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Hungry for something new? Try Namikaze for a fresh take on Japanese food

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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If you’re looking for a fresh, contemporary way to experience Japanese food, check out Namikaze in north Fresno. A locally owned business serving sushi, ramen, and more, the restaurant is earning five star reviews, and it’s only been open for two months.

Named after the Japanese words for wind and wave, Namikaze is a delicious place to have lunch or dinner.

Namikaze

Delicious sushi rolls are popular items

My neighbor recommended Namikaze to me as a great place for really good sushi. Once I tried it, I wasn’t disappointed. The Katana roll I ordered was topped with amazingly fresh salmon. It was stuffed with shrimp tempura, crab, and avocado, and topped with the salmon, sliced onion, spicy may, sriracha, tobiko, and scallions.

Apparently I’m not the only one who loves Namikaze’s Katana roll—according to co-owner James Edwards, the Katana, Maiko, and Kimon rolls are some of the restaurant’s most popular sushi offerings.

Namikaze

Katana roll at Namikaze

More than sushi

If sushi isn’t your thing, there’s still a lot to choose from. My husband ordered the Honey Chili Seafood Mix. This is an entrée, so it came with a side of rice, green salad, and miso soup.

The main dish is a sautéed variety of scallops, shrimp, and calamari tossed in a honey glaze on top of sautéed vegetables. There was so much food, my husband wasn’t able to finish it all.

Namikaze

Honey Chili Seafood Mix at Namikaze

The restaurant offers a daily Happy Hour from 3-6 p.m., where you can sample the popular Namikaze Nachos and raw oysters. There’s also a $12 lunch combo served daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

According to Mr. Edwards, the restaurant’s goal is to serve delicious, healthy, and contemporary Japanese cuisine in a modern, casual setting. In that vein, you’ll find unique offerings like Tofu Steak, Miso Cioppino with fresh crab legs, calamari and more in a tomato miso broth, and even Uni Pasta. It’s pasta that’s tossed in an uni garlic cream sauce, topped with roe and daikon sprouts.

On my next visit, I’m excited to try the ramen. You can order Spicy Miso Ramen with a vegetarian stock and gluten-free option, or my favorite, the Tonkotsu Ramen, which is breaded pork loin.

Namikaze

The Uni Pasta. (Photo courtesy of Namikaze.)

Visit Namikaze today

The vibe inside the restaurant is casual and clean, with white chairs and calming blue wave patterns on the wall. It’s a great place to take a lunch break or grab a bite and watch the game with friends and family. Not only is the food fresh and tasty, the business is owned by locals who have been in the Fresno restaurant business for 20 years. 

Namikaze is located at Champlain and Perrin, at 1134 E. Champlain #108. Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant offers catering services, as well. You can find out more about their menu and hours by visiting their website here, or following them on Facebook.

Have you tried Namikaze yet?

Butterfish app makes ordering poke fast and easy

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Joanne Lui

Joanne Lui is a social media and fashion addict who has lived in Fresno since she was four, and sometimes accidentally says she was born and raised in Fresno. She was actually born in Hong Kong. She loves shopping and the St. Louis Cardinals, and is equally likely to be found in heels or a baseball cap - sometimes both. She blogs about designer bargain hunting and charitable fashion companies at www.shoesoffmyfeet.com
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Technology is a wonderful thing, y’all. I know that might seem like an obvious statement at this point, but I recently came to appreciate it that much more after having gallbladder surgery and a complicated, six-week recovery afterwards. Specifically, I loved technology’s ability to help me still procure good food when I couldn’t move very well.

Because I had to eat clean, I became obsessed with poke bowls at Butterfish California Poke, a local restaurant FresYes reviewed last year when it first opened. If you’ve never heard of poke (poh-kay) or this restaurant, I describe Butterfish as serving sushi bowls—but it’s so much more than that.

In addition to raw sushi fish and related toppings, Butterfish offers chicken, steak, shrimp, and—my personal favorite—cooked real crab (not the cheap canned stuff but chunky, crab sandwich quality). And you don’t have to get it on a bowl of sushi rice. There’s brown rice, a super-grain mix, salad greens, wonton chips, and kelp noodles. The whole thing can be finished off with a variety of toppings and sauces; the combinations are basically endless.

