Toyori Ramen on Bellarie Blvd - (More than just ramen)

 A delightful opportunity to sample sizzling tepanyaki, an excellent mala sichuan pepper noodle soup. terrific spicy dumplings with a group of friends. 

John Nechman writes: "Out with my guys, trying out a new ramen joint in the Bellaire Asian District, Toyori (9889 Bellaire). As you would expect in the BAD, leading the delegation was the Mayor of Bellaire himself, Michael Shum, who pretty much knows every person who lives and breathes in this area; and with us were the founder of Houston’s best chocolates, Xocolla, Tony Najjar, looking fit enough to eat; Thomas L Tang, the owner of Houston’s best ramen joint Samurai Noodle (1801 Durham); the inimitable Jay P. Francis; and Tony’s very fit trainer, Triet.

We dined on much of the menu, from caramelized cauliflower to shrimp tempura to ika gesso karaage (deep fried squid tentacles). The latter had excellent texture though Thomas was able to point out flaws in the fry. The best of the appetizers were plump, juicy steamed dumplings in a Sichuan style chili oil.

For entrees, only Jay and I went with ramen, and both of us were pleased. My tonkotsu black garlic was savory and full of minced garlic—a very satisfying bowl. Most of the table ordered the restaurant’s impressive sizzling plates. I sampled the rib-eye steak plate and the short rib steak—definitely go with the former. The steak was delicious and flavorful, whereby the ribs were disappointingly tough. They come with flavored noodles, a side of veggies, a fried egg, and your choice of sauce. Pescatarian Tony and Triet ordered the fried fish plate, and both left little for Mr. Manners.

The sizzling plates are massive and at around $17, are an excellent deal. The ramen won’t cause you to reshuffle your favorites list, but it is very good—but if you haven’t been to Thomas Tang’s Samurai yet, you haven’t yet been to the best place in town. An extra word for the “Butter Beer,” a non-alcoholic concoction similar to cream soda and topped with an indecent amount of whipped cream—sort of like a root beer float that’s melted. I’d order it again.

Noodle Master - Hand Pulled Noodles - Pasadena

 I follow several TV shows to get some ideas on where to eat around the state. Recently, on Texas Eats, a Chinese restaurant in Pasadena (of all places!) was mentioned. Where they hand pull noodles. I knew that I had to go as soon as possible.

(Go online to seek out videos of them hand pulling the noodles): 

Noodle Master lived up to my expectations. My beef noodle soup was very good. And they also feature a pork broth based tonkotsu noodle soup. 

It was crowded the day that I went. And I saw lots of non noodle stuff coming out of the kitchen, enough to evaluate that this place knows what it is doing. Even the "General Joe Chicken" looked great. Evidence of clean cooking oil and a kitchen that knows what it is doing. And check out the pan fried dumplings in the photo below.

Of course, the hand pulled noodles are the star here, as even in the greater Houston area (and Bellaire Blvd), I can't think of places that do this. 

A big thumbs up for Noodle Master.

Miyagi Sushi - A Houston Treasure

The lines form around 11:30 for the opening at noon. There are only 12 tables and the restaurant is staffed by the sushi master and his wife handles front of the room. 

The food is fantastic and I will let the photos tell the story. There is a lunch menu from which we made our choices. Recommended: the curry udon soup ; and the salmon salad; but everything here is great. 

On most days Sushi Miyagi is open only from 12 to 3 (see photo of business hours). I can't recommend this place highly enough. A Houston institution.

(Kinjo and I waiting for the doors to open at noon)

Kinokuniya Japanese Bookstore

The coolest bookstore in Houston. Full of great Japanese items you can't find elsewhere: notebooks and paper goods, Japanese toys, and extensive coobook section. One of my favorite places to just hang out in Houston. And while you're out there, you can pop into the beautiful Katy H-Mart Food Court for some excellent fried dumplings at Chef Han. Or, enjoy one of the other food court venues for lunch. Pictures follow:

Chef Han in the H-Mart Food Court (Katy Location):

Japanese - Ramen With A Passion for Authenticity

Samurai Noodle. I had the pleasure of attending a special event here and learned much about Japanese culture and the food. As soon as I transcribe the recordings, I will update this blogposting. For now, I am posting photos and sending out a very big thumbs up recommendation for Samurai Noodle. Highly recommended.

(a tip of the hat to my friend Gary Wise for the first two of these photos! Gary is a personal chef, professional food photographer, and caterer at the following link:  (  Gary Wise - Food Photographer and Caterer )