Combination Soup

Intra-asian fusion in a single bowl = Mabo soup, and you can't have a better serving of this hot, steamy goodness than at Suzu Noodle House. If you've never tried a mabo soup, you're in for a surprise! It's spicy and rich, with a Chinese flair, but still distinctly Japanese.The noodles are perfectly chewy and the broth is appropriately seasoned (although my lunch buddy, Letty, thinks it's a tad salty). I know that locals will argue that Katanaya's soup is superior and maybe they're right, but if you consider how small Katanaya's space is and how un-smiley the service is there, then I think you'll agree that Suzu Noodle House is better.

The stars of this show are really the soup bowls, so stick with ordering them. Please don't order the the shu mai as it almost seems like they're the frozen kind from Costco, however an order of the chicken karaage on the side would be a great complement to the soups, I mean really, Japanese chicken nuggets? You can't go wrong. One of these days I'll go to Suzu and do my best not to order my fave, mabo soup, and try the Karaage soup. I'm sure it's equally yummilicious!

Roe, Roe, Roe That Boat!

Food, glorious food. What is it about you that makes humans just go Lady Gaga over you? You're not merely a source of energy, but a reliable way to bring a smile to our overstuffed faces. Today, my posse and I went to Japantown for a much-deserved lunch break. Where else can you find bite-sized morsels of goodness floating around in front of you but in this flourescent lit structure of contrived Japanese-ness called Japantown. I doubt that Japan looks anything like this place, but I'm willing to go along for the ride.

I, of course, am referring to Isobune. They treat you right here. Warm, moist towels to start, all the sushi that your wallet allows you to eat, and - Gasp! They validate parking (they're one of the few establishments in J-Town that do). To those un-initiated, you simply sit down, watch the sushi boats float by and grab the ones you'd like to introduce to your digestive track, and your bill will be calculated by the stacks of plates you've accumulated (they're color coded).

My new favorite is the Uni sushi. Why? Cause it's indescribable and simply tastes delicious. There's also the special, called Happiness Sachi, which is a combo of uni, bbq eel, and crab salad. Yummmeee.

So, there you go. Don't miss out on this culinary experience. Seeing your food float by in front of you is not only fun, but also a testament to the fleeting nature of the culinary experience!