Butterfish app

You can get edamame and veggies on your bowl or go a little less healthy with onion straws!

The Butterfish app

In just a year, Butterfish has become so popular that they just opened a second location at Herndon and Fowler (its original restaurant is at Friant and Fresno). Customers can order at the counter and dine in at either location, giving you a chance to see the ingredients buffet-style before deciding what you want. But what really sets Butterfish apart for me is their pick-up system.

The Butterfish app is a rare offering from a local company, and it’s a breeze to use. Just log in and pick one of the signature bowls off the menu, or create your own. The app saves your custom bowls from each order, which I love, because it took me months to find my perfect combination, and I don’t want to try and recall each ingredient every time I order!

Butterfish app

Meals are paid for through the app, so all you have to do is wait for the Butterfish staff to put your bowl together. For me, that is usually the length of time it takes for me to drive to either location, about 10-15 minutes.

Conveniently, there is designated app pick-up parking right in front of a drive-thru style window at the Fresno location. The Clovis location does not have parking in front because of where the building is situated, but it’s still a super short walk to the pick-up window. All you have to do at the window is give your name, and they’ll hand you your order. That’s it! So easy!

Butterfish app

Designated app parking is available at Butterfish’s Fresno location.

Dine in for a different kind of “app”

If dining in is more your speed, I highly recommend visiting the new Clovis location for another kind of app. They have an expanded menu with “hot apps” of the appetizer, not iPhone, variety:

• Tokyo Fries (sweet potato fries with a sweet and spicy drizzle sauce)
• Maitake Mushrooms (gluten-free, tempura-battered mushrooms with a curry ranch dipping sauce)
• Sriracha Shrimp (crispy battered shrimp with a sweet and spicy drizzle sauce)

I tried the Sriracha Shrimp, and they were SO good. I will be dining in again soon just so I can eat more of them!

Butterfish app

The new Sriracha Shrimp hot app and a steak bowl topped with curry cauliflower.

The Butterfish app is available on both iTunes and Google Play. You can find the links for download on their website. You can also follow Butterfish on Facebook.

Now please excuse me while I go order my next bowl!

Get your noodle on at Ramen Ichiban Kan

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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“Noodles are not only amusing but delicious.” —Julia Child

It’s officially ramen weather! Yes, we’ve all experienced the ramen in the styrofoam cups—the stuff that was invented by inventor and businessman Momofuku Ando in 1971. Authentic ramen, however, has been popular in Japan since the 19th century, and is a completely different, and delicious, bowl of soup.

My first experience with ramen was on a rainy day in Portland, Oregon. I stumbled into Boxer Ramen with a head cold and ordered the spicy red miso pork ramen. It was life changing. Not only did it clear my sinuses (so spicy), it cleared all my college memories of microwavable noodle bricks. Once you have real ramen, it becomes something to crave. Luckily for me, Fresno has a hand to play in the ramen game.

Ramen Ichiban Kan

If you’re looking for Ramen Ichiban Kan, here’s your sign.

Ramen Ichiban Kan is a great local spot if you’re looking to get a warm bowl of authentic ramen noodles. Located at First and Bullard, it’s nestled in a shopping center, but you can find it easily by the bright red “Ramen” sign. The restaurant is small and cozy; you can also order take out if you need your noodles to go.

Owned by Masa Ito, a sushi chef who decided to open a ramen restaurant in retirement, Ramen Ichiban Kan has a wide variety of ramen to choose from. Did you know there are different kinds of ramen broth? Not only is there rich miso broth, there’s the soy sauce-based shoyu broth. The restaurant also prides itself on a great tonkotsu ramen. Tonkotsu means “pork bone” in Japanese, and it has a milky white texture. You can also try shio, which is a salty broth seasoned with salt, or a curry ramen. If you’re not a broth expert, don’t worry: there are little notes on the menu to remind you which ramen has the soy sauce flavor and which are more milk-, salt-, or miso-based.

ramen ichiban kan

Beef ramen at Ramen Ichiban Kan is warm and delicious.

