Shigezo on SW Salmon between Park+10th is quickly becoming THIS blogger's weekly indulgence. Fitted as a large Edo-style Izakaya, the pub boasts a long list of sake, suuuper Umami mini plates, fresh sushi, and darn good Ramen. The staff has always been super friendly to my johnny-come-lately dinner groups, and this night I was late as ever to the table. Still though, the mood was jovial and the staff was quick to please. After a few rounds of rice-wine, some kara age and a few small plates of sushi---I take a peek at the noodle menu...
So first off, take a look at that delicious subtext to NOODLES...
"Made from scratch every day."
Shigezo is a lot of things, but most importantly--They are a place that honors the ancient tradition of making one's own noodles for all the soups. In lieu of that quality statement, the content of their menu reflects a quality and variation not seen in many noodle houses about town. There are quite a few options here for a wide range of noodle heads, not to mention the many toppings available for 50 cents to a dollar more. I order the Tokyo Ramen and the legendary Kumamoto Ramen with some extra noodles on the side for viewing. What comes out is quite impressive.
The broth on the Tokyo is a multi-faceted shoyu broth, harmonizing pork and chicken stock with a light miso and soy influence. This is their quintessential bowl and I have no doubts as to why. The noodles are perfectly chewy, mildly springy and lie beneath a litany of interesting and authentic toppings.
The Kumamoto is quite good as well, a little heavy on the garlic and dashi but still off the charts delicious. The milky tonkotsu broth dances on my tongue, creating a slick coating of umami, fatty goodness which lasts the entire experience. Their choice of preparation in the chashu is also divine. The pork is juicy, the outside is seared and there is a large hunk of fat which keeps it all afloat. I cannot stop kissing my fingers like an idiot pretending to be an italian chef. These bowls are TOO good.
Wrapping it up (since it's taken me about 3 months of bloggy break-time), I leave head held high knowing that I will be back again and again. From the stock, to the noodles, to the magnificent melding of top ingredients--- Shigezo is gunning for my #1 spot to eat Ramen after hours (or any hour really).
Rating
Broth: 9/10
Noodles: 10/10
Meat: 8/10
Veggies: 9/10
