The question in our house became, “What do we do on a dreary November day?” We knew we needed to go to the grocery store and shop for Thanksgiving. However when we saw the long line of cars jockeying for a parking place we decided to go in a different direction. We decided to go out to lunch. Yes, it became an extremely appealing idea to delay our Thanksgiving responsibilities. After all, we had to eat anyway. We heard wonderful things about a relatively new Ramen noodle house in Addison. Having had many a ramen packets in college, I must say that I had to do a bit of research before I decided whether this was a worthy idea or one to be reconsidered. I found that Ming Bang and Soo Park introduced a California concept known as Tonkotsu Ramen which was first made in the Hakata District of Fukuoka Japan. This ramen is a true taste of Japan. What Pho is to Vietnamese Cusine, Tonkotsu Ramen is to Japanese fare. Also known as street food, Tonkotsu is also one of Japan’s most favored styles of Ramen. The springy noodles and comforting broth are made with care and time. The noodles are flown in from California and the broth is made from pork bones that have simmered for 12 hours. Bone marrow is released giving the broth it’s milky appearance.

Nagasaki Vegetable Ramen

Chashu is an ingredient found in many of the staple items on the menu. Chashu means pork belly. This treat is grilled, then boiled, and finally it rests in a special soy marinade for five hours until it becomes tender and juicy. Tantanmen was shared by the group. It featured the much lauded pork based broth with a special spicy miso, Chashu, a soft boiled egg, green onions, black mushrooms, bean sprouts an a fragrant garlic oil.

Tantanmen

When you go you must order the Goyza. These plump purses filled with ground pork are the best in town, the best I’ve ever had.

The best Goyza ever!

If you’re not a noodle fan, the menu offers rice bowls that are just as satisfying! The Chashudon Rice Bowl topped with pork belly and green onion is very special.

Chashudon

Yes the food was wonderful. However, I would be remiss if I didn’t compliment the proprietors for the very pleasing design of the Dining room. Sleek, yet warm, we all had a view of the giant steel vats that cook the noodles and create the signature broths The street food of Fukuoka has come to Belt Line Road. And it is housed right out in front of Target!  Who knew? Now I do and I’m telling everybody.