Kintaro Tonkatsu Ramen

Phone: (604) 682-7568

Address: 788 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L5

Hours: Tuesdays to Sunday 12:00pm to 11:00p, closed Mondays

Website:  N/A

Date of Visit: Mar. 29, 2013

Parking: Meters along street.

Kintaro Ramen is one of the first and most popular ramen restaurants in West End, Vancouver. They boast to serve hand made tonkotsu ramen, although I have no idea which part of the bowl of ramen was actually handmade. Located at the busy corner of Denman and Robson where several other very popular ramen restaurants (such as Santouka and Benkei Ramen) have opened up, line-ups are to be expected. Kintaro Ramen was so busy during my visit that orders were being taken while people were still in line. Their menu is relatively simple compared to other ramen restaurants offering only ramen with BBQ pork in your choice of Shoyu (soy sauce), Shio (salt), or Miso soup base and a few sides (such as gyoza). The option to choose between fatty or lean slices of pork and a light, medium, or rich soup base is available. They do not accept credit cards.

Ramen
 

Shio Ramen (Fatty Pork Slices & Medium Soup Base)
6.5/10

• The pork bone broth was pretty heavy. There were so many bits of pork fat suspended in the broth that it was almost creamy. While I could really taste the salt used to season the broth, I couldn't really taste the savoriness of the pork bone.
• The noodles had a nice, chewy, springy texture
• The highlight of the bowl; the BBQ pork, or Chasu, was fatty, flavorful and tender.
• Toppings were minimal; an overcooked hard-boiled egg, green onions, sprouts, and bamboo shoots.

Perhaps my expectations were too high given the massive amount of hype surrounding the place, but I couldn't find much memorable about the ramen they serve here. The bowl of ramen served at Kintaro was pretty large and you do get a decent amount of ramen. The broth was a let down and it did get very salty after a few sips. The only redeeming quality of the dish was the large piece of chasu, although the dish could have greatly benefited by adding a second slice.

Shio Ramen (Fatty Pork Slices & Light Soup Base)
6.5/10

Here's a picture of the light soup-base for comparison.

Miso Ramen (Lean Pork Slices & Rich Soup Base)
6.5/10

I expected the lean pork slice to be a bit on the rough side but it was actually fine. You get a few more slices when ordering the lean pork.

SERVICE

• Service was minimal. Our order was taken while we were still in line to get into the restaurant. We waited for our food to arrive once seated.
• The line up was about 15-20 minutes during the Friday dinner rush.
• They were very busy, so dont expect attentive service.
• Water was filled frequently.

ATMOSPHERE

• Decor is minimal. 
• There are a few small tables along the wall, a few bar-seats, and a big communal table by the window. Space was sparse.
• Seating was cramped and uncomfortable.

 

VERDICT

 
With plenty of ramen restaurants in Vancouver, (there are several big ones only a few minutes of walking away), Kintaro holds its edge by offering a more affordable pricing, larger servings, and better chasu with their ramen. However, my overall experience with Kintaro was okay at best. While the ramen was decent, with the line-ups and cramped seating inside, I'll be trying another place nearby the next time I want ramen.

The Teahouse in Stanley Park

Phone: (604) 669-3281

Address :  7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver

Hours: Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Website: http://www.vancouverdine.com/teahouse

Date of Visit: Jan 25, 2013

Parking: Meter Parking

The Teahouse in Stanley Park is part of the Sequoia Company, known for their higher priced restaurants, scenic views, and pacific northwest cuisine. Like its sister restaurant, Seasons in the Park in Queen Elizabeth Park, The Teahouse in Stanley Park is also located within one of Vancouver`s larger municipal parks.

Appetizers
 

Roasted Roma Tomato Soup
5/10

• The tomato soup was acidic and left an unusual after-taste.
• Some more cream would have balanced out of acidity.
• The tomatos could have been roasted longer before being pureed.
• The amount of goat-cheese didn't really add to the soup, some more would have been a nice contrast.

 

Mains
 

Pan Seared Sesame Crusted Albacore Tuna
7/10

• Crusted with black and white sesame, served on a bed of vegetables, and garnished with tobiko.
• The cut of tuna was good, it wasn't tough, although I thought a better grade of fish could have been used instead of albacore (commonly available in a can).
• Tuna was not prepared to order.
• The portion was small, would have been more appropriate as an appetizer. 

Brome Lake Duck Confit
8/10

• Roasted salt-cured duck served on a bed of vegetables and garnished with a fig demi-glazed sauce.
• Although the meat around the drum was a bit dry, the thigh meat was tender, had a good layer of fat, and the skin was crispy.
• The bitter sweet fig demi-glazed sauce was contrasted too much from the savory flavors of the duck.
• Best entree on The Teahouse's 2013 Dineout Vancouver menu.

 

Slow Roasted Beef Bourguignon Vol au Vent
7.5/10

• Slow-cooked beef brisket served in a puff pastry and a side of vegetables. I'm unsure of what kind of alcohol was used for the beef, most likely cheap burgundy.
• A vol-au-vent is a hollow circular puff pastry commonly filled with savory ingredients.
• The meet was sat on top of the pastry rather than within it.
• Pastry was baked to order, had a good volume to it, and arrived to our table shortly after it was prepared, so it wasn't soggy.
• Beef was very tender as it should be.

 

Dessert

Featured Lemon and Chocolate Tart
9.5/10

• The lemon curd tart was excellent. The balance between tartness and sweetness was on the spot. The pastry itself was fresh and crumbly. The mint garnish was refreshing.
• The chocolate tart was rich and semi-sweet.
• Raspberry coulis complimented both tarts.

Coffee and Tea

Our meal was concluded with coffee and tea. A very wide selection of teas were available (as one should expect from a restaurant named The Teahouse). One gripe I did have was that their tea straight from a bag from a box. Moreover, while the selection was varied, all were commonly available from a supermarket (Earl Grey, Jasmine, English Breakfast, Chamomile, Orange Pekoe, etc). Honey and lemon available as requested. Coffee was okay.

SERVICE

• Excellent waitstaff. Our waitress was knowledgeable about the menu items, professional, and great at conversation. As was the headwaiter.
• The hostess, however, finished her conversation with the bartender before seating us.

ATMOSPHERE

• The dining area of the restaurant was clean and cozy. I'm unsure of the history of the building, but I believe it was a house at one point with the living areas converted to a restaurant, contributing the cozy atmosphere. 
• It's quaint location atop of Ferguson point in the middle of the forest is a welcomed contrast to the busy city.
• We dined in the solarium, we had a good view of the front yard. The view from the seawall was obstructed by the hedges. I expect the glass solarium could be a bit noisy on rainy days.
• The seawall is right outside of the restaurant, providing an excellent view in good weather.

 

VERDICT

In short, the food, service, and atmosphere is excellent. The portions, however, could have been larger. Since the location is a bit removed, I would return only in good weather during the day though, so I can enjoy the view while I dine. Perhaps I'll have brunch during my next visit.