Robyn's Culinary Adventures

09/05/2026

Izakaya & Ramen: Ebi Kaomari
居酒屋ラーメン 海老香まり
2 Chome-10-25 Chuocho, Misawa, Aomori 033-0001, Japan

Small neighborhood eatery in Misawa

It was an eleven-minute walk from my son's house to Izakaya & Ramen: Ebi Kaomari, and I couldn't have asked for a prettier day for the walk. It was about 70 degrees, with a few clouds slowly moving across the sky. The kind of day that makes you want to take your time and enjoy the walk instead of rushing to get somewhere.
When I arrived, I found this cute little eatery with a warm, inviting atmosphere. It had the comfortable feeling of a place where people come in for a good meal and don't feel the need to hurry out the door.
The waitress came over and asked how many people.
I held up one finger and said, "One."
She gestured for me to sit at the counter on one of the bar stools.
Perfect.
There is something I really enjoy about sitting at a counter when I'm dining alone. You get to watch a little of what is happening around you, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy the experience instead of simply sitting at a table by yourself.
And this lunch was definitely going to be an experience.

Tsukemen: Rich Shrimp Dipping Noodles
Today I discovered something completely new to me: Tsukemen, or dipping ramen.
This was my first time trying this ramen style, and I have to say, Japan continues to surprise my taste buds at every turn.
One of the first things I learned about Tsukemen is that the noodles and dipping broth come separately. The reason is actually pretty clever. If the noodles sat in the hot broth the entire time, they would continue to absorb the liquid and eventually lose some of their wonderful chew**ess.
Instead, you take the noodles, dip them into the hot, rich sauce, and eat them immediately.
When my ramen arrived, the first thing I noticed was the pottery bowl holding the dipping sauce. It wasn't cast iron, but some type of functional pottery.

And that dipping sauce was not playing around!

It arrived boiling hot, and I mean REALLY boiling. It literally continued bubbling for more than five minutes.

How do I know?

Because I started my stopwatch!

Apparently, I have now reached the point in my life where I time my ramen to see how long it takes to stop trying to escape the bowl.

The instructions suggested tasting the noodles before adding the broth, so that's exactly what I did.

The noodles definitely had some kind of shrimp component. I'm not sure whether it was shrimp powder or another shrimp-based ingredient, but there was a noticeable shrimp flavor in the noodles before they ever touched the dipping sauce.

The noodles were cold, thick, and wonderfully chewy. I absolutely loved the texture. They had a substantial bite to them, almost springy between my teeth, and they were nothing like the softer noodles I'm accustomed to in traditional ramen.

Then came the dipping sauce.
It was thick, rich, and almost gravy-like, rather than a traditional thin broth. The flavor was packed with deep umami and a rich, savory quality that coated the noodles beautifully.

I dipped the cold, chewy noodles into that piping-hot sauce, and the contrast was unbelievable.

The cold noodles held onto their wonderful chewy consistency while the hot sauce warmed them with every bite. The thick sauce clung to the noodles rather than running off, giving each mouthful a generous coating of that rich, savory flavor.

This was so good.

The Chopstick Challenge
And then there was my ongoing battle with the chopsticks.
At some point, I must have looked like I was auditioning for The Great Japanese Chopstick Challenge, because Mayumi, my very sweet server, said something to me and brought me a fork. She gestured toward it as if to say, "Would you like this?"
Of course, I politely turned it down.
I'm still learning! This is my third visit to this amazing country, and while I haven't exactly mastered chopsticks yet, I know enough to avoid starving.

I'll figure it out eventually.

Mayumi then brought me wooden chopsticks, explaining that they were less slippery. Bless her heart. She clearly understood that this American woman was determined to win the noodle battle.
And those chopsticks did help!

I love the thickness and the chewy consistency of these noodles, and being able to pick them up with the wooden chopsticks made the whole experience even better.

Chewy Shrimp Dumplings
Then came the shrimp dumplings.
When they arrived, steam was rising gently from the dish, carrying a faint, savory scent of soy sauce. The aroma was subtle and inviting, and thankfully, they didn't smell fishy at all.

