Ivan Ramen at Bar Tartine, San Francisco USA

Ivan's Classic Shio Ramen: whole chicken dashi broth, rye noodle, kuro buta belly, 6 minute egg

Sofrito Mazemen: rye noodle, kuro buta belly, iriko katsuo dashi, 6 minute egg

Tonight, Bar Tartine had a collaboration with the famous NewYork's Ivan Ramen. This is only a one-night event, and I am very exciting to share my dining experience! Although the exterior of Bar Tartine appears very plain, once you step inside, the restaurant is actually very nice with beautiful interior design and decorations. Since it was a prepaid reservation ($54), I get to try many of their small dishes.

Tonkatsu Sandwich at Iyasare, Berkeley USA

This is the first time I have Tonkatsu (deep fried pork cutlet) Sandwich. It's around $15, a bit pricey comparing to a typical sandwich, but definitely worth it! The Tonkatsu is very tender and tasty. I really cried... I guess the mustard is pretty strong.

*UPDATE (Oct 29, 2015) This dish is no longer available. T_T

Sakura Mochi, Dango, and Kashiwa Mochi at Tamon Tea, Berkeley USA

Sakura Mochi 桜餅 ~$2.5

Red Bean Paste inside of Sakura Mochi

Tamon Tea is a Japanese Snack Shops located in Berkeley. (right across Berkeley City College) They have various Japanese treats such as Sakura Mochi (imported from Hokkaido, Japan) Dango, Kushi Mochi, Yokan, etc. 

Owner of the store imported their Sakura Mochi from Hokkaido Japan. What is most surprising is that you are supposed to eat the leaves along with the mochi too. The leave is sakura leaves and it is pickled and well prepared for eating. Inside the mochi, there is sweet red bean paste. The overall of this sweet is AMAZING! I really wish I can enjoy this mini treat while viewing Sakura blossom in Japan. 

Spicy Shrimp Tantanmen at Ramen Shop, Oakland USA

Spicy Shrimp Tantanmen $17.5

I am not a spicy food-eater, so I was very glad that the spicy shrimp tantanmen is something that I can truly enjoy. I can finally taste the chili oil and the spice that were simmered in the broth. This is one of the few times that I am very happy with a spicy dish.

Mixing with white parts of leeks and other veggies, this spicy tantanmen is something that I would love to come back and try it again and again.

Veggie Ramen at Ramen Shop, Oakland USA

Veggie Shoyu Matsutake Ramen $16.5

Shio Ramen with California Bamboo $17.5

Ramen Shop always select the best seasonal ingredients for their restaurant. For tonight, California Bamboo Shoots seem to be the ingredient for their Shio Ramen.

If you didn't know, Ramen Shop changes their ramen menu everyday. However, the "Veggie Shoyu Matsutake Ramen" is always available. I finally get a chance to try it tonight. I must admit, it is a bit too sweet for me, but I don't regret it. I wanted to try all of their artisan ramen recipes.
 

Tsukemen at Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle, Sawtelle Los Angeles USA

Tsukemen ($10.95) + veggies (+$2)

Tsukemen is a type of dipping ramen that separated the ramen noodles with dipping broth. It is great for the hot weather because it is usually served warm rather piping hot like most ramen does. This summer, I finally get a chance to try Tsujita's Tsukemen located in Sawtelle Los Angeles.

Sushi, Monkfish Liver, and Tamago at Wako, San Francisco USA

あんきもポン酢 Monkfish Liver Pate in Ponzu Gelée

Wako is one of the best sushi restaurants in the Bay Area. [Update: Wako received their first Michelin star in 2016!] There are eight sushi bar seating and only 5-7 tables available. It is highly recommended to take reservation before visit. The restaurant is once again introduced by Jason, and the dining experience completely blew my mind.

For appetizer, I ordered a Monkfish Liver. Personally, I am not a fan of intestines because of the fishy taste. However, the Monkfish Liver really surprised me and changed my view of intestine-type of food. It is very soft and well-marniated. It does not taste too salty or tasteless. It is perfect.