(To read about Part 1, please click HERE !)
"What do you want to eat for your birthday?"
I answered: Ramen.
I answered: Ramen.
Some time ago, when I had yet to become familiar with the downtown core and its neighbouring districts, I recall an acquaintance of mine declaring unrivaled affection for a ramen joint by the name of "Santouka". Fast forward a year and a half later, I spotted the Copperplate-like lettering on the side of a brick red building directly across the street from Sharetea.
Two years since hearing that declaration, I stepped inside the Japanese restaurant just prior to the Sunday evening rush.
Two years since hearing that declaration, I stepped inside the Japanese restaurant just prior to the Sunday evening rush.
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View the full album HERE !
Possessing great grandeur from its brick-wall-and-glass-window-exterior, I had expected the vibe to remain consistent - more or less anyway - within as well. This wasn't exactly the case, as the entire restaurant's maximum capacity would reach threshold at about 28 people, eight of those being narrow, bar seats. Even bathrooms had been located to a short hallway at the foot of a steep, curving staircase on the basement floor.
Our arrival was well received with an unanimous round of greetings from the staff. Seated quickly, we noticed that we had arrived just in time: a lineup had begun to form immediately. No introductions were made, nor were recommendations put forth. We were simply left three laminated menus to evaluate and decipher, earning anxious, beady stares from one particular server every so often. Eyes like darts, it would've taken someone with a impressive amount of ignorance to evade his expression that clearly read "Hurry up and order so we can turn over the table.". Quite frankly, I wasn't impressed with his attitude.
Our arrival was well received with an unanimous round of greetings from the staff. Seated quickly, we noticed that we had arrived just in time: a lineup had begun to form immediately. No introductions were made, nor were recommendations put forth. We were simply left three laminated menus to evaluate and decipher, earning anxious, beady stares from one particular server every so often. Eyes like darts, it would've taken someone with a impressive amount of ignorance to evade his expression that clearly read "Hurry up and order so we can turn over the table.". Quite frankly, I wasn't impressed with his attitude.
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While the menu was being scanned for items of interest, a draft Asahi Super Dry was requested. While I'm not one capable of distinguishing draft from LCBO merchandise, I was informed that the Japanese beer did, indeed, contain draft-y qualities. The compression tank was even spotted on our way between the modest dining area to the bathroom.
I wanted to be brave, so I readily accepted the challenge that was Karameshi. Depicted as a limited item of supreme spice, it arrived along with the Goro-Niku Gyoza looking relatively harmless. One spoonful in, however, told me otherwise: my tongue, lips, and entire mouth area was set on fire. Another member of our party described the lack of mildness as a "tongue-numbing pain". Beware!
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The five-piece gyoza set was generally standard in appearance, but a tad more shriveled up than other locations. This observation was precisely in line with the dish's overall taste and ranking; I did not appreciate the fact that the pieces were dry and oily, and was particularly disappointed in the tiny filling to wrapper ratio. Hakata carries out this dish in a much more successful manner, so I'd suggest skipping this dish at all costs.
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With two not-so-pleasant dishes past us, we crossed our fingers in anticipation of Santouka's trademark Toroniku ramen. We opted for the Toroniku Shio Ramen, which was delivered in two separate components: noodles in broth and toppings.
Submerged in a creamy, tan-hued broth was a generous bundle of semi-firm, springy ramen noodles that far surpassed Kenzo and, dare I say, Hakata as well. The broth was silk smooth, but far from greasy; it was flavourful and comforting, but void of the sickeningly rich aftertaste from Kinton.
Toppings consisted of bamboo shoots, a Naruto fishcake, black fungus strips, scallions, a tiny umeboshi, and several slices of toroniku. A proclaimed favourite of the restaurant, the toroniku slices did not disappoint whatsoever! Carefully weaved between each slice were thin layers of fat and luscious meat - it was porky rendition of Wagyu!
Submerged in a creamy, tan-hued broth was a generous bundle of semi-firm, springy ramen noodles that far surpassed Kenzo and, dare I say, Hakata as well. The broth was silk smooth, but far from greasy; it was flavourful and comforting, but void of the sickeningly rich aftertaste from Kinton.
Toppings consisted of bamboo shoots, a Naruto fishcake, black fungus strips, scallions, a tiny umeboshi, and several slices of toroniku. A proclaimed favourite of the restaurant, the toroniku slices did not disappoint whatsoever! Carefully weaved between each slice were thin layers of fat and luscious meat - it was porky rendition of Wagyu!
The Toroniku Shio Ramen was actually so mindblowing that we decided to try another bowl from the limited quantity ramen selection. Toroniku Shoyu Ramen was chosen, and made its way over to our able with alarming speed. It assumed the same separated format: springy ramen noodles submerged in a stunningly fragrant broth containing freshly ground sesame and a plate of toppings on the side.
This time, topping components included bamboo shoots, a Naruto fishcake, dried nori, scallions, and several slices of toroniku. While equally addicting as the previous ramen order, the toroniku differed slightly in that it bore a saltier taste. We presumed this to be intentionally done such that the slices would complement the lighter, shoyu-based broth.
