Local Eats: Asuka Japanese Restaurant - Morrisville, NC

I'm constantly on the lookout for new noodle soups everywhere. I make it a point to order noodle soups in as many different places as possible from as many different regions as possible. Champong from Korea, boat noodles from Thai Land, ramen noodles from China, and of course, shown above, udon noodles from Japan. The most important components of udon are the broth and consistency of the noodles. The trimmings such as shiitake mushrooms, tempura shrimp, spinach, fish cakes, etc. are secondary. The udon from Asuka had a nice clear broth and a taut noodle. The trimmings were equally amazing. This is a great winter dish so I hope you'll try to find some in your area. If you're in my area though, go check out Asuka.

Joe Kwon

Udon Noodle Soup

I don't know what it is about my program that doesn't post the text when I publish something. Sorry about that.

This was one of the courses from last night. I had every intention of posting throughout the day yesterday but I was so busy getting things ready I didn't have a chance.

I said earlier before it got erased. This udon broth was made with a simple dashi base made of kombu and bonito flakes. Then I augmented the broth with pork rib lets, tamari, garlic, ginger, onion, salt, and shitake mushrooms. To finish it off it's garnished with marinated shitake, wakame, and cilantro.

A super delicious summer noodle soup with a clean broth and complex yet subtle flavor.

--Joe Kwon
PS: So many thanks to Harvest Moon Grille and the amazing staff for showing me such amazing hospitality on my guest chef debut. I had a blast and felt right at home getting to know and cooking along side all of you!

Suzu - San Francisco, CA

I happened upon this spot while we were in San Francisco for The Fillmore show. Playing a couple days in a town always makes for a nice time on the eating front for me. I actually get the time to go explore areas that I would otherwise not have the time to do. My friends Cat and Zack came along on my quest to find a noodle shop and we came across this place, Suzu.

Karaage - Japanese Fried Chicken

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