Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Yama Izakaya, a Japanese tavern in the Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte on a rare dinner review. This small and trendy restaurant is tucked into a shopping center, so parking is not a problem. 
Ample parking
Cool vibe
They offer a variety of small plates, specialty dishes, and the main dish that called us, ramen. After our first experience with ramen in DC, we planned to share, so we started with a couple small plates. First up was the Gyoza, pan-fried pork dumplings. Soft on the outside, tender and full of favor on the inside, and served with a Japanese dipping sauce that would have been great on anything. Dora here. Light, delicate, delicious!
Gyoza, pork dumplings. Light, delicate, delicious!
We also tried the Fried Chicken Wings. They appeared to be like typical chicken wings until I took the first bite. The waiter told us they were seasoned with a Korean chili spice. Whatever it was, they definitely had a unique favor and were crispy and juicy.  Dora here. I wish I was a fan of chicken wings because they always smell delicious! I gave these a try, but they didn't tempt me with a second bite. 
Fried Chicken Wings
Now if you have never tasted ramen, you are missing out. Ramen is an Asian-style soup with noodles, and we chose the Miso Ramen. Marinated Braised Pork Belly (chashu), seaweed (nori), sesame seeds, scallions, bamboo shoots (menma), seasoned egg (sometimes called a Ramen egg), corn, and colorful fish cakes. The ramen was very good and the taste of the pork and seafood rose above everything else. 
Miso Ramen. Huge portions! Plan to share.
Dora here. Don't let all the names scare you. It's just a soup with some deliciously flavorful elements. Tasty, warm, and a wonderful go-to comfort food in winter. This photo really doesn't do the serving size justice. It's a HUGE bowl! We ordered extra toppings in DC, but forgot to do that this time. If you plan to share, adding extra toppings might make it a bit beefier, er...porkier. :) Oh, and the restaurant rates this "spicy." Maybe a little kick but definitely not a forehead slicker. Go for it!

Our server might've scored higher if he didn't keep pushing the Sake and spoke a little slower for us hearing-challenged folks. And the music? Hoping that same constant beat changes before our next visit. :)


What about you? Have you tried ramen or pork dumplings? Do the pics look yummy? Would you give it a go after reading this review?

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food.

Yama Izakaya Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

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Fiction Faith & Foodies: Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

Saturday, March 5, 2016

Excited about Eating by Ernie Hiers

This edition of Excited about Eating takes us to Yama Izakaya, a Japanese tavern in the Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte on a rare dinner review. This small and trendy restaurant is tucked into a shopping center, so parking is not a problem. 
Ample parking
Cool vibe
They offer a variety of small plates, specialty dishes, and the main dish that called us, ramen. After our first experience with ramen in DC, we planned to share, so we started with a couple small plates. First up was the Gyoza, pan-fried pork dumplings. Soft on the outside, tender and full of favor on the inside, and served with a Japanese dipping sauce that would have been great on anything. Dora here. Light, delicate, delicious!
Gyoza, pork dumplings. Light, delicate, delicious!
We also tried the Fried Chicken Wings. They appeared to be like typical chicken wings until I took the first bite. The waiter told us they were seasoned with a Korean chili spice. Whatever it was, they definitely had a unique favor and were crispy and juicy.  Dora here. I wish I was a fan of chicken wings because they always smell delicious! I gave these a try, but they didn't tempt me with a second bite. 
Fried Chicken Wings
Now if you have never tasted ramen, you are missing out. Ramen is an Asian-style soup with noodles, and we chose the Miso Ramen. Marinated Braised Pork Belly (chashu), seaweed (nori), sesame seeds, scallions, bamboo shoots (menma), seasoned egg (sometimes called a Ramen egg), corn, and colorful fish cakes. The ramen was very good and the taste of the pork and seafood rose above everything else. 
Miso Ramen. Huge portions! Plan to share.
Dora here. Don't let all the names scare you. It's just a soup with some deliciously flavorful elements. Tasty, warm, and a wonderful go-to comfort food in winter. This photo really doesn't do the serving size justice. It's a HUGE bowl! We ordered extra toppings in DC, but forgot to do that this time. If you plan to share, adding extra toppings might make it a bit beefier, er...porkier. :) Oh, and the restaurant rates this "spicy." Maybe a little kick but definitely not a forehead slicker. Go for it!

Our server might've scored higher if he didn't keep pushing the Sake and spoke a little slower for us hearing-challenged folks. And the music? Hoping that same constant beat changes before our next visit. :)


What about you? Have you tried ramen or pork dumplings? Do the pics look yummy? Would you give it a go after reading this review?

We rate this restaurant 4 forks out of 5 for a family friendly restaurant serving great food.

Yama Izakaya Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

Labels: , , , , , ,

6 Comments:

At March 5, 2016 at 10:11 AM , Blogger Jill Weatherholt said...

The Ramen looks delicious, Dora. No doubt it's better than the 20 cent Ramen we ate during our college years. :)
I'm not a fan of pork dumplings, but Derek LOVES them. Once I show him your post, he'll want to head there for breakfast. :) Enjoy the toasty temps that are arriving next week! xo

 
At March 5, 2016 at 10:25 AM , Blogger Dora Hiers said...

Not a fan of pork dumplings?? Ohhhh, noooo. They rate right up there with the ramen for me. Honestly, I'm not sure if I could go to a ramen restaurant and not expect to get the pork dumplings. :D

You can't head here for breakfast. Sadly, they are only open for dinner.

Toasty? Egads, is that a 78 I see rudely interrupting our spring? lol. Wishing you the same, my friend. Enjoy your weekend.

 
At March 5, 2016 at 2:21 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

The food looks yummy. The pork dumplings do sound delicious.

 
At March 5, 2016 at 4:43 PM , Blogger Dora Hiers said...

We're newbies to ramen, but definitely fans. Hope we convinced you to give it a try. :)
Wishing you a fabulous weekend, Ann!

 
At March 6, 2016 at 7:49 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks Jill, our son got us eating Ramen in DC and we love it.

 
At March 6, 2016 at 7:50 PM , Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks Ann, the food was great and we always try the pork dumplings when we visit a Ramen place.

 

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