This time, topping components included bamboo shoots, a Naruto fishcake, dried nori, scallions, and several slices of toroniku. While equally addicting as the previous ramen order, the toroniku differed slightly in that it bore a saltier taste. We presumed this to be intentionally done such that the slices would complement the lighter, shoyu-based broth.
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To conclude, Hokkaido Ramen Santouka truly lives up to its name and delivered a meal that was not only satisfying, but an experience that was both unique and puzzling. The two ramen broths were distinctively different, yet both managed to pair extremely well with the toroniku. Bamboo shoots added texture, while scallions provided a subtle bite of (positive) pungence.
It wouldn't be fair to draw a final statement solely based off of food though. Being a fast serve restaurant, I wasn't too taken back by the attitude of the servers during the dinner rush. However, I would have greatly enjoyed a meal where patient words were directly exchanged with customers as opposed over silently vicious glares down one's back. Bathroom hygeine and maintenance could also be greatly improved upon: balls of scrunched up toilet paper lined the floor in one stall, while the other failed to support a functioning lock.
I have faith that the above aspects can be rectified with time and effort. Until then, I will still be more than willing to drop by for hearty bowls of delectable ramen. (Toroniku is now a family fave!)
I have faith that the above aspects can be rectified with time and effort. Until then, I will still be more than willing to drop by for hearty bowls of delectable ramen. (Toroniku is now a family fave!)
The final stop of the day was Fugo Desserts, which has been taking Instagram by storm since its soft opening two weeks ago.
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It seemed like boasting a rotating array of up-and-coming flavours wasn't enough for the entrepreneur duo; they decided to elevate the visual (and gustatory) interest of their desserts by adding Fugo Cones (waffle cones crusted with Oreos or Froot Loops and marshamallow fluff) and signature cones/soft serve creations to the lineup.
The small shop had been packed upon our arrival, but the lineup was brief. The cashier was also more than happy to attend to our questions and requests, providing a concise introduction of their selection to us first-timers.
The small shop had been packed upon our arrival, but the lineup was brief. The cashier was also more than happy to attend to our questions and requests, providing a concise introduction of their selection to us first-timers.
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After much consideration (and much-appreciated patience from the cashier's side), we settled for an Earl Grey Soft Serve in an Oreo-crusted Fugo Cone and a Bangkok Brownie parfait, where I requested to substitute brownie bites with mini chocolate chip cookies instead.
View the full album HERE !
View the full album HERE !
If price was an indication of intensity of flavour, this would be a reverse situation. Despite our sensitive palates, both Earl Grey and Thai Milk Tea flavours weren't found to be as prominent as we had hoped. The sweetness was subtle, but so were the defining citrus-y and milky elements of each respective order.
Of course, this does not mean that the ice cream cups weren't deserving of applause. Earl Grey was impossibly airy and refreshing, but the Fugo Cone unfortunately erred on the soggy side - a case inevitable for pre-made waffle items. Bangkok Brownie tasted great, especially since I had steered clear of the dense brownie bites originally included in the recipe. After a filling dinner, the last thing I would want is to ingest dense bits of chocolate and egg. My sole complaint would, once again, be the weakness of the flavours.
Of course, this does not mean that the ice cream cups weren't deserving of applause. Earl Grey was impossibly airy and refreshing, but the Fugo Cone unfortunately erred on the soggy side - a case inevitable for pre-made waffle items. Bangkok Brownie tasted great, especially since I had steered clear of the dense brownie bites originally included in the recipe. After a filling dinner, the last thing I would want is to ingest dense bits of chocolate and egg. My sole complaint would, once again, be the weakness of the flavours.
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Fugo's very own Snapchat geofilter was also available for use inside the store. (Note to self: Why didn't I ask what 'fugo' actually meant? )
Pictured below is Cookie Monster, another popular creation where sky blue-toned Cookies 'n' Cream hard ice cream is envelope in an Oreo Fugo Cone before finally being topped with several mini chocolate chip cookies. (I must confess: I ended up sneaking in a few shots as the lady was snapping her own photo. Permission had been obtained beforehand though!)
Pictured below is Cookie Monster, another popular creation where sky blue-toned Cookies 'n' Cream hard ice cream is envelope in an Oreo Fugo Cone before finally being topped with several mini chocolate chip cookies. (I must confess: I ended up sneaking in a few shots as the lady was snapping her own photo. Permission had been obtained beforehand though!)
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One of Fugo's walls also featured an enormous chalkboard to leave messages and quirky messages to other soft serve/ice cream-lovers.
Somehow, we ended up making a brief stop at Uncle Tetsu's Angel Cafe as well. There, an Original Cheesecake was picked up and safely transported home for cake-cutting.
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Ignore my sparkler stab marks, please.
I'd like to extend my deepest feelings of gratification to all that celebrated my birthday weekend with me. Thanks for joining me in ringing in another year of double digits!
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