For a band that's released songs about strawberry cream puff and wasabi, dedicating an entire tour to bowls of noodley goodness was the obvious next choice, right? Legendary Osaka pop-punks Shonen Knife seem to think so.
The band, who've themed their lyricism around their favorite eats dozens of times, are bringing their 2017 U.S. Ramen Adventure Tour to Ybor City's Orpheum on May 6. But they also plan to spend time — before and after shows — chowing down on ramen around the country. They'll document their tasty findings online, as well as join forces with local Japanese restaurants to promote their gigs and each market's Japanese dining options.
In a statement, Shonen Knife frontwoman Naoko Yamano called ramen a tasty and creative food.
"It consists of noodles and soup. Very simple, but it is deep and complex in flavor," Yamano said. "Each ramen restaurant has their own recipe with a different and unique flavor. That's why it is growing in popularity in the U.S. Plus, the price is reasonable and it's easy and quick food to eat!"
Learn to pull off Yamano's easy-to-make ramen recipe, featured below.
Naoko's Healthy Simple Ramen
Makes 1 bowl
Ingredients
A portion of ramen noodles
Shredded leek
1 boiled egg
A few slices of Chinese-style roasted pork
Soup powder
Soy sauce
Directions
Put 2 teaspoons of soup powder and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in 400cc (or about 1 1/2 cups) boiled water. Put a portion of ramen noodles in it for 1 or 2 minutes. Move to a ramen bowl. Top with shredded leek, boiled egg, roasted pork and some pepper.
This article appears in Mar 2-9, 2017.