Ippudo

A few weeks ago, I hip hopped to ramen heaven.
The high energy city that seemingly never sleeps called for a meal that allowed me to be still and reflect.
Media outlets warn against staying outdoor in a «the world is coming to an end» tone.
Thankfully there are a few weapons of choice to counter this battle.
Hip hopping to the famed Japanese ramen restaurant Ippudo, I ease my sense with a modern décor coated with warm wooden accents.
Attentive service summons the chef for a black garlic oil ramen with special curly noodles.
I whet my lips with robust pork broth hitting the umami tones. The secrets is to add depth swishing around the seaweed paper.
Bamboo shoots add crunch and the half boiled egg adds nutty notes.
Chili flakes round out the battle against the big chill.
As I slurp my way to food heaven, I am reminded of the fond food memories growing up in San Francisco.
On cold foggy winter nights, mother would assemble the perfect hot pot night filled with. veggies, seafood, and meat. This ramen pitstop will do for now.

While this Ippudo Hong Kong location has different choices and many more customizations than the locations in New York, their food unfortunately does not stack up to Ippudo NY in flavor or quality — to include the ramen. Good, but does not compare. Close, but no cigar.
(On Unilocal,Ippudo HK locations are entered in as «Hakata Ippudo.»)