Food for Chilly Days
Ramen is perfect for those cold winter months in Chicago.
For starters, take the Kimchi Fried Chicken from River North's popular restaurant, Ramen-san. This ramen bowl is designated as extra-spicy on the menu; and it's sure to warrant bringing a few tissues to get you through the meal.
The spice adds dimension to the dish, rather than simply overshadowing the classic flavors with intense heat. The kimchi is traditional (many restaurants won't serve true kimchi), while the fried chicken is not what you're thinking.
For a more classic ramen, order the Tonkotsu, which features traditional broth, chashu (Berkshire pork belly), and a molten egg.
The vibe of the restaurant is decidedly cool. In the brick interior, one can sip on sake, sake bombs, Japanese lager, among many other drink options while jamming out to some old school hip hop and rap. Think Biggie, Eric B. & Rakim, and Snoop Dogg.
Get off campus, hop on the L, and hit up Ramen-san — it's a long winter .
Ramen-san is located at 59 W Hubbard St, just steps from the Grand red-line stop in River North.
Feature image via.