Ramen!

Hey everybody! Long time, no see!

As most of you already know, we are back from Detroit! The trip was a big success! All of the tour members seemed to really enjoy Michigan and it was great to have the chance to see my family and friends. I have put up the pictures from the tour on this site: http://connectionmichigantour09.shutterfly.com

One thing that I really missed about Japan when I was in Michigan was Osaka’s ramen! America has a lot of good food offerings, but unfortunately, the country is lacking when it comes to ramen.

When you mention the word “ramen” to the average American, it will undoubtedly bring up images of the instant ramen packs loved by college students across the country.

Japanese ramen is virtually unknown to Americans outside of New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Thus, before I came to Japan, I too had no idea what real ramen was.

The first time I tried ramen, I fell instantly in love. It was hot, delicious and the perfect match for a night out drinking!

Since that first bowl, I have eaten many bowls of ramen at many different ramen shops.

Of those many ramen shops, I have three recommendations for you today. So, without further ado, Jeremy’s top three ramen shops in the Minami area:

For a great bowl of tantanmen (タンタン麺), Shisen Ramen (四川ラメーン) is the place to go! Shisen Ramen has many locations, but the closest to Connection is in Namba across the street from the Swissôtel.　 Every bowl comes with a lychee for dessert!　

http://r.tabelog.com/osaka/A2702/A270202/27018092/

http://gin2009.blog66.fc2.com/blog-entry-61.html

For a tasty bowl of salt-based (塩) ramen, with perfectly al dente noodles, Santouka Ramen (山頭火んめーら) near Sogo in the Shinsaibashi Shotengai is the place to go.

http://www.santouka.co.jp/company/index.html

For something a little different, check out the “good to the last sip” takana 高菜 ramen over at the recently opened Shu Renovate Ramen (朱Renovateのラメーン) located 2 minutes away from Santouka, one street back from Sogo.

http://www.ramen-shu.com/index.html

Have the chance to – 機会がある

Put up – 掲載する

Offering - 提供すること

Be lacking - 《be ～》～が欠けている、～に不足している

When it comes to - ～のことになると、～に関して言えば

Undoubtedly - 疑いなく、明らかに

Bring up - ～を連想する

Virtually - 事実上、実際上、ほとんど

Fall in love -　恋に落ちる

Night out -　外出して楽しく遊ぶ夜

Without further ado -　難しい話は抜きにして、さっさと

Al dente -　少し固めにゆでた、適度な歯応えのある

Check out – 試しに行ってみる

Sip - （飲み物の）一口、ひとすすり