As for toppings, forget about dehydrated peas and carrots. You can get anything from wontons to clams for your protein, and plan on bean sprouts and bamboo shoots. No matter what you order, you can add spice with chili oil or chili flakes, or texture with crushed sesame seeds. I personally always add chili because I like a kick to my noodles.

True ramen noodles are a little bit chewy. They’re also long and curly, which can make eating them a little bit messy. Just don’t wear your nicest shirt to eat ramen, and remember slurping noodles is considered a compliment.

Recently, I ordered the shoyu ramen, which comes with pork, a hardboiled egg, green onions, bamboo shoots, and bean sprouts. The little pink and white disk scene in the photo below is kamaboko, aka fish cake. Don’t fear the fish cake! I promise, all of it combines with the chewy noodles to create a comforting bowl of soup, perfect for a cold winter’s day.

Ramen Ichiban Kan

Shoyu ramen at Ramen Ichiban Kan

Do you have a favorite ramen spot? What’s your favorite type of ramen? Are you pro-fish cake? Drop your ramen tips in the comments!

Restaurant details

Ramen Ichiban Kan
Location: 5730 N. First Street (in the corner next to Save Mart)
Hours: Mon-Sun 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Closed Tuesdays.
Phone: (559) 999-3580 or (559) 440-1010

Kenji’s Teriyaki Grill: Is it worth the hype?

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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Recently, I had three different friends who don’t hang out in the same circles mention something about “that great teriyaki place by Target.” One friend talked about the excellent customer service. The second mentioned huge portion sizes for very reasonable prices. And the third spoke of tender teriyaki tri-tip and an amazing panko-crusted chicken.

A quick Yelp search later, I learned the name of this great teriyaki place: Kenji’s Teriyaki Grill, located in the new strip mall on the west end of the Bullard and Blackstone Target parking lot. I also learned that not only were my friends thrilled with Kenji’s, but Fresno Yelpers are, too!

Kenji’s Teriyaki Grill

Kenji’s sign as seen from Blackstone Ave.

Why the hype

Though Kenji’s hasn’t been open long, (the restaurant opened in August, 2017), there are 73 reviews, and the restaurant has earned a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.

So, what’s everyone raving about at Kenji’s?

  • The tender teriyaki tri-tip. One reviewer even goes so far as to say it’s the most tender and delicious tri-tip they’ve had in Fresno.
  • The restaurant’s special Katsu Chicken Plate. Tender chicken breast lightly breaded in crispy panko crumbs, served with white rice, tempura vegetables, tempura dipping sauce, and teriyaki sauce.
  • Kenji’s fast service. Several reviewers noted it’s a great place to go on a lunch break, even if you have limited time.
  • Kenji’s décor. It’s pleasant and modern, and the staff is happy to let you watch what you like on their flat-screen TVs.
  • Healthy options. If you’re trying to eat on the healthier side, Kenji’s grilled chicken teriyaki, steamed vegetables, and brown rice make for a filling and tasty meal.
  • Generous portions. The portions of all meals are hearty—in most cases, you’ll have enough for two meals, and for around $10.

All of this was far too intriguing for me to resist, so of course I had to try Kenji’s for myself.

I went on my lunch last Thursday, and it got busy quick. I arrived just after noon, received friendly counter service, and my order was ready in under five minutes. The line quickly grew and every table was taken, but the staff seemed to not miss a beat.

Kenji's Teriyaki Grill

The modern, friendly décor and attentive service makes guests feel welcome at Kenji’s.

The food was served piping hot and the portions were in fact very generous (I got two full meals out of mine.) I got the Katsu Chicken Plate, and was not disappointed.

The panko chicken breast was made from juicy, tender chicken and the panko was perfectly crisp without the slightest taste of greasiness or heaviness. The tempura was tasty, and the rice was good—not too dry, not too soggy.

Kenji's Teriyaki Grill

My Katsu Chicken Plate was soooooo good.

