Ramen Gaijin Awards

Ramen Gaijin Restaurant Review:

Occupying the space of the former Forchetta-Bastoni, a block from the vibrant Barlow marketplace, this popular ramen restaurant has turned west Sonoma County into a dining destination. Trendy décor reminiscent of a San Francisco eatery --- vaulted ceilings, exposed brick with bursts of Japanese pop culture --- contributes. Share enticing small plates of fall-off-the-bone American Wagyu short ribs, tender shoyu-braised pork belly or skewers of chicken thigh marinated in a local small-batch teriyaki sauce. Ramen is the focus and the slurpable noodles range from pleasantly chewy rye to hearty Sapporo. Bowls include the Spicy Tan Tan --- a flavorful, spicy pork broth topped with pork belly chashu, ground pork, sesame, chile and charred cabbage. Vegetarian miso with fried tofu, cabbage, wood ear mushrooms and other seasonal vegetables will surprise and delight. Six-minute hen egg and house-made kimchi are enticing adds to any bowl. Izakaya, which includes small plates of pickled vegetables, gyoza and fried chicken thighs, as well as saké, cocktails and Sonoma local wine, is available for late-night dining. No reservations translate to evening waits. Be forewarned: The building is not well-marked.