LA Examiner

Tag: socal

  • LA County Is Home to Some of the Top Ramen Spots in America

    LA County Is Home to Some of the Top Ramen Spots in America

    Image credit: Unsplash

    If there’s one thing Los Angeles does better than almost anywhere else, it’s ramen. This Japanese soul food has taken Southern California by storm, with ramen-yas (ramen shops) firing up their burners from Downtown to the Valley. A recent Yelp survey solidifies LA County’s ramen reign, ranking over a dozen local spots among the top ramen restaurants in the entire state.

    LA’s deep Japanese roots and insatiable appetite for culinary innovation set the stage for this ramen renaissance. From traditional tonkotsu broths simmered for days to imaginative fusion spins, the repertoire is vast. The ramen scene reflects the city’s incredible diversity, allowing ramen lovers to enjoy an authentic Tokyo-style bowl one night and a vegan mazemen the next. Ramenists can hopscotch from classic pork-based tonkotsu to unconventional chicken or seafood renditions without leaving their zip code.

    Leading the pack at #1 is Susuru Ramen Bar, a “hidden gem” drawing rave reviews for its pork-bone tonkotsu adorned with pork belly chashu, perfectly seasoned wood ears, and a velvety ajitsuke tamago. Over in Highland, the #4 spot belongs to RamenKoko, where the chefs labor over their tonkotsu for over 28 hours to achieve a depth of flavor that can’t be rushed. Customization is king here, with veggie and vegan options alongside premium add-ons like chashu pork belly.

    Santa Clarita’s Sen Noodle House (#6) earns kudos not just for its ramen, but also for its exceptional service guiding diners through the dizzying menu. First-timers can explore regional ramen varieties from around Japan with the staff’s friendly expertise. Culver City’s Moto Ramen (#8) is a standout for starters like the crispy chicken karaage and addictive pan-fried gyoza. And in Sherman Oaks, Umigame Japanese Kitchen (#10) is a destination for the unusually lush, deeply savory black tonkotsu ramen made with an intense triple-garlic oil.

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    Beyond exemplary broths, LA ramen-yas excel at the total ramen experience. At Pisces Poke & Ramen (#11), stylish diners slurp amidst tropical-themed decor and nosh on signature poke bowls. And Iki Ramen (#13) channels a hip, underground izakaya vibe with inventive offerings like its decadent A5 Wagyu mazemen and indulgent uni mazemen starring fresh sea urchins.

    From mom-and-pop shops to ramen empires, the county’s top artisans are drawing global accolades—and hungry slurpers willing to endure long waits for their coveted bowls. Ramen hunters flock to Kaiba Japanese Ramen Sushi & Grill (#14) in Pasadena for the spicy miso ramen and fresh sushi made with a deft hand. In West LA, Mogu Mogu (#15) has achieved cult status for its broth-less “mixing” mazemen that diners prepare tableside per the chef’s instructions. And Suban Sushi & Ramen (#16) in Canoga Park garners praise for its creamy signature suban ramen and crispy rice appetizers.

    With new ramen concepts constantly emerging alongside longstanding favorites, LA’s love affair with ramen shows no signs of fading. Case in point: the highly anticipated Hokkaido Ramen Festival coming to LA April 19-21, 2024. This three-day celebration will feature ramen makers from the ramen capital of Hokkaido, Japan showcasing their regional styles and specialties. Upcoming ramen festivals and pop-ups like these will undoubtedly continue to stoke the flames. This enduring love affair is a delicious reminder that in the ramen capital of America, there’s always room for one more slurp.

  • SoCal Locals Flee the Conflict in Gaza, Return to Safety

    SoCal Locals Flee the Conflict in Gaza, Return to Safety

    Image credit: Unsplash

    After becoming stuck in the middle of the recent conflict in Gaza, two residents of Southern California were able to flee the area and are currently safe in neighboring countries. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass worked hard alongside many government officials to secure their safety.

    One of the fortunate individuals is a Los Angeles City employee who was visiting his elderly mother in northern Gaza as the unrest led to violence and war, finding himself in an impossible situation. Faced with the escalating conflict, he received orders to evacuate and subsequently journeyed south to Rafah, where he found himself stranded at the border.

    Mayor Karen Bass made it her mission to make sure the Los Angeles City employee was safe, exhibiting remarkable empathy and dedication. Throughout this terrifying ordeal, her office kept in constant contact with the employee’s son, providing updates on his condition. Mayor Bass announced that “it has been a source of tremendous turmoil and pain speaking with his son. I am relieved to announce today (Thursday) that the employee is now safe in a neighboring country, Egypt, and out of the war zone. We look forward to welcoming our colleague home.” She was clearly quite relieved to inform the public of the individual’s safety.

    The Mayor expressed her gratitude to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this rescue possible. She personally thanked Senior Advisor to the President, Tom Perez, the Biden administration, Sen. Alex Padilla, and Rep. Julia Brownley for their continuous support to ensure the safe return of a fellow Californian.

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    When the attacks started, the second resident, a mother originally from Camarillo, was visiting family in Gaza and was also witness to the mayhem and devastation. Nabil Alshurafa, her son, told of his mother’s difficult journey to safety. She bravely attempted five times to cross into Egypt, exhibiting incredible fortitude in the face of difficulty. Relief welled up in the family when, at last, the phone call arrived to tell them she had made it out alive.

    When reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster that the family endured, Alshurafa said, “She was crying when I spoke to her, and there was a sense of relief knowing she was able to escape. But at the same time, the excitement slowly went away when we started realizing that we still have a lot of family still in Gaza.”

    While these two California residents are now safely out of Gaza, there remains uncertainty surrounding their travel plans to return to their homes. To ensure their safe return to their families and loved ones, the community and officials are actively working to facilitate their journey back.

    The collaborative initiatives of Mayor Karen Bass, government representatives, and the tenacity of the families involved serve as a shining example of the devotion and commitment of people coming together to guarantee the security and welfare of those impacted by the turbulent events in Gaza. These inspiring tales serve as a reminder of the value of compassion and unity during difficult times as the world observes the region’s ongoing difficulties.