"The Book Of Ramen" Totto Ramen -NYC, Houran Ramen -Tokyo

TOTTO MISO RAMEN. The Finest Koji Miso and Ground Pork in a scoop atop slightly wavy Noodles in Original Paitan Soup. Topped with a Seasoned Hard boiled Egg, Corn, Bamboo Shoots, Bean Sprouts topped with Scallions.

To many, Ramen is a way of life. A religious practice. A  Japanese cultural icon that has made its way all over the world into every college dorm room in the US in it's instant noodle form. I have been practicing Ramenism for a few years now since my first visit to Japan in 2008 and my life has been better for it. A hot bowl of Ramen on a biting cold night is the epitome of salvation and I've found a spot in NYC called Totto Ramen that will do a great job holding me over until the fall when I return to my favorite spot in Tokyo, Houran Ramen.

It was freezing cold and my friend and former RENT cast mate Kyle Post and I just walked out of the theatre after seeing Book Of Mormon. We were so giddy from the show that we didn't want to go home. We were hungry and up for an adventure. The thought of a steamy bowl of Ramen warming our faces as the noodles slid warmly into our stomachs was the answer.

 TOTTO RAMEN -When we arrived at Totto Ramen there was a 30 minute wait. We put our names on the list and quietly froze outside teeth chattering. Every person that walked out brought us closer to the heat lamps. Luckily we ran into some of our favorite Japanese Rentheads who were watching Anthony Rapp's show down the street. Seeing them truly warmed my heart and after a quick hello and hug our name was called. We took a seat at the bar that had the prefect view of the kitchen right in front of us. As we had hoped, the huge soup caldrons of broth steamed the ice right out of our blood and moments after ordering, a beautiful bowl of Ramen was set before me.

It was delicious. Perfectly tender noodles and rich Miso that drowned in a light but tasty broth. The toppings were fresh and complimented nicely as they spilled over the edge of the bowl at times (you can add extra toppings if you like at a minimal price.)  Chopsticks in one hand, spoon in the other, I couldn't make up my mind which one to stick with so I alternated with every bite and slurp all the way down to the bottom of the bowl. In the end, I sat there full, content and happy as a Buddha. It was definitely worth the wait. If you find yourself in the Times Square area this winter, make your way to Totto Ramen, but be prepared to wait.

AVO TUNA at Totto Ramen. Torched Tuna Sashimi w/Avocado Marinated in Special Yuzu Garlic Sauce, topped with Scallions.

 HOURAN RAMEN -Let's keep this brief. God is swimming in this mega bowl of love. Why? I would baptize my baby in that rich Miso broth. And the shumai that they actually put inside the bowl of Ramen is ridiculously soft and full of flavor. Packed with Japanese business men, with lots of autographs papering the walls I knew there was something special about this place even though I couldn't understand the language.
Located in the Ginza area of Tokyo, Japan I look forward to eating there often when I direct the Off-Broadway version of RENT in Tokyo this fall.

May the force be with you- Andy

MISO RAMEN at Houran Ramen. Miso broth with Pork Belly, Mushrooms, Bamboo Shoots, Egg, Shumai, and Scallions.