Month: August 2014

We knew Robata Ramen & Yakitori Bar would be packed the Friday after it opened, but the promise of ramen was too great.

We got there right before 5 p.m. to see about half a dozen folks had the same idea.

Ordering the ramen ($9.95) is a multi-step process starting with the noodles (thin, regular, fat, or gluten-free rice noodles) and then on to the type of ramen (Tonkotsu, Miso Corn, Soy Tonkostu, etc.) The third optional step is to add extra toppings like barbecue pork, kimchi, or tofu.

The broths are either pork of chicken-based, and they offer a vegetarian version as well, though they were still perfecting it when we were there.

Seeing as we were a table of mostly vegetarians and vegans, we filled up with yakitori and appetizers.

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Among my favorites were the garlic ($1.95), with the heat from the grill softening the garlic and mellowing out the strong flavors, and the asparagus ($2.50). I also ordered the tomato cheese, which is cherry tomatoes topped with American cheese ($2.95).

We also ordered the vegetable gyoza ($5.95) and the Onigiri ($2.50), exceptional rice balls served with your choice of salmon, spicy cod roe, or plum.