I let them cool for a few minutes before taking my first bite.
The texture was the first thing I noticed. They were soft but pleasantly chewy, with just enough resistance to make each bite interesting. The shrimp flavor was very light and delicate rather than overpowering.
I had three dumplings left when my main entrée finally arrived.
And then I had an idea....

I dipped one of those dumplings into the rich shrimp dipping sauce.

Oh. My. Goodness.

The thick, savory sauce coated the dumpling, adding an entirely new layer of flavor. The mild shrimp filling, combined with that deep, umami-rich, gravy-like sauce, was absolutely delicious.

Now I'm wondering...
Was I supposed to wait and do that?
I don't know.
But I can guarantee you one thing.
Next time, I will.

A Little Trip Back in Time
As I sat there enjoying my lunch and taking in the restaurant around me, I was also listening to the music playing in the background.
And suddenly, I felt like I'd been transported straight to a Las Vegas lounge in the 1950s or early 1960s.
The song playing was “Only the Lonely” by Roy Orbison, released in 1960.

There was something almost magical about sitting in a small restaurant in Misawa, Japan, eating shrimp dipping ramen while Roy Orbison's unmistakable voice filled the room.
And because apparently the restaurant had decided to take me on a complete musical time machine, Little Richard's “Tutti Frutti,” from the 1950s, also made an appearance.

So there I was...

Japanese ramen

Shrimp dumplings

Roy Orbison

Little Richard

And me, fighting for my life with a pair of chopsticks

Honestly, I'm not sure lunch gets much more entertaining than that.

My server, Mayumi, was incredibly sweet. Her English was limited, but we managed just fine with a combination of broken English, gestures, smiles, and a little patience on both sides.

Sometimes you don't need a shared vocabulary to understand kindness.

She noticed I was struggling with the chopsticks, offered me a fork, then brought me wooden chopsticks when I declined.
That small gesture made the experience feel even more personal.

The Price of Happiness
My entire lunch came to 1,440 yen, which is approximately $9.22 USD.
For a delicious bowl of rich shrimp dipping noodles, shrimp dumplings, a beautiful walk through Misawa, good music, a cute café, and a little chopstick comedy...
I'd say that's money well spent.

Final Thoughts
This was my first experience with Tsukemen, and I absolutely loved it.
The contrast between the cold, thick, chewy noodles and the piping-hot, intensely savory dipping sauce was fantastic. The noodles had a wonderful texture, and the shrimp component added another layer of flavor before they even met the sauce.
Then there was that rich, gravy-like dipping sauce, loaded with umami and savory flavor.
The dumplings were delicious on their own, but dipping them into that sauce took them to another level.

The best part?
I came expecting lunch.
I left with a new favorite way to eat ramen, a few more chopstick skills, a story about a very kind server, and a soundtrack that could have come straight out of old-school Las Vegas.

Misawa, you did well today.

Enjoying my stories and adventures? Follow me on Substack as a free subscriber and come along for the ride. If you’d like to help keep the stories, photos, food adventures, and occasional questionable decisions alive, consider becoming an annual subscriber. Every bit of support helps keep the adventures coming!

https://robynharrington.substack.com/p/izakaya-and-ramen-ebi-kaomari?r=4df0xt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

As a solo traveler prioritizing my safety, I intentionally avoid posting in real-time. My visits to restaurants and locations may occur days, weeks, or even months before I share any information.

05/31/2026

Loaded fries were incredible tonight at The Chicken Ranch in Surprise. Hot and fresh with gooey melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, green onions, and just enough smoky BBQ sauce dripping across the top. You could smell the barbecue and smoky sweetness the second the plate hit the table.
Amanda’s voice floating through the room was pure relaxation, smooth music line dancing across the dance floor. The cool evening air, neon lights glowing around the patio, laughter everywhere, and the rhythm of line dancing made the whole place feel alive. Between the music, the flavor of the fries, and the energy in the crowd, it turned into one of those nights you wish you could bottle up and keep forever. 🤠🎶🍟

05/25/2026

A to Z Polish Market, 17221 N Litchfield Rd, UNIT 50, Surprise, Arizona, completely surprised me in the best possible way. The second you walk through the doors, your senses go into overdrive. The smell of fresh-baked bread, simmering sauces, smoked meats, butter, and warm pastries drifts through the market like a giant welcome hug. Shelves are packed with unique imported products, candies, sauces, spices, drinks, frozen foods, baked goods, and items I had never even seen before but wanted to try immediately. I already know I’ll be back to slowly work my way through all the treasures inside that store. 🇵🇱✨

Everyone I came into contact with was genuinely kind, informative, and seemed happy to be there. Jakub F, the young gentleman who helped me, was especially friendly and patient as he answered questions and explained some of the dishes. That kind of warmth makes a place memorable.

