It is not unusual that the man behind Mario e Mario, Le sushi bar. Junkyard and Al falamanki aces any new concept he introduces.
After thorough searches to master the Ramen art, Don was born! If you follow Mario Jr Haddad, you must have seen him strolling through LA streets during his US travel to bring the best out of every Ramen place.
Their slogan is #CommonSenseInABowl but believe me they are surely not so common!
Nestled inside the newly opened Restos St Nicolas, it is a must try.
An interior reflecting the industrial touch: wooden tables with a large common one in the middle, wooden boxes hanging from the ceiling. A beverage fridge all colorful and with new items on the left, facing you the open bar kitchen where all the magic of tossing, flaming and simmering is done. And to your right, a not very strange graffiti: the traveler as Mario referred to him!
The concept is simple: offering affordable dishes with the greatest quality.
Order at the cash register, grab your funny token (smell the bread one!), and wait to be called upon.
Keep in mind that the ramen is prepared with pork broth so I have not tried that. But I enjoyed:
- Kale salad: because Why not! with black quinoa beans, edamame, and sprouts softened by the melting avocado pieces: freshness in a bowl.
- Baos: two types: fried chicken and duck, both served in pair: fluffy white chewy dough, loved it!
- Beef Bulgogi: udon noodles base with the not so commonly found kimchi (Japanese pickles) and topped with grilled beef, believe me you will not be able to stop.
- Shrimp Laksa: bring the heat on! the soft glass noodles swimming in heavenly spicy broth topped with boiled shrimps. Perfect for this weather.
- Donburis:
- Salmon teryaki: generous portion of grilled salmon bathing in teryaki sauce over boiled rice and edmame
- Chicken Bibimbap: grilled chicken with the kimchi, beans and chili sauce topped with a poached egg: get you drooling
- Poke: surely Tuna for me, the most generous portion, I opted for wakame base, and Oh my the selection of mushrooms, spinach and avocado with edmame: fulfilling for sure.
Healthy, generous, casual and affordable. Lovely staff, innovative recipes, attention to the details, I told you Not So Common after all!
Totally recommended!
La Petite
XoXo
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