Ordered food to go. Prices and menu have changed since I had last been there, and I am wondering if it changed owners? Definitely not the same amount of sushi to choose from. I asked about their Ramen. I had never ordered it before. I was informed that it was a bit different than traditional Japanese ramen. I then asked what was in it then. I specifically asked about their Chicken ramen. I was told that it had specific ingredients in it, none of which were chicken. I think the sweet young lady just assumed that I would know it had pieces of chicken thigh in it, (which I later discovered it did...a lot of it.) and I assumed that the tofu she mentioned was the replacement protein. So I ordered another bowl, with sesame chicken in it, thinking that I would just use that chicken in my ramen? I elected not to have certain ingredients in mine. Basically doubled the price just to make sure I had chicken. I figured I could slit the chicken between the two and give the bowl to my husband. I threw in an added California roll.
She did ask me specifically if I wanted the spicy or mild version. I was clear, I cannot eat spicy food. She understood and definitely ordered it "mild". It says so right on my receipt.
I got home, opened the Ramen to discover lots of chicken plus the other ingredients. I did have to pull the skin off of the grilled thigh meat, as I cannot eat the skin for medical reasons. The lack of "spicy" for the same reason.
I tried a piece of the sushi while I was opening the broth for the ramen. It was very bland, and had a lot of rice on the outside.
I then opened my broth, I was really looking forward to it. Until I saw it. I was hesitant yet hopeful. It has a bit of an orange tint to it, but I just figured it was seasoning of some sort. I poured it over my ramen. I took one bite, and it seemed delicious...until the after heat hit the back of my throat. It.was.spicy. Not overly spicy mind you, yet spicy non the less. I was immediately sad. I was not able to go back, nor could I eat the ramen because it was now doused in what was definitely spicy broth.The "spicy" was probably chili oil.
I called them to let them know what had happened. I spoke to the young lady that had originally helped me. She apologized and asked me if there was anything they could do to make things right? I would have liked a refund, but understand that can be difficult in a situation where they can't see the food. I simply said they could replace it with another bowl of ramen at a later date. The young lady put me on hold for about 5 min while she checked with her manager to see what they could do for me. She then said that he had checked and that they had served the correct broth, and that their "mild" had some spice in it. 😳 She said her manager had told her that their was nothing they would do for me, as "that was just the way the broth is". I told her, that there definitely needs to be a better, more accurate description of their food. That way when someone walks in off the street and asks for mild, they will know that their "mild" has chili in it. I also told her, that I will not be back. She again apologized and said she was sorry. I told her that they will be sorry, as they have lost a good local customer. I spent over $30.00 including a tip. $13.00 of it was for a ramen I could not eat. $11.00 of it was for a chicken bowl that was unnecessary because the ramen already actually HAD chicken in it. $4.00 was for the discounted (because it was an addition)sushi...and I am not sure it is worth that.
I'm sure the food is good...just beware if you are ordering, that their "mild", is not. ....if it is, then they did not want to admit the mistake, and make things right. I'm not certain which is worse.
Closest place for a quick poki bowl. A bit over priced for the toppings that you get; compared to poki one n half. BUT everything is very fresh and tasty ( I try to go when the Chef Geo is there- think that's his name) . Give it a shot if you're around the area.
Photo of the poki bowl made by Geo.