I really enjoyed the spicy seasoning and teriyaki sauce (I always love spicy sauces) that were available in abundance at the condiment bar. It is a little tricky to get to the condiments when the restaurant is busy, as they are somewhat behind the soda fountain, but it’s worth the minor inconvenience.

Clearly my friends and Fresno Yelpers know what they’re talking about. Kenji’s Teriyaki Grill is a gem! Check it out; you’ll be glad you did.

Restaurant details

Kenji’s Teriyaki Grill is a family-owned Japanese restaurant located at 5776 N. Blackstone Ave., Ste. 107 in Fresno. It serves lunch and dinner, and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Follow Kenji’s on Facebook or visit their website to see their menu. Call (559) 374-6800 for more information.

 

KoJa Kitchen Will Make You Change Your Food Plans Immediately

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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So right as I was about to get back into the whole “let’s eat healthy!” and “I can eat nothing but salad for weeks at a time!” thing, an amazing, delicious, and tastebud-tantalizing new restaurant opened just a few steps away from the FresYes office.

KoJa Kitchen Fresno

The Restaurant

KoJa Kitchen—”KoJa” is a term coined from the Korean and Japanese influence on the flavors and dishes served by the restaurant—got its start as a food truck in the Bay Area, rapidly gaining a loyal and devoted fan-base that clamored for their short-rib KoJas (a burger-like concoction that uses a pressed, sticky-rice patty in place of a bun, and a sweet, spicy short rib in place of ground beef) and Kamikaze Fries (crisp waffle fries piled with minced Korean barbecue beef, kimchi, Japanese mayo, red sauce and green onions).

The Fresno location marks the sixth brick-and-mortar restaurant, and the furthest location from the original five, which has presented a few challenges, says District Manager Jay Chen. Surprisingly, some staple food items, such as the waffle fries, are astronomically more expensive to obtain from local suppliers than in other areas.

Inside KoJa Kitchen Fresno

The franchise seeks to utilize local, fresh ingredients whenever possible, and will be working to build relationships with local providers, “especially a daily, fresh produce provider who can bring in fresh grown ingredients from the Valley.” (Hint, hint: If you know any farmers, nudge them in KoJa Kitchen’s direction.)

In addition to amazing and unique dishes and locally sourced ingredients, Jay told us that customer service is at the heart of everything KoJa Kitchen does, and they want to hear their customer’s thoughts, opinions, and ideas.

You can count on friendly service at KoJa Kitchen

The Food

I had the great pleasure of enjoying a sampling of popular menu items along with my husband, and fellow FresYes writers Joanne Lui and JoAnn Hallum. Here’s what we tried, and our thoughts:

• Short Rib KoJa (Korean barbecue short rib (kalbi), sesame vinaigrette, lettuce, katsu aioli, and sesame seeds on a pressed rice patty bun). We all enjoyed this and would happily order it again. In fact, I can’t wait to order it again! The beef is savory and sweet, tender, and flavorful, and the texture of the rice is perfect and dense.

• Teriyaki Zen KoJa (Soy and portabella mushroom blend patty, pineapple, sesame vinaigrette, teriyaki sauce, and sesame seeds on a rice patty bun). A surprisingly tasty KoJa as well, especially for my husband and I. Neither of us likes mushrooms and we both really enjoyed this. The flavor and texture make it hard to believe it isn’t meat you’re eating and the teriyaki sauce isn’t overly sweet or too overpowering—a big win.

The Teriyaki Zen Koja

• Ahi Tuna Bowl (Sashimi, seaweed and imitation crab salad, wonton crisps, wasabi mayo, masago, soy ginger vinaigrette, and red sauce over steamed rice). My husband was very happy with this dish. Personally, I’m not a sashimi fan, but I tasted the rice with the house-made red sauce, which has a great spicy kick to it, and I think I want to put that sauce on everything now. This bowl can be ordered with ahi, salmon, or a mix of both.

The Ahi Tuna Bowl

• Kamikaze Fries (Waffle fries piled with minced Korean barbecue beef, kimchi, Japanese mayo, red sauce, and green onions). We all enjoyed these greatly; in fact, this was my favorite dish. The fries have that amazing, red spicy sauce, but it’s well-balanced by the smoky sweetness of the beef.

