New Ramen Bar by Junichi

The Pitch

Earlier this year, acclaimed chef Junichi Ikematsu from Jun-I decided to join the Japanese cuisine rejuvenation movement that's sweeping across the city by opening his own ramen bar in the Plateau.  We showed up on a Tuesday night sans reservations (they don't take any) and had to wait a good fifteen minutes before sitting at the rich, red wood bar that twirls along two of the dining room's walls.

tagged:  CAN'T RESERVE THE WAIT

The Food

The concise, "local/organic/homemade"-laden menu features three ramen variations followed by a dozen starters.  Those are very meager in portion, but at $4-$6, who's complaining?  They are also plated in a way that's conducive to sharing in a group.  There is lastly a drinks menu for cocktails, beer and sake.

Cocktail

Cocktail

$10

$10

Gin/Gin

"gin, ginger, egg white"

Starter

Starter

$4

$4

Kimchi Nappa

"fermented napa cabbage with Saka-Ba spices"

Starter

Starter

$6

$6

Tako Kiuri

"octopus salad with a spicy sauce"

Starter

Starter

$6

$6

Yaki Tori

"grilled organic chicken skewers (2 pcs)"

Starter

Starter

$6

$6

Kara Age

"fried organic chicken, spicy mayo"

Main

Main

$13

$13

Tori Shio Ramen

"chicken & salt broth, pan seared upper leg chicken, fried onions, bean sprouts, green onions"

tagged:  GOOD FOR SHARING

The Verdict

We came out of Saka-Ba tonight thinking the food was certainly satisfying and nicely-presented, but somehow lacked a bit of sizzle.  We're not exactly big ramen fans or connoisseurs, but we were expecting a little more oomph from chef Junichi.  Saka-Ba is still a nice addition to the Plateau, but we won't give it a final verdict this soon after opening.

tagged:  DESERVES A RETRY

Price per person:  $18.50