Sunday, July 13, 2014

Tomukun Noodle Bar - Let's talk Ramen

Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish. It consists of Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat- or fish-based broth, often flavored with soy sauce or miso, and uses toppings such as sliced pork, dried seaweed, kamaboko, and green onions.
Ramen comes in various shapes and lengths. It may be thick, thin, or even ribbon-like, as well as straight or wrinkled.



Tomukun offers a variety of Noodle dishes, including a collection of Ramen options.
When it comes to Tomukun's Ramen, I feel the broth at toppings are more relevant then the noodles.



Pho Ramen

I am a big fan of Pho, the broth is delicious!   
I had to give the Pho Ramen a try, and it was really good.  The only difference between the two was the noodles so I will go back to the Pho noodles next time.



















Spicy Beef Ramen

Watch out!  The heat builds with this one.  If you like the comfort of Ramen and want something spicy, this is perfect for you.  I like the fresh bean sprouts for a light crunch.
















Duck Ramen

If you like the dark meat of chicken give this one a try, they cook the duck perfectly, nothing greasy about it.

They serve it with a light poultry broth, soft boiled egg, and a few greens.

Great for a day you want something a bit lighter to eat.  

I'm getting this one again.









View my previous Tomukun Post for more Ramen notes.

Check them out and see how Ramen can be a comfort food, going way beyond College cheap eats.

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Izzy's Hoagie Shop - Ann Arbor

Izzy's was a go-to restaurant for as long as I can remember.  Dad would be out working on remodeling a house, Mom and I would stop in to pick up some Hoagies and share lunch with Dad.  Great Memories.

When Rob moved to Ann Arbor it was one of the places he learned about his first year here.





Affordable and delicious!
Located on Stadium Boulevard, just a couple miles from the Big House.









We always get the Cheese Steak Hoagie with the peppers on the side.

For us there is no reason to try anything else, this is the BEST !







I grew up on these and even though I don't have them as often any more, I get that craving and gotta get one.

I have also gotten one for a former co-worker that was used to the Philly Cheese Steaks, her opinion.... The best outside of Philly that she has had.


They don't have their own website but you can find out more about them HERE

~Kate

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Zingerman's Roadhouse - Drinks

Zingerman's Roadhouse, yup one of our favorite places to eat.
I am breaking things down to give you a more complete overview of the amazing goodies to consume at the Roadhouse, starting at the beginning.... Drinks!

Not a shortlist here.... There will be a little metal binder on the table full of all their drinks, from sodas to cocktails and everything in between.  One of the small sheets you get with your menu when you sit is a list of beers on draft.  Since this selection changes they give it a special place for viewing.  Flip that sheet over and you can get some tasty oysters, if your into that, they even offer them smoked (very tasty).




Let's get you started with something on the easy side and alcohol free... the Traverse City Cherry Soda!

One of our favorites.   We let the know we like them sour and they give us a little more of that cherry kick.

This is made from Traverse City Cherry concentrate, simple syrup, and sparkling water.  Yup, sounds simple, but getting the right mixture is key.







Moving it up a notch... we give you the Blenhein Ginger Ale.  Start with the Mild!  Really, I am not joking.  If Vernor's is to strong for you don't go here. Wickedly good, but you gotta be able to handle the ginger.  I find it a bit sweeter then a Ginger Beer.  I have not tried the Stronger one, I am to afraid, but go for it if you are daring.















Along with the Craft beer selections on the menu sheet their are many to chose from in the metal binder, take a gander and see what sounds good.

Lots of Michigan products, because we make great beers.  Mt Pleasant Brewing Company makes the Coal Stokers Blackberry Ale which is a nice calm beer with the berry accents.











Want to go for a more intense beer?
Dragon's Milk!

Well balanced flavors with a creaminess.  Just watch out for that high APV.
It is also priced higher so having as a special treat now and again keeps you from overdoing it.









Not to shun the cocktails, for they are mighty good, here is a lovely Margarita.

If you look at their menu there is a spot for special cocktails, take a look and see if something sounds good to try.

They offer wonderful liqueur options, so see what tickles your fancy, maybe a bourbon tasting is what you need.





They offer Coffees and Teas as well if you need a comfortable warm up.  My favorite in cold weather is the Rooibos tea with Pepperment,  Mmmmmm  :)


Check out their drinks online HERE
Sunday through Thursday evenings have drink specials

CHEERS !!!






Arirang - Ann Arbor

Since I like BiBimBop and live on the South side of town I have frequently been asked if i have tried Arirang.  I was not familiar with them before, but looked them up and gave them a try.

Arirang is a small family business located off Ann Arbor - Saline Rd, in the strip (Oak Valley Village Centre) across from Meijer.  They opened in 2005.
They do not have a website, but if you search their name you can see reviews and someone has put up images of their menu.




Small restaurant, not a lot of eye catching design outside to get your attention, just a nice sign.
Inside is clean and nice, keeping it simple, and all the staff are available to assist you.  They do not even charge for the hot tea.


Your order includes a collection of small starters: Miso soup, fresh kimchi, and various other tasty goodies.


I have had BiBimBop at a lot of places around town, but this is the first time I saw a stone bowl Bop. 
The bowl is heated in the oven, the rice and goodies are placed inside the bowl, and because of the heat the bowl fries the rice.  Gives a nice addition of crispy rice, and if you move your egg around a bit to the bowl side it will cook a bit more for you.  All the ingredients were fresh and delicious.

Great food for a Great price!
I will be going back again  :)