The Kamikaze Fries *drool*

• Umami Fries (Waffle fries with miso-coconut braised pork, red sauce, garlic aioli, fried onions, masago, and green onions). Jay said this pork was his favorite thing on the menu, and for good reason. The pork is very good, and I can see why Jay loves it.All four of us loved these fries too. These aren’t quite as spicy as the Kamikaze Fries, if you prefer less heat.

Umami Fries and off-menu “Fresh Fries”

• DMZ Wings (Habañero-infused barbecue sauce, black pepper, and sesame seeds on traditional, fried chicken wings). These tasty wings have great flavor without that strong vinegar taste that can be unsavory in a traditional wing sauce. Not as spicy as one might expect with the habañero, but with a great depth of taste, wing-lovers will definitely enjoy the DMZ.

(clockwise from top left) Teriyaki Zen KoJa, Kamikaze Fries and DMZ Wings

 

• Fresh Fries (Off-menu item). Jay suggested we try the waffle fries with Japanese mayo and green onion, claiming they taste like sour cream and onion potato chips, and we had to admit, he was right! A good flavor combination, obviously.

• Strawberry Mint Mango Lemonade. This signature drink tastes like all flavor ingredients are cut fresh, infused into the lemonade, then strained to provide a pulp-free and refreshing drink. We all enjoyed this, and it will likely be even more refreshing in the summertime.

 

With food this tasty, everyone is smiling!

 

Hubby and I in fry heaven

The Verdict

In summary, if you love food with complex flavors and textures, great spiciness, or a smoky-sweet, rich barbecue flavor, you’re going to LOVE KoJa Kitchen. Since so many things on the menu utilize rice over bread, Koja also is a great place for those who need to pass on gluten (a number of menu items are, or can be, prepared gluten-free, so just ask).

The service we received was efficient and extremely friendly and the restaurant (located in the former Thai Palms location next to Eureka Burger on Palm and Nees) was clean, open, and bright.

My fellow diners and I give KoJa Kitchen two incredibly enthusiastic (and slightly red-sauce-covered) thumbs up!

KuniSama: Fried rice for me, sushi for him, great food for all

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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KuniSama

When you’re not a sushi lover, but you are married to one – it can be tricky to find just the right place to enjoy a meal out that satisfied both of your cravings. My husband loves sushi. He could eat it every day (or so he claims). I’ve tried it, I’ve tasted pieces of rolls that he’s ordered, raw, tempura battered, made with crab, shrimp, heck, even dessert sushi (yes, I know that doesn’t really count) but to be honest, it’s just not my thing. I can certainly appreciate the skill, quality fish and beauty of sushi dishes, but the taste is just not for me.

I really enjoy teppanyaki dishes, however, sometimes I’m really hungry, and I want to eat as quickly as possible upon arriving at a restaurant – and, truth be told, a teppanyaki dinner can add up to a significant dining tab pretty quickly (especially if I get the filet, like I usually want to!).

This past weekend, I had a major craving for comfort food (in my world, that pretty much always equals CARBS! All the CARBS!) – Japanese-style fried rice with bacon to be specific, and I knew if I could pick a great place that had both sushi and fried rice, it wouldn’t be hard to convince my husband to go out for a bite together. My suspicions were correct, and we decided to go to KuniSama on the Southwest corner of Willow and Herndon (right on the dividing line between Fresno and Clovis).

Man, was that a great choice! Upon arriving, we were greeted by two calm, friendly and warm hostesses who asked if we were interested in teppan or main dining, and when we said main dining, we were told the wait would be about 20 minutes. Not too bad for a weekend night. We waited about 12 minutes for a table, and our server greeted us within two minutes. As much as I wanted carb-y rice, I also wanted something fresh tasting to drink, and the Pineapple Express cocktail sounded (and was) delicious. Made with pineapple juice, pineapple rum, club soda and fresh lemon, it was sweet but not overly so, and served with a cherry and orange slice. My husband had a Moscow Mule, his new favorite, and he said it was also made well (strong, as he’d prefer).

the Pineapple Express cocktail at KuniSama

 

We’d eaten at KuniSama twice before, but both times on the teppan side of the restaurant. Both times, the food was very good, but it was in the early days of the restaurant, and service was a bit on the slow side. It definitely seemed like a well-oiled machine on this recent visit, as we observed the chefs while we waited for our table – things seemed to be moving along just fine now, so I believe our previous experiences were related more to the newness of the restaurant than anything else.

