SPICY ramen...and SAKE

The owners of London's Tsuru Sushi are on their way to opening a new restaurant...a ramen restaurant. As they head toward opening day, they are trying out their ramen recipes at pre-opening events at their Tsuru Sushi restaurant in Bishopsgate. I went to their Tonkotsu ramen event last month, but it was so thoroughly covered on Food Stories, including a bit of ramen background, that I didn't bother writing about it here.

Today, I went to a second event called Spicy Ramen!!  Now this is right up my alley, so when I went to book in December I didn't worry that there was only one ticket left and that I would be slurping solo, I went for it anyway. In the end, it was probably best I was alone. I showed up an hour late...blame crazy gym workout, followed by extended tea and brownie recovery, followed by long shower...ok not really a good excuse.

Despite my lateness...they let me sit and enjoy. I started with a simple and lovely Cucumber and Wakame Salad...This is made from just cucumber, seaweed, rice vinegar, sugar salt and lemon. Very simple and such a nice way to have cucumber I don't know why I never think to make it at home (note to self). I also ordered a pot of Genmai Cha (green tea made with rice kernals).

Soon after this big, bowl of deliciousness arrived....the flavourful broth, lots of lovely ramen, tender pork shoulder, and a yummy soft egg...

This was served with another smaller bowl of deliciousness...the second bowl was the bowl intended to put the spicy in Spicy Ramen. A bowl of chile oil with lots of crispy garlic and flavoured with other ingredients including sesame seeds, seaweed, and miso.  I heaped this in...and didn't even come close to thinking my ramen was too spicy...but as I was told when I was served...the bits are the best bit ;) and indeed I loved all the crispy garlic pieces!!

As if this wasn't enough, I was offered a free taste of Sake...hot or cold...  I chose hot and received a nice flask of Honjozu, a sake by Akashi Tai. It was a very drinkable smooth Sake. I didn't finish it all...seemed a bit early in the day...but if it had been later and I hadn't been alone, I would have been happy to sip it all evening. It was very tasty.

I enjoyed the last ramen event, but this one was very, very good. I am already booked in for Seafood Ramen next month...and I am definitely looking forward to it.

If you might like to come along you can book at WeGotTickets. To keep informed on the opening of this new and sure to be delicious ramen restaurant you can follow their blog www.tsururamen.wordpress.com