JANUARY - Today I get to preview the signature ramen at soon-to-open Ramen Roll in Culver City

I don't have much experience with chicken based shio broths, but this is delicious and surprisingly light compared to the pork based broths I usually go for. I will be looking forward to trying more when they finally open

Ramen Roll is Andy's latest ventures...and first time he has partnered in the restaurant business (I did not get to meet his other partners Adam Fleischman or chef Kiyoshiro Yamamoto). For those who don't recognize Mr. Gavin, this is my former boss, one of Naughty Dog's co-founders, and a real foodie. It has been far too long since I have enjoyed sitting down for a meal with him. While I enjoy my bowl of chicken-based ramen, Andy tests vegan variations.

When given the choice, I opt for thick noodles, so I am very happy that Ramen Roll chose the thick variety for their signature dish

I can't remember if this 3 lbs Maine lobster was just boiled or steamed...thanks to Pete, both options are on the table tonight

Finally, it's Lobstergiving (or, in our case, Lobstertaking)!

Oh Pinchy! (Those claws were delicious, but so filling that I had to save the tail for another meal)

Valerie's first galette de rois is excellent! Can't wait to have more of this...

Bacon, eggs, and toast for breakfast...Valerie had me at BACON!

Valerie has been going bananas...making fried bananas

I return to Ramen Roll for the soft opening...and this time I've brought Valerie

Their signature RnR chicken-based ramen with Iberico Amp (cured pork). I was expecting a bit more of a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly...maybe I should have gone for the chasu pork belly instead. I'm still not 100% sold on chicken broth ramen. Valerie and I both loved the long gone California Ramen as it offered something completely unique. We need to try Tentenyu on Sawtelle.

Valerie has some hand rolls with the RnR small bowl...and is shocked by how small her bowl is. She is still quite hungry after polishing everything off.

The gelato truly delights. This is probably the best hazlenut gelato Valerie and I have ever had.

Valerie has made matzo ball soup today!

Time to get in touch with my Jewish side

FEBRUARY - Valerie and I finally get around to trying the food court at H-Mart, our local Korean market. Of course I can't resist trying their ramen...specifically I order spicy negi miso ramen

Valerie has a much better experience with their bibimbap. It is very good...and a generous portion. Note that both of us had an interest in trying their oxtail or short rib pho, but they did not make it today (at least I think that's what the cashier was trying to tell us). Lesson learned: stick with Korean dishes when ordering from a Korean market's food court.

Noodles are overcooked, there is only one tiny piece of thinly sliced chasu and no egg...the broth is good, but not good enough that I'll risk ordering it again. I'd rather heat up some Shin Black at home.

Make up ramen...Santouka's shio chashu ramen never disappoints