The Chefs at KuniSama

The dinner menu included a mix of dishes that I would think of as traditional Japanese fare, along with a number of New American choices. Spam Musubi and Edamame were listed, but so were Won Ton Nachos. You could order tacos, dinner salads or sandwiches, but you could also choose a dish from the Donburi (rice bowl) list or create your own noodle bowl. Crispy-fried rice tacos are a unique option (that I wish I’d tried – and will make a point to next time!) and vegetarian entrees are available, too.

The sushi menu was so extensive, my husband had a tough time deciding what to order, but ultimately went with the Sushi and Sashimi Lover’s plate. When it arrived, it was extremely fresh looking, the fish was cut generously, and everything was plated very nicely.

I ultimately decided to throw health-consciousness fully to the wind for the evening, and ordered a combination of appetizers and of course, a side of fried rice as my meal. I tried the Panko Chicken, which was very crispy, and I liked the spicy-sweet glaze that it was served with, and I also ordered vegetable tempura, which was perfectly crisp, not soggy, and not over-breaded. The fried rice was exactly what I was hoping it would be – delicious, savory and perfectly carb-y and bacon-y. Yup, those are words. A side of spicy dressing to dip my chopsticks into before each bite of rice made the meal absolutely perfect.

We had a chance to speak to Craig Kunishige, co-founder (the Kuni in KuniSama) during our meal, and he shared that business has been steady, especially on the weekends, and that though they have a good lunch crowd, they are still able to get people in and out in timely manner, so if you’d like to go on a lunch break – you’ll be able to enjoy your meal. KuniSama’s prices are reasonable to competitive for the selection offered, but even more so at lunch, in my opinion (note to self: take coworkers and go there for lunch very soon).

If you haven’t tried KuniSama, or it’s been awhile since you have – I encourage you to go soon, everything we ate was delicious, and the service was great! (Plus, even if one person in your family loves sushi, and others don’t, everyone will leave happy.)

S21 Sushi and Sake Bar: He Said, She Said – Two first-timers review ramen

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Kendra Gilbert

Writer at FresYes.com
Kendra Gilbert is a writer born and raised in Clovis. She has written for publications from Boston to Los Angeles and loves writing about fashion and people most of all. The abbreviated list of things she enjoys outside of writing includes: thrifting, photography, harmonica, beer, movies, hiking and skee ball.
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S21 Sushi and Sake Bar

Full disclosure: I’m a picky eater. Chronologically, I’m 33. My appetite stalled somewhere around the age of 12. Chicken fingers? Yes, please. Grilled cheese? I’ll have seconds. Traditional Japanese ramen? I’d like to be excused from the table. Yeah, that’s how limited my culinary interests are. My adult mind knows that my kid appetite needs to mature, but it’s a slow process. When my friend Josh mentioned that he wanted to try ramen (and not the “Top” variety) a couple of weeks ago, I figured it was as good a time as any to encourage my appetite to grow up.

ramen

On a Thursday night, we embarked on our ramen quest: one of us excited (he), the other anxious (she). With only a couple of Yelp reviews and an address to go on, we arrived at a ramen restaurant at First and Bullard only to find it closed, despite what the Internet told us. A second ramen spot in the same shopping center saved the night, and a few minutes later we sat down inside S21 Sushi and Sake Bar prepared to try something new. Here’s how the experience went from both sides of the table.

He:

Ramen – Tonkotsu (Pork bone broth, chashu pork, broiled egg, bamboo, bean sprouts, green onions and fishcake)

Review – What is this? What is this huge bowl of milky broth, with toppings and garnishes floating in designated neighborhoods? Where is the packet of ninety-percent pure sodium and the brick of dried curly noodles? And what the hell is that disc with the pink swirl?

