Silicon Valley Eats: Japanese (2)

Hankering for ramen, we set off to Maru Ichi, which we had spied several times walking up and down Castro St. in Mountain View's downtown district. I ordered the Maru Ichi Special Ramen opting for "Tonkatsu" (pork) versus the "Kuro" (roasted garlic). My ramen came in a huge bowl of miso soup, topped with bean sprouts, cod roe, wood-ear mushrooms, seaweed, a soft-boiled egg, chasu (thin slice of bbq pork), and tonkatsu, a generous chunk of braised fatty pork that was totally melt-in-your-mouth and savoury, with a hint of sweet. It made me feel cozy and warm, just like any great home-cooked comfort meal. I loved that there was a kid's meal option for my daughter that included a big bowl of ramen and ice cream (for only $4.90!) Comfortable and kid-friendly, this is the perfect spot for a family night out.