<![CDATA[natty's pantry - Natty\'s Review: Strings Ramen Shop]]>

“The mini-version of Strings’ 60-seat Chinatown location, offers their popular Ramen selections. Chef Katie has created a number of special items that are only available at Strings’ Lakeview location. “

Strings Ramen- A year ago they opened this location for customers to slurp up steaming bowls of Japanese soup in the Lakeview area. For this special first anniversary on Tuesday July 24th beginning at 11 a.m., the Strings Ramen Shop celebrates their first anniversary with free mini cookies and a chance to score free ramen for an entire year. Simply stop by to pick-up a free mini cookie with no purchase required. Then create some fun photos with the mini cookies and post the pictures on Instagram using the location tag “Strings Ramen Shop Lakeview". The winner will be randomly selected!

Not only do I love the Ramen menu items from Strings Ramen, but they also have me hooked onto a lot of their other items such as their appetizers, Sui Gyoza, Donburi, Gyu Don*, and Meze Soba*. Each of their menu items are packed full of flavors and deliciousness. This is including their new Summer special: Napolitan Yakisoba.This is not the typical Yakisoba that you can taste anywhere else. I have to say the taste and flavor hit my proverbial spot at the first bite I tried. For those who love spicy, Hell Ramen is a good item to introduce to a friend by bringing them in and doing a fun challenge with as well.

Their mini 1.5 inch butter cookies are custom designed to resemble the popular Narutomaki topping used in many of Strings Ramen Shops dishes. Stop by to pick up some cookies and use your fun creations to enter their anniversary contest!

Here is the round up of their newest menu items that I have tried.

While the menu included such obvious things as ramen, there are also some appetizers such as Donburi (rice meal with toppings) and Meza Soba. Many of these were given such amazing tastes that reflect the excitement and freshness of Japanese cooking.

Edamame: These fresh cooked soybeans are topped with Shichi-mi Tōgarashi (七味唐辛子, seven-flavor chili pepper), also known as Nana-iro Tōgarashi (七色唐辛子, seven-color chili pepper). It totally added some great spicy and salty flavor to the Edamame.

Wasabi Strings Beans: steamed strings beans topped with house-made Wasabi sauce and Sesame seeds that help to open up your palate before you have a wonderful rice bowl with toppings.

Sui Gyoza: This was my favorite starter from the menu. They offer four different varieties: Chicken, Pork, Shrimp, and Vegetable. I totally enjoy all of these on the menu with their Spicy Ponzu Sauce. But my favorites were the Shrimp and Pork.

Donburi: It is a rice bowl topped with colorful slices of fresh fish and meat. Some even have glistening balls of Orange Roe and a rainbow of other fun garnishes such as Scallions, Sesame seeds, etc. They have two different selections: sashimi over rice or meat over rice.

IKURA DON

Maze Soba: I am a fan of Soba noodles, especially when perfectly cooked and topped with Crispy Onions, Wakame, Scallions, Wood Ear Mushrooms, and the choice of your favorite meat (spicy Clams/Pork, shredded Turkey, and Kuro Buta). Everything comes together with such deliciousness as a result.

Gyu Don: The flavor in here is highly addictive. Black Angus Filet Mignon with its salty umami flavor, topped with Onions, Red Ginger, creamy Onsen Tamago Egg all served over white rice. This is my all time favorite that I asure you will love!

Ramen: Are you ready for some Ramen noodles? Try their tender meat that melts in your mouth, Pickled Bamboo Shoots, fresh chopped Scallions, and a variety of Ramen broth that you can’t stop slurping. There are 3 types of Ramen broth for you to choose from: Shoyu Ramen, Miso Ramen, and Tonkotsu Ramen.

Tonkotsu Ramen: This is made with chewy homemade egg noodles, soaked in creamy Pork Bone Stock with aroma of Black ayo, and Garlic oi, topped with crushed garlic, Sesame Seeds, Scallions, and Mema.

Neapolitan Yakisoba-- stir fried Ramen noodles, Kuro Buta Sausage, Red Onions, and Jalapenos in a tangy Sweet and Sour Tomato sauce.

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