I really ought to work on my photography, because ramen this amazing deserves a better representation on the Internet.
I’ve been enamored of the Hapa Ramen operation for a while, following a good interview years ago in 7x7 where chef Richie Nakano detailed his quest for the ramen he wanted to serve. His efforts were not in vain, as he is slinging probably the best noodles I’ve ever had the pleasure to slurp.
His pork broth is life-changing, but today I wanted to sample his veggie broth, as I’d heard good things (and I am a menu adventurer). Though I couldn’t give it an objective review, as he was celebrating “duck season” with seared duck breast (confit legs were also available) and also the swan song of foie gras in California.
So I did not get to savor the nuanced miso notes of the veggie broth, but rather a fatty (in all the right ways) duckapalooza in a bowl.
And I wish I was still eating it right now…
[url]haparamensf.com[/url]

Organic arugula and mystery (to me) greens from the yard, with navel orange from the farmers market and a nice ripe avocado. Dressed simply with olive oil, a splash of cider vinegar, sea salt, pepper, and sliced almonds.

My life has been changed by this mystical creation (courtesy of the VooDoo truck at Off The Grid) - a waffle cone filled with Mitchell’s Black Walnut ice cream mixed with sweet-spicy fried chicken chunks and a cayenne-maple drizzle. Crunchy meets creamy; sweet in front grows to a spicy finish, compelling you back for another bite. And the warm chicken melts the ice cream, ensuring that you inhale it. Bravo, good sirs.

A bowl of pho on a rainy day can totally turn your day around. The guy asked me “how spicy?” on a 1 to 10 scale and delivered a perfect 7.

(a perfect 7 tastes like a 5 initially, but grows to a 7 when you’re not looking)

Not food, I know…test post on new phone. Hangabunger back up for 2012?

Caraway kraut in pretzel dough, acquired at Castro Farmer’s Market

Lunch #1 (or late breakfast, if you prefer) from @Toastymelts (mobile grilled cheese truck) - the “Irish Car Bomb” : Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Chives, Dubliner+Irish Cheddar,+extra sharp cheddar on Sheng Kee bread. Very satisfying on a drizzly SF Monday. Good to know I’m not the only one who’s made a mashed potato sandwich before. Could’ve used a little something to “brighten” it a tad; maybe a little slaw? Still, 3 thumbs up.

And Daddy’s sandwich - I’m pretty proud of this one - baguette with: stone ground mustard w/horseradish, aged Cheddar, organic beets from the back yard, the greens from said beets, and just to gild the lily, some avocado. It was so good - wish I was eating it right now… Homer drool

Reid’s lunch - roasted chicken, steamed asparagus, roasted potatoes (from the backyard!), organic blackberries. Not pictured: after this picture was taken, when Reid saw me peeling beets (from the backyard!) for my lunch, he insisted he have some too. tear of joy

Ben & Jerry’s “Clusterfluff” - peanut butter ice cream with caramel cluster pieces, marshmallow swirls & peanut buttery swirls. Had that great salt/sweet mix I love so much, but I would have liked a little more crunch for some textural variance. Pretty darn tasty though - like an iced fluffernutter.