Outside, they have a cozy picnic area with umbrellas and tablecloths, which made the whole experience feel even more charming. I sat outside in the Arizona air, eating my food while people came and went carrying pastries and grocery bags, and it honestly felt like finding a tiny little corner of Poland tucked into Surprise. Next time, though, I may take my food home because I already know I’ll want leftovers.

I ordered a meatball in mushroom sauce and added the butter dumplings, and wow. The meatballs were enormous, nearly the size of a baseball, made from pork and packed with flavor. They were incredibly tender and juicy, not the slightest bit dry. Every bite carried these warm, unique spices that I couldn’t quite identify. It honestly made me joke that I may need to take a trip to Poland to solve the mystery. The mushroom sauce was rich, earthy, and silky with large pieces of mushroom throughout, and the butter dumplings matched beautifully. And dipping the freshly baked Polish roll into that mushroom gravy? That may have been the best decision I made all day. The roll was warm, soft, slightly chewy on the outside, and absolutely perfect for catching every last drop of sauce.

I also tried the golabki, the cabbage rolls, and they tasted wonderfully homemade. The tomato sauce tasted like fresh garden tomatoes slowly simmered into something comforting and simple. It was lightly seasoned, allowing the tomatoes' freshness to shine through. The filling appeared to be pork and rice and was nicely balanced. Personally, I would have loved just a little more cabbage wrapped around the filling, since I really enjoy that soft cabbage flavor, but the dish was still very well proportioned. Once again, that fresh roll came to the rescue, soaking up every bit of the delicious tomato sauce left on the plate.

The pierogi tasted incredibly authentic, and you could tell the dough was made in-house. Soft, tender, and delicate without feeling heavy. It tasted like something somebody’s grandmother had been making for decades.

Then came the surprise ending.

As I went back inside to ask a few more questions, fresh sweet cheese crepes called nalesniki had just come out. The smell alone stopped me in my tracks. Warm butter, vanilla, and sweet cheese floated through the air, and there was absolutely no way I was leaving without one. It reminded me of a little Polish cheesecake wrapped inside a delicate crepe blanket. The cheese filling was creamy, lightly sweetened, and perfectly balanced with the soft crepe. Not overly sugary, just comforting and rich enough to make you close your eyes for a second after the first bite. This is definitely something I’ll order again.

One thing I also appreciated is that they offer even more hot food choices on Fridays and Saturdays. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays, and most of the recipes use pork except for the chicken cutlet option.

Places like A to Z Polish Market are special because they offer more than food. They offer curiosity, comfort, conversation, and a chance to experience a little piece of another culture through flavor and hospitality. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit.

05/24/2026

On the corner of 6th and North Rooney in Iraan, Texas, sits Kenny’s Donut Shop, the kind of little hometown place that still feels stitched together with early mornings, hot grease, fresh coffee, and regulars leaning on the counter talking oilfields and weather forecasts. The menu stretches far beyond donuts, too. They’ve got sausage pig in the blankets, sausage and cheese kolaches, breakfast burritos loaded with egg and cheese, croissant sandwiches, biscuits stacked with bacon or sausage, and lunch plates like chicken fried rice, shrimp fried rice, stir-fried noodles, burgers, fries, and steak omelets. The whole place smells like butter, cinnamon, bacon, and fresh-brewed coffee the second you walk through the door. ☀️🍩

I ordered a cinnamon curler and a chocolate-covered donut, fully planning to save the chocolate frosted for later. That was the plan anyway.

The cinnamon curler was twisted and glossy with a thin crackling sugar glaze that flaked lightly onto my fingers with every bite. The outside had that deep amber shine from the fryer, while the inside pulled apart warm and soft like sweet bread fresh from the oven. The smell hit first: butter, cinnamon, and yeast rising together in the morning air. Every bite had a gentle chew followed by little pockets of cinnamon syrup tucked into the folds. It tasted warm, rich, and comforting in the way only old-fashioned donut shops seem to understand.

