While perusing the Netflix “instant-play” a few weekends ago, I somehow decided to watch the straight-to-dvd flick “Ramen Girl.” It is an epic tale of an American girl (Brittany Murphy) who travels to Japan and becomes a ramen-maker’s apprentice. While the movie was less than memorable, what did stick was how hungry it made me for authentic Japanese ramen.
In case you don’t know, real Japanese ramen is something that can take years to perfect. It contains a rich, usually pork-based broth and is generally topped with dried seaweed, pulled pork, egg, bamboo shoots, and a number of other vegetables. Hungry yet? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that in a few weeks, Tomukun Noodle Bar will be opening on Liberty in the McKinley Town Centre!
Co-Owner Thomas Yon has said that the restaurant will feature authentic Japanese style ramen at affordable prices ($8-$10). The restaurant has also applied for a liquor license and will feature Japanese beer and sake. According to annarbor.com, Yon is currently hiring wait staff and will be ready to open sometime this spring. Personally, I’m extremely excited to see ramen coming to the Ann Arbor community and I hope he can pull it off! If not, you can still drop an egg into a package of Maruchan and pretend it’s the real thing. Here’s hoping…
Comments
Dr. Tobias Funke
03/31/2010 21:12
it is about time. I am extremely excited for this, gives noodles and co. a run for their money
What do you think of it, now that it's open? I wrote about it on opening day, but I haven't gone back to try the Pho or Udon.
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Sarah Horvitz
04/22/2010 13:21
Personally, I thought it was great. I've tried the pho ramen and the butter corn ramen and while I've never been to Japan, it's the most authentic Japanese ramen I've been able to find in the states so far. I'll definitely be going back!
This place is a disappointment. Owners are not friendly, well they are only friendly to the people they know. passing out free food and serving food to girls they knew first. Sorry to dis on the owners flirting style, but girls don't usually go out on dates just for free food, or maybe the girls they date will. Anyways, the pho was nothing like real pho. I'm Vietnamese, so I damn well know what pho is supposed to taste like, and if my mom knew I paid 12 bucks for some instant pho, she'd slap me silly, because yes, that is what their pho taste like. One of my friend's works at Tomukon now, and I asked him recently if the place improved their pho? He said yeah I think so, they started to add spices? Really? Damn. I went too soon.
First time I was there when I tried the pho, I also got the chicken wings which were not bad, but too sweet for my taste. My boyfriend got the bbq pork buns and he liked them. But if you ask me, those pork buns were a rip off. 6 bucks for two pieces? and the cut of meat (pork belly) is the cheapest cut too, so why the hell does it cost so much for us to buy? Damn you Tomukon.
I went there a second time because a few of my friends from out of town wanted to try it. I ordered the curry steak rice. It was not authentic, but it was filling, although I was not the one that finished my dish. One of my friend's ordered the bibimbop and the other ordered the Regular Udon. Both still were hungry after they finished their bowls and finished off half of my curry steak rice. Well at least they didn't f up the spring rolls.
You want authentic good asian food? Go to Asian Legend's and get their Beef Chow Fun or Chicken Fried Rice. Go to TK Wu and get their specialty dishes (duck and chicken dish) and beef with baby bok choy. Go to Maru for their Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup (huge bowl)!
You want ramen, don't WASTE your money at Tomukon, just buy the familiar orange package and save yourself the disappointment!
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