I’ve had Oishii Burger at a couple of pop-ups at Bottlecraft VB, but never actually visited the brick-and-mortar. That was recently remedied when I was invited by owner Paolo Vergara and crew for their Wednesday night ramen.
You all know I loves me some ramen! I met Paolo right as he was getting his ramen and we sat at the bar.
I wanted to try out a few things they had on the menu and started out with the Okonomiyaki - Japanese savory pancake they serve with bacon and crab. These are always fun to get because they’re topped with bonito flakes that move when they’re near hot steam.
They also do Yakitori, I ordered one each, chicken and beef (beef was my favorite.)
Paolo explained the long process of how their ramen broth was made - over 72 hours of simmering around 30 lbs of pork bones and parts, in addition flavor components. You can taste it too, you can’t get the kind of richness and mouth feel from tossing together a quick pot. You need time to break down the nutrients, minerals, and, connective tissues.
Loved how the ramen was presented, in a lidded bowl. You feel like you’re being given a present and I’ll admit there is a tinge of joy unwrapping they bowl getting to the delicious surprise inside.
I enjoyed chatting with the guys there, they are passionate about what they’re doing and the product of that is really something you’d want to experience. So make sure you swing by and try them out…Oh! They have fried Oreos too if you need some convincing.