The Bite of Life

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.

It’s Summertime! What does that mean to this blogger? It’s time to head to the beach for sun, surf and seafood. That’s just what I did this weekend. Galveston Texas was the destination. Sun, surf, and seafood were in abundance but man can not live on the 3 Ss alone.

Galveston Island

I was on a quest for a neigborhood breakfast joint. IHop and Waffle House just wouldn’t do. With a little research I found a gem at the corner of 16th and L.  In an unassuming brick building, the welcoming aromas of fresh baked breads, cakes, and pastries beckons patrons like the call of the mythical siren that beckons sailors.

Founded in May of 2010, ShyKatz Deli joined the Galveston food scene to serve locals and the lucky tourists that were clever enough to find them. Shy Leger and Kat Kearns entered this business venture with the mantra that “food is love”. They have been serving breakfast and lunch that patrons love ever since. Using old family recipes, the love that is in the food is evident at first bite.

The quirky dining room of mismatched tables and chairs is adorned with clever artwork that adds to the dining experience.

All of Shy and Kat’s offerings are made from scratch. Whether it’s breakfast or lunch, you can’t go wrong. By the way, breakfast is served all day. If it’s too early to take advantage of their dessert buffet be sure to get something to go.

granola

pimento cheese on homemade jalapeno cheese toast

bread pudding

It just keeps getting better!

Galveston has plenty of establishments that date back decades. Tourists flock to them. The locals flock to ShyKatz. They do so very quietly so that the tourists have no idea. Urbanspoon, Yelp, and now The Bite of Life have unearthed this beauty. Go….Enjoy….Tell everyone you know. Shy and Kat will thank you.