So there I was driving down the road, sunlight pouring through the windshield, finishing that cinnamon curler. At the same time, the chocolate-frosted donut sat on the passenger seat, like temptation wrapped in glossy icing. I kept glancing over at it. It didn’t take long before I reached over, picked it up, and polished it off too with a smile on my face.

And honestly, I’m glad I did.

The chocolate icing had that smooth, almost fudgy finish that softened slightly in the Texas heat and stuck just enough to your fingertips to make you lick the glaze away. Underneath was an airy yeast donut so light it practically collapsed when you bit into it. You could hear the faint whisper of the glaze crack before the soft dough melted away. Sweet chocolate, warm bread, and fresh fryer oil all mingled together while West Texas rolled by outside the windows.

And whether the gentleman behind the counter was Kenny himself or not, he was genuinely kind and welcoming, the sort of person who makes a place feel even more local and memorable. Places like this are disappearing little by little, which makes finding one feel like striking gold dust on a West Texas backroad.

05/16/2026

Walking into Melty at 2060 S Power Rd #108 in Mesa felt like opening the door to pure anticipation. The smell hit first. Toasted buttery bread, sizzling cheese, smoked meat, and hot fries drifting through the air like a warning that your self-control was about to lose the battle. The aroma alone had us excited before we even sat down.

I ordered the Cuban grilled cheese, loaded with savory pulled pork, thick smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, crispy dill pickles, and a creamy house-made mustard aioli. From the very first bite, I just kept shaking my head because I could not believe how good this sandwich was.

The pulled pork was unbelievably tender and juicy, with beautiful smoke rings you could actually see. Nothing dry or overcooked here. The ham delivered a rich, smoky balance with every bite. The Swiss cheese melted perfectly into every layer, with that soft, creamy texture and slight tang that make a Cuban sandwich unforgettable. The dill pickles were extra crisp and packed with bright dilly flavor that cut through the richness perfectly. Then came the mustard aioli, made in-house, smooth and creamy with just enough zip to tie everything together.

And the bread. That bread deserves its own paragraph. Toasted just enough to give a light buttery crunch with every bite, while still staying soft and chewy inside. Every texture worked together perfectly. Crispy, melty, smoky, creamy, crunchy. It was one of those sandwiches where you immediately start planning your next visit before you’ve even finished the first half.

The fries may have been listed as just “small fries,” but don’t let that fool you. These were hot and fresh straight from the kitchen with a light brushing of parmesan and oregano that made them completely addictive.

Our server, Janet, was fantastic. She brought so much energy to the experience and genuinely seemed excited about every sandwich on the menu. She answered all our questions, made recommendations, and even checked back at the table to make sure we loved everything. Matt brought our food out, and from the moment we ordered at 11:09 AM, it was only 9 minutes before freshly made-from-scratch food hit the table.

With a 4.9 rating and nearly 500 Google reviews, Melty absolutely lives up to the hype. You can taste the care in every ingredient, every texture, and every bite.

05/15/2026

Richard & Kristie spoiled me with such a fun afternoon at Quench Taps and Tapas today. The second we walked in, you could smell toasted bread, garlic, herbs, and seafood in the air, and the whole place had that relaxed happy hum of people genuinely enjoying themselves.

Stephanie was an absolute sweetheart. She was patient, informative, and answered every random question we threw at her like she actually enjoyed doing it instead of just tolerating us 😂

The Blackened Shrimp with mango sauce was probably my favorite thing we tried. The shrimp were unbelievably tender, like perfectly cooked tender. The blackening seasoning barely brought heat at all, which honestly let the flavors stand out even more. You first get this light salty savory bite from the shrimp, then this smooth sweet mango flavor sneaks in behind it. Every bite tasted a little different. It was one of those dishes where everybody at the table gets quiet for a second because they’re too busy chewing.

The Tuscan Garden Flatbread was ridiculously good too. The hot bubbly cheese against the cold fresh tomatoes made every bite feel alive. You had the crunch from the crust, creamy cheese stretching apart, sweet tomatoes, fresh herbs, and little salty notes all hitting at once. Total mouth explosion in the best way.

