Level 3A
Jl. M. H. Thamrin No. 1
Jakarta Pusat, 10310

Potato Head Garage: Steakhouse Led to Disappointment

This is going to be my first post full of rants, complaints, and disappointments. I've always wanted to try Potato Head Garage simply because of the interior, it looks so grand. Pretty gold chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Magnificent furnitures and table settings. A lot of my friends came here and they said it was nice. I guess different people have different preference, I was curious about how the food tastes and it was definitely the worst food experience I've ever had. It was one of those days where all you want is eat decent food, pay for what you deserve, and get the best piece of meat served and sizzled by great chefs. 

"It was the day when all I wanted to do was spend the night with the family, this place totally ruined it."

When we called for reservation, they told us to just come in. Once we arrived at Potato Head Garage, they asked if we have any reservations and of course we said no. It was really heartbreaking, they told us they have seats for us, and yes we explained the whole story about the reservation thing. After 15 minutes or so, we decided to go somewhere else. When we reached the exit, they told us that they'll prepare us a table. Mixed feelings between disappointments and curiosity, we decided to give it a try.

Bread on the House

Green Beans Salad, it was this mix of green beans with garlic and some kind of spinach. (7/10)

Merlot Red Wine

Cute coasters!

Txogitxu Beef Astigarraga, Spain. It was such a regret that I ordered this. It was not tender at all and it was such a waste of money. A 1 kg of meat, it was recommended, but definitely not the best I've ever eaten. Definitely not a recommendation. (2/10)

Txogitxu Beef Astigarraga, Spain. The sauce was bone narrow butter, it was a little bland, but a great mix for those who love butter. It has little bits of, I guess it was the bone narrow. It tastes like little bits of potato.

Wagyu Ragout Papperdelle, this might be the best food I ordered here. It tastes a bit like Bolognaise, but the sauce is thicker. It also has some bits of cheddar. (8/10)

Putanesca Rigatoni, this is a little more tomato-ish. Very similar to Papperdelle, the only difference is this is more red which means the tomato is stronger and there's more sauce on this. For those who don't really like tomatoes, I wouldn't recommend this. (6/10)

More cute coasters!

Sweet Potato Caramel, the sweet potato tastes ordinary. The ice cream was vanilla, it was okay, not my favorite. (4/10)

Overall, I was really disappointed with the whole experience. Bad food, overpriced (obviously), and bad service. The only thing I like about this restaurant is probably the interior, sure it was inviting, but it was so not worth it. I will not recommend this restaurant to anyone.

Potato Head Garage
Jalan Jendral Sudirman Kav 52-53
Jakarta Selatan 12190
Jakarta, Indonesia
(021) 57973330
WEB

Bucket List

Inspired by Wanderbites' Wanderlist, I would want to make my own list of places to go & blog.

Jakarta, Indonesia:
1. Tak Kie Kopitiam
2. Potato Head Garage
3. Bakmi Loncat
4. Ragusa
5. Colette & Lola
6. Nasi Goreng Gila
7. Kaihomaru
8. Ayam Suharti
9. Sarang Oci
10. Bubur Sanki
11. Bakmi Kadut
12. Pisa Cafe
13. Altitude Enmaru
14. Altitude Salt Grill
15. Ninotchka
16. Sop Konro Karebosi
17. E&O
18. Gado Gado Taman Sari
19.

Indonesia:
1. Bebek Bengil, Bali
2. Naughty Nuri's, Bali
3. Jimbaran, Bali
4. Batagor Kingsley, Bandung
5. Bumi Aki, Puncak
6. Mirasa, Puncak
7. ?

Portland, Oregon:
1. Pine State Biscuits
2. Nong's Khao Man Gai
3. Yuzu
4. Pok Pok
5. Voodoo Doughnuts
6. Screen Door
7. Ned Ludd
8. Tasty & Sons
9. Salt & Straw Ice Cream
10. Podnah's
11. Biwa
12. Du Kuh Bee
13. Five Guys
14. Papa Haydn
15.

USA:
1. Tapioca Express
2. Facing East, Seattle
3. Piroshky, Seattle
4. Gino's, Chicago
5. Pike Place Chowder, Seattle
6. Sprinkles
7. Paseo
8. ?

Others:

1. Jamie Oliver's, Singapore

2. Ippudo ichi

3. Wild Honey

Comment below for recommendations of places I should go.

Remembered Spring Break: Chicago, Illinois

Eat like a boss, eat like you have no tomorrow

So apparently, I just checked my drafts and looks like I forgot to post my Spring Break holiday blog. And here goes my late post. This was on March, 2013.

This year, the precious one week holiday I decided to book a ticket to Chicago, IL or known as the third most populous city in the US. This city of architecture surprisingly got good foods that worth the wait.

Toshi's Ramen & Prince Puckler's: Eugene's Best Food Experience

Eugene has always been popular for their University and culinary. Toshi's Ramen has got to be second best Japanese ramen I've ever tasted in Oregon. The best in Oregon is, Yuzu (Click here for the review)  

Our main goal to visit Eugene was to check out the University of Oregon, then for sure I knew we were going to eat good food! Then one of my friends said that she knew a good place to eat ramen. She also said that there's a good place to eat ice cream, Mr. President once visited Prince Pucklers and tried their ice creams.

Leftovers!

I missed on posting a few restaurants that I went to during the summer and decided to combine them in a single post. I might have said this a few times already that I went to Seattle, Washington during the holiday and am going to add on that. Can't believe I forgot to write about my favorite place ever, it is a Russian bakery opened since 1992 also known as Piroshky. Every time I come for a visit to Seattle, I try to come here and buy their Smoked Salmon Pate, no matter how long the queue is. The second place that I forgot to mention is Podnah's Pit located in Northeast Portland and probably the best barbecue in town.

Piroshky, Piroshky, Piroshky :')

Piroshky's Publications. Popular and still the best since 1992. On May 2006, one of the best American chef, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservation came for a visit. Piroshky has been reviewed and published in newspapers: Seattle Post and New York Times, and has got hundreds of good reviews from food critics.

This is the menu, I'm not quite sure why they covered their prices, but it ranges around $4-$5 each buns.

The buns are all fresh from the oven. They rarely run out of the buns because they keep baking it, sometimes if let's say they run out of your favorite buns, the longest time you'll wait is probably around 15-20 minutes.

Buns buns, breads breads, appetizers :)

Most Piroshkies are $4.90 each.

Smoked Salmon Pate, crispy on the outer part of the bun. Hot smoked salmon fillings, they never serve cold buns. Best of the best!

The next place is Podnah's in Portland, Oregon:

It was crowded when we came, so we ended up waiting for around 20-25 minutes.

It was on NE 17th Ave and NE Killingsworth, FYI :)

Pit's Boss with Mac & Cheese and Baked Beans, I really liked the baked beans, mac & cheese, and sausage. I didn't like the beef brisket, I just don't like pork :) My dad and brothers really liked it though.

We ordered the same thing, just with different sides. This is collard greens. We decided to try it because someone said that it was good, it turned out not so bad after all.

Piroshky is quite popular because it is located on the same street as the Pike Place Market or Fish Market. It's always crowded around that area.

That time when I visit Podnah's Pit was my very first time to eat there. My dad saw it on TV and I'm guessing it was on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drives-Ins, & Dives (Video)

For Piroshky, Piroshky the price per person is around $10/person and for Podnah's Pit, it is around  $15/person.

Piroshky, Piroshky
1908 Pike Pl(between Stewart St & Western Ave)
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 441-6068
YELP

Podnah's Pit
1625 NE Killingsworth
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 281-3700
YELP