This, I’ve been told, is ramen. Real ramen. Noodles not served in “just-add-water” packets but swimming beneath a fatty, almost creamy pork stock.

Gripping the chopsticks like a novice, I dig in and find the hidden noodles, grab as big a stick-full as I can manage and take a bite. I taste the distinct lack of salt; instead, a full meaty flavor, hearty, and layered. A far cry from the thin, sharp character of Maruchan. The accompaniments mix in, continually imparting their flavor on the broth and sneaking in small bites onto the noodles: carmelized green onions, bean sprouts, seaweed, other Unidentified Floating Objects. I don’t care what it is, it’s all good. But there’s a downside to this discovery: I may never be able to return to the five minute stove-top variety now that I have tasted what is, indeed, Real Ramen.

[P.S. Don’t Fear The Fishcake]

Rating – 5 out of 5 fishcakes

She:

Ramen – Yakiniku (Soy sauce broth, Korean bulgogi beef, bamboo, bean sprouts, green onions, fishcake)

Review – Although I tried to accept the dish without modification, I asked the waitress to hold the egg. The fishcake I kept, because omitting it would’ve taken something away from the experience. With that said, after Josh ate his I asked him to take the pink-swirled fish patty out of my bowl as well. I never had any intention of actually eating it. After carefully considering all the elements in my bowl, each neatly compartmentalized, which I loved, I took my first timid bite…using chopsticks, no less.

The slurping and splashing aside, it was delicious. I took another bite to be sure, and didn’t stop from there, sticking mostly to the vegetables, noodles and broth. I tried a few pieces of beef and it was pretty harmless to my childlike sensibilities (read: flavorless and well-cooked), but I ended up leaving most of it in the bowl when I was done. I left a fair amount of broth in the bowl, too. But only because I was full. The noodles, however, were gone, baby, gone. And, while I wasn’t quite sure I could see myself sitting down to a bowl of ramen on a regular basis when I left the restaurant that night, I found myself craving it the next day.

Rating – 4 out of 5 fishcakes

If you want to have your own ramen experience, check out S21 Sushi and Sake Bar (5754 N First St, Fresno; Hours: Mon-Sat 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., 4:30-9 p.m. and Sunday 12-9 p.m.)

FresYes People – Restaurant Makeover Winner Silvia Wahyudi talks Kikku’s New Look

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Kendra Gilbert

Writer at FresYes.com
Kendra Gilbert is a writer born and raised in Clovis. She has written for publications from Boston to Los Angeles and loves writing about fashion and people most of all. The abbreviated list of things she enjoys outside of writing includes: thrifting, photography, harmonica, beer, movies, hiking and skee ball.
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Maybe you were a fan of Kikku Japanese Food before the restaurant won a $25,000 makeover from the Downtown Fresno Partnership. But the family-run business is sure to have many more fans now that the revamp is complete and word of their great food has spread beyond downtown.

Kikku was opened by husband and wife Andri and Silvia Wahyudi 14 years ago at 2336 Tulare St. in downtown Fresno. An entrepreneurial drive and love of cooking got the couple into the restaurant business and they’ve found a way to keep their restaurant going through the economic ups and downs of late. But after so many years, they wanted to make improvements to signage, the menu board and the restaurant’s interior.

Enter the Downtown Fresno Partnership’s restaurant makeover competition. After being selected as one of five finalists, Kikku was named the winner in July. From there kicked off two months of planning that culminated last weekend with 48-hours of building, installing, painting, and decorating.

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Silvia says the new community table is one of her favorite things to come out of the makeover, but that the custom artwork, new menus, outdoor signs, fresh paint and redesigned logo have all made a huge difference. Post-makeover Kikku is only a week old, but Silvia says the customer response so far as been 100 percent positive.

The makeover is especially sweet for the Silvia and her husband because she says they believe in downtown revitalization and are excited to be a part of it.

Here, she talks about the restaurant’s signature dish (if the makeover wasn’t enough to get you down to Kikku, maybe this will), the details of the makeover and what she is looking forward to now that the restaurant has a brand new look.