Your Pie, My Mouth: Moto-i Ramen and Sake House (With a White Caste Chaser) - Minneapolis MINN

Once upon a time in a land far far away there lived a group of people, people that had the desire and thirst to create something not of the land. It's not that the people traveled far to make this something, nor was the thing wholly new, but the combination of the land and the thing together is what was original. This land is called Minnesota and this thing is called Sake. In the native country of Japan this Sake is called Nihonshu. In application they mean the same.

Allow me to introduce you to Moto-i, Ramen and Sake House.

http://www.moto-i.com

I am amazed by the fact that, in Minneapolis, there exists a Ramen House and Sake Brewery, in San Diego we don't even have this! The location is not in downtown, and not being a local I won't really try to direct you here as the Internet and smart phones abound with directional options.

Although we are starting with water this is only because we haven't made our Sake selections as of yet, and we're thirsty just having flown in.

In his inaugural episode of YPMM is Young Master Casey. Handsome lad that he is is ready for a drink!

We settle on tasting flights. There are about 6 offerings that you can pair in threes for $10.

The flavor and "mouthfeel" spectrum of the house Sake's are quite diverse. And let me add that they ONLY offer their own Sake's. Some are sweet, others are dry, some are thick and deeply intense, others are light and crisp. Very impressive for Minnesota, or anywhere outside of Japan honestly.

The prep for our Ramen experience arrives

The obligatory Shishito Peppers arrive. Seasonal and delicious, these peppers are slightly spicy, lightly salted, and very good for the digestion.

Not that these guys need any introduction, but they are Edemame, steamed soy beans. Again, these are salty and bright. All this salt is getting us ready for more Sake and Ramen!

The decor is super Japanese and super cool Hand chalked panels surround the dining area describing various Japanese-ness-es, from Sake making to Sumo wrestling.

And then the ramen arrives.

OK, so the inspection begins and at this point I want to be snobbish and critical, but let's start positive. It's good ramen. I like the noodles for both their flavor and texture. They aren't making them but that's OK, they are good. The pork is also delicious and well done. There appears to be 3 types in the bowl, loin, belly, and a straight fat chunk of which I am stoked about. It is also very possible that the chunk fell from the belly. At any rate, it's good. The only thing not killer, to me at least cause Y-MC and HG liked it, is the broth. I felt the flavor was very singular in nature, almost like it was boiled soy sauce. On the whole though I liked it and if I was a local I'd be here ALL THE TIME!

More coolness for your viewing pleasure.

And then a very Japanese thing happened, but we turned it on it's head....

Often, after dinner in Tokyo we will stagger out of the restaurant and bust in to the nearest ramen shop to top off the tanks.

Here in Minnehaha we discovered that HG has never had a White Castle... WHAT?!?!?!?! Y-MC also adds that his only enjoyment has been the frozen variety from the grocery store.

A travesty this sure is that must be corrected, and now!

On the way to the airport to pick up H-Fan we spied said White Castle and crossing several white lines we enter the drive-thru. Of all these selections we are in need of none. None other than a bag of sliders. 8 please, half cheese and half not!

Hi Window guy! Thanks for the hookup!

They are kind of soggy and small, but that's kind of what they're supposed to be right? You can literally eat a dozen and not feel terrible, unless you just had ramen and are headed to dinner with the rest of the family. For us we are using them as an after lunch mint, applied like a breath freshener.