The Burrata with blistered heirloom tomatoes had the freshest tomato flavor ever. Once those tomatoes blistered, they got sweeter and richer, and you could smell the herbs and pesto immediately when the plate came out. The pesto tasted super fresh and bright. The only thing that surprised me was the burrata itself. Instead of that creamy spill out texture, it was firm enough that you had to cut through it with a knife. Still delicious though, especially mixed with the warm tomatoes and herbs because you got all these different textures together in one bite.

And then dessert showed up and completely finished us off 😂

One dessert was a lemon crème pound cake with lemon curd, and wow. You could actually taste the rich butter in the cake before the bright fresh lemon kicked in. It balanced sweet and tart perfectly without being overpowering. The lemon tasted real and fresh, not artificial at all, and the curd added this silky smooth texture that just melted into the warm buttery cake.

The cheesecake with fresh summer berry compote was equally good but in a completely different way. The cheesecake itself was creamy and rich, while the berry compote added this fresh juicy burst of sweet and tart flavor over the top. You could taste the freshness of the berries immediately. It tasted like summer somehow found its way onto a dessert plate.

I also had an Austin Eastc***rs Blood Orange and a Bivouac Dry Pear c***r. Both were crisp and refreshing with that perfect little sweet tart balance. I was honestly surprised they don’t have local Arizona c***rs on tap because the w**e and cocktail attention there is so good, and Arizona has some amazing artisanal c***r makers that would fit the vibe perfectly.

Seriously though, between the food, the flavors, the smells, the laughter, and the company, it was one of those afternoons that leaves you happy the rest of the day.

Thank you again Richard & Kristi for treating me. I loved every minute of it ❤️

02/07/2026

Double Mountain Brewery
8 4th St, Hood River, OR 97031
From the moment I walked in, this place felt easy to settle into. The décor is worth mentioning right away. Lots of older wood, deep tones, and a cozy weight to the room that almost reminded me of a gentleman’s club. The bar stools were actually comfortable, the kind you don’t fidget in, and there were several different bar areas throughout the space so it never felt cramped or loud in the wrong way. They’ve been open about 18 years and brew on site, and you can feel that confidence in the room.
I sat down for a c***r tasting with Jeremiah, who was my c***r expert for the afternoon. Halfway through my flight, Ventura Highway came on over the radio. One of those songs that just wraps around you. Between the music, the wood, and the light coming through the windows, it set the mood perfectly.
Dry C***r
As the sun beamed through the glass, the color reminded me of laying in the grass and staring up at the sky, that pale wind-washed gold. Very traditional and clean. This would be perfect with a rich, creamy gnocchi where the c***r cuts through all that softness.
Foxwhelp
Cloudy in appearance with an added sour dryness that really lingers. This one immediately made me think of extremely dark chocolate. The kind that snaps when you break it and leaves that deep bitterness on your tongue.
Little Ice
Transparent yellow with just a hint of green, like a summer pear that isn’t quite ripe yet. When I closed my eyes and brought it to my nose, I swear it smelled like a juicy hamburger cooked on a flat top with onions and mustard. Wild in the best way. This would be incredible on a hot summer day.
Estate Heirloom
My favorite. Clean, fresh, and ultra carbonated. This one felt bright and joyful. I could easily see this paired with a cinnamon roll at brunch, the bubbles lifting all that sweetness without weighing you down.
Vera
The nose smelled like honey, and the color was a bold cinnamon brown. I pictured myself eating a big, thick meatball sub loaded with cheese while sipping this. I didn’t personally get semi-sweet from it like the description says, but I still really enjoyed it.
I honestly didn’t have a least favorite, just a favorite.
What made the experience even better was how comfortable everything felt. My daughter and I had been walking around checking out nearby shops, and while she did that, I came in for my tasting. When she joined me later, she sampled a few sips I had left and enjoyed them too. The staff was genuinely friendly, smiling, relaxed, and welcoming. It felt like a place you could become a regular without trying.
Jeremiah deserves a big mention. He was patient, knowledgeable, and shared a lot of history without ever making it feel like a lecture. He had a calm, easy demeanor that made the whole tasting feel unhurried and personal.
If I lived closer, this would absolutely be a regular stop for me. I’m already looking forward to going back to see what different flavors they have on tap next time.

