So just wanted to update you all-I have so many reviews coming up that my fingers aren't typing fasting enough! If you could see how many drafts I have, there are over 20! Unfortunately, I wish I could go back to posting daily, but school seems to be taking up too much of my time to do that, but at least I've kept up with my promise of posting 2-3 times daily :).
I've also received NUMEROUS emails that:
1. You'd like to see more restaurant reviews (& oh boy-you WILL)
2. You all LOVE the Delightful Bites series and want to see a bunch more of those too (they're just as fun for me too to be able to share all these local businesses with you all & the amazing products they create)
-Thanks for all your sweet words, comments, questions & compliments. Because of you all, I love blogging & will continue to do so, as long as you promise to keep on stopping by.
SORRY! Back to the regularly scheduled post. So anyways, have you ever eaten foods that evoked a certain memory? I know I have-PLENTY of times! Most of the time, it's Asian foods from places I used to visit when I would travel to Asia. Ramen would be one of those foods. No, not the pre-packaged noodles with the little packets of sauce, but the REAL deal japanese style ramen-handmade noodles, pork broth slowly simmered for hours till perfection, topped with veggies, slow-roasted pork, eggs, fish cakes and more. The last time I was in Japan was in 2008. Oh how I miss those days. Luckily, living in such a diverse city like Atlanta, a wide variety of Asian cuisine is easily accessible, especially in the Gwinnett area. It wasn't until recently I started dining at these ramen-yas in Georgia, but luckily for some awesome friends and their researching skills, I've found my new favorite place-where these food and travel memories bring me back to the good ol' days in Japan.
Let's get started:
♥Beautiful wood exterior-Raku is owned by the same person who owns Honey Pig. It's also located in the H-Mart shopping center on Pleasant Hill Road in Duluth.
♥Interior of Raku
♥Pork Tonkatsu ($7.95, I believe)
♥Tonkotsu Ramen w/ extra noodles ($7.95 + $1.00 for extra noodles)
♥FOOD (5/5): AMAZING! I know some people might strongly disagree with me, but I LOVE Raku's tonkotsu ramen WAY more than Umaido's. It was less salty, had more slices of pork, a good handful of fresh and crisp bean sprouts, some pickled ginger, and half a soft-boiled egg. The noodles were incredibly moist and soft, just like I remembered it in Japan. Rather than clumping together, each noodle is free to dance in that incredibly rich broth. Also, because of the extra noodles I ordered, the bowl was clearly overfilling. Since I was sharing it with my friend who ordered the pork tonkatsu, I asked the server if I could get more broth in a separate bowl, to which she brought over without a single attitude or anything. The broth itself was where it was at! Rich, not salty & perfectly seasoned, I drank it up without a second though. Also, I love my bean sprouts and was so excited to see so much there, in addition to the pickled ginger, which really set off all the flavors. Now-if Raku could give us an entire soft boiled egg cooked to perfection like Umaido does, they would be set for life, with my business alone. Seriously though, even though I'm just starting to try out all the different specialty ramen restaurants in Atlanta, Raku's is the absolute best so far! And for the price, seeing how much you get, is totally worth it! If you're a hefty eater or want to share with friends, get extra noodles. They also have plenty of appetizers as well, which I can't wait to try on my next visit there. Before I forget, the pork tonkatsu my friend ordered was so yummy! Large piece of pork cutlet, battered in panko breading, & deep fried, then topped with that delicious sauce, oh boy. Their tonkatsu was fresh, crispy, & sizzling-and because of the little metal stand it's on-the oil is drained out, so it isn't greasy when you're eating it. Also, you get to grind your own sesame seeds with a mortar and pestle while waiting on your meal for the sauce-so fun to watch :). Presentation is also beautiful, in my opinion.
♥SERVICE (5/5): The young lady was our hostess & waitress and she was INCREDIBLE! I wish I could remember her name, but she deserves a raise. As soon as we walked into the restaurant, we were seated immediately. Since it was our first time there, she offered recommendations, explained choices very thoroughly for us, doing all of this with a genuine smile the entire time. Ridiculously friendly! She refilled our waters as soon as they were only half way down, brought us more rice/sauces (in addition to the extra broth), had no problem splitting our checks, and really just made the whole experience just that much better. Definitely the first time I've given a 35% tip at a restaurant, but she deserved it hands down. If food + service are this incredible, you've got a lifetime customer right here.
♥DECOR (5/5): Super cute and trendy! Definitely not your typical Japanese style ramen-ya in Japan with bar stool, elbow-to-elbow seating, but instead cute, comfortable and trendy. For those that want the real Japanese experience, there's an entire middle table that extends the length of the dining area-great for parties, or if you prefer to sit like that instead of the booths/open seating area. It's obvious that the restaurant is Korean owned, especially with all the Kpop music blaring on the TV and throughout the restaurant. But hey-I'm young and that right there is my JAM!! :) But anyways, I love all the pretty paintings, the furniture, the plants, the fixtures, EVERYTHING! If you check out my picture above regarding the interior, the fixtures are gorgeous. The middle one sort of looks like fish scales, does it now? And the big metal boxes actually have holes poked through them, so that there's color from the fabric inside. Hard to explain, but totally unique.
Overall, like I've already mentioned, I loved my experience at Raku. From incredible, authentic Japanese cuisine (even if it is run by Koreans), to the service and beautiful decor, I can't wait to bring more family and friends here. The only thing that REALLY makes me mad is that I hadn't heard about this place sooner, especially considering I only live like 5 minutes away from here-now that is CRAZY! So if I were you....I'd get down here ASAP! You'll be thanking me that you did, and you're tummy will love me forever. I can't wait to try the dozen different varieties of ramen and other dishes they offer- I don't need an excuse to come here.
Here's the physical address: 2550 Pleasant Hill Road
Ste. 112
Duluth GA, 30096
Until next time,
Domo Arigato Mr. Roboto :)
-Sandy
FTC: I was not paid or compensated for this review, all reviews and opinions expressed are my own.
If you'd like to invite Bella Vivere to cover & share your restaurant's media events, tastings or parties, feel free to shoot me an email at bellavivere@gmail.com-Thanks!
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