From Beer Fest to Orochon Ramen

How long has it been since I meandered through Little Tokyo in Los Angeles? Obviously a long time because the New Otani is now the Kyoto Grand Hotel & Gardens. My buddies from work and I wanted to hibachi in the Garden while chug...I mean, sipping civilly on beer. But the cool garden bar changed (like its parent hotel) to the hipster hangout "Beer Fest" (apparently only until September 1st). It's no Lucky Baldwin's but it did have a decent beer-on-tap selection (get a pitcher). We were a little disappointed when the menu ended up serving sliders, fresh pizza, and grilled bratwurst.

After a couple pitchers, we decided to walk down one level in the Japan Village Plaza Mall to search for more authentic Japanese food...and we found it. Orochon Ramen is slow-cooked in 13 different spices and comes in 9 different spiciness levels, from no spice (non-spicy Orochon 7) to Wall of Bravery spicy (Special 2--not to be confused with regular 2). I got the Orochon 4 (normal spice, or maybe it was one notch above...) which was almost too much for me...almost, so I'm really scared of the Special 2--five levels hotter!


Alexandra, Kate, Ashley, Holly, Jared, and I slurp up our din-din. Alex and I had salt broth. Kate, Holly, and Jared chose miso broth. Ashley wanted meat and got teriyaki chicken.

We were starving so we got edamame (a standard but nuked in the microwave with care, i'm sure) and dumplings that were tasty and hot...two very important conditions for dumplings.

Y'know, if I wasn't moving out of town I would probably routinely return to Orochon to build my stamina to not only withstand but wholeheartedly consume a bowl of "Special 2." C'mon, like I wouldn't want to be up on any sort of food wall-of-fame. So if you're ever in the neighborhood and you like noodles. Check this place out. If you like spicy foods, I dare you to try the Special 1 or 2. And if you get on the Wall of Bravery, I will give you five bucks!