If you would like to see pictures of this review, click on the link below ⤵️

https://open.substack.com/pub/robynharrington/p/the-bar-stools-were-actually-comfortable?r=4df0xt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

02/03/2026

Drafts Bar and Grill inside Gold Strike Casino is the kind of place where you can settle in for a bit. TVs everywhere with different games on, that low hum of a sports bar where people are talking, laughing, glasses clinking. The lighting is comfortable, not harsh, and there’s that familiar smell of fried food and bar drinks in the air that immediately lets you relax your shoulders.
My waitress, Cartarsha, was a bright spot from the start. She’s been there 20 years, and you feel that experience right away. She wasn’t rushed, never short, just easygoing and kind. She answered my questions about the casino like she had all the time in the world, and her genuine sweetness made the whole meal feel more personal instead of transactional.
I ordered the Texas cheese fries with cheddar cheese sauce, bacon bits, and sour cream, skipping the jalapeños this time. When they came out, the heat rolled off the plate. You could smell the cheddar before you even took a bite. The fries were crispy on the outside, soft inside, and still hot enough that you had to pause between bites. The cheese sauce was rich and creamy, coating every fry instead of sliding off. It tasted full and buttery, not thin or watered down.
The bacon was what really made it. Big, smoky pieces that actually crunch when you bite into them. You could taste the salt and the smoke, and it gave the fries a real depth instead of just being cheesy. The sour cream melted slightly from the heat and cooled each bite just enough to keep everything balanced.
I caught myself slowing down halfway through, not because I was full, but because I didn’t want to rush it. The fries stayed hot the entire time, which I appreciated. This plate could easily be shared with three people and still feel generous. For the price, it’s absolutely worth it.
The margaritas were the best I’ve had while visiting this casino. Cold, smooth, and well balanced. Not overly sweet, not weak. I wish I had caught the names of the gentlemen at the bar because they were friendly, attentive, and made sure everything was just right without hovering.
Afterward, walking back to Romeo, my RV van camper, I stopped when I noticed a United States flag waving high against the sky. It was quiet for a moment, steady and proud, and it felt grounding. A simple, peaceful ending to a meal that I genuinely enjoyed.

If you would like to see pictures of this review click on the link below ⤵️

Live a life you're jealous of...

01/28/2026

Kitchen Laurel
800 Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104

If you are heading toward the Memphis airport and want one last comforting bite before takeoff, Kitchen Laurel is a lovely little pause button.

I spotted it on my drive, and the energy alone made me curious. It was clearly busy in that reassuring way where plates are moving, voices hum softly, and you can feel that people come here on purpose. The decor is modern and clean, uncluttered but welcoming, with a giant chalkboard stealing the show. It’s covered in seasonal notes and a charming Take and Bake menu, the kind that makes you wish you had room in your carry on.

My server, Tiffany, was a bright spot in the room. You could tell she was working hard, gliding from table to table with ease, never rushed but always moving. Friendly without being overbearing, attentive without hovering, the kind of service that makes you relax into your seat.

I kept my order simple from the à la carte menu, scrambled eggs and potatoes, and sometimes simply tells you everything you need to know about a kitchen. The eggs arrived fluffy, soft, and creamy, still warm and silky on the fork. Hats off to the cook, because perfectly cooked scrambled eggs are an art and these were spot on.

The potatoes were golden and fragrant, seasoned with a blend of herbs that smelled fresh and savory the moment the plate hit the table. You could taste that the seasoning was made in house, earthy and comforting, with a gentle crisp on the outside and a tender bite inside.

The room carried the soft clink of plates, the low murmur of conversation, and that cozy breakfast aroma that lingers just long enough to make you slow down. It felt like a place that knows exactly what it is and does it well.
Would I go back again? Absolutely ❤️

I would love to invite you to subscribe free to my new platform ⤵️

https://open.substack.com/pub/robynharrington/p/up-on-the-chalk-board?r=4df0xt&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

As a solo traveler prioritizing my safety, I intentionally avoid posting in real-time. My visits to restaurants and locations may occur days, weeks, or even months before I share any information.