In Closing

 I learned a lot about Ramen, Sushi, Yakitori and Japanese cuisine in general.  The main reason I could not try more instant Ramen was because of the carbohydrates per serving. Ramen is not the healthiest dish for someone who is diabetic and avoiding high carb meals. I had to limit myself to one restaurant visit a month, but made the most of it. My award for best ramen in New Jersey goes to Ani Ramen in Cranford and second place goes to Rayaki Ramen in Edison. 

This was also my first blog to be accepted into the Google adsense program. I learned a lot about what works and doesn't work in trying to gain page views.  Mainly the more articles the better, how to add labels and link blog posts to each other. 

While I enjoyed writing this blog and will always have a place in my heart for Japanese culture, it's time to move on. I've decided to return to writing for the Casino Cage. This is my blog about gaming and travel, in the Casino space.

I like to say regret nothing, but I end Godzilla's leftovers with 2 regrets. First was when I tried mochi, which is a Japanese dessert made from glutinous rice. I thought it was too sweet and didn't care for the texture or consistency. Secondly I never did get around to crocheting my mini sushi Bento box.  Crochet food is always cute when you add a smiling face. I can always double back and add some posts when they are complete. 

Anime - The Adventures of the Little Prince

 

The Adventures of the Little Prince is a Japanese Anime series from 1978 based on the book by French author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. It aired in the US on Nickelodeon and in Canada on TVOntairo in 1985. The English dubbed version was only 26 of the 39 original Japanese episodes. The plot/storyline was also changed for the English version. It seems both the Japanese and English version have taken some liberties from the original story.

In the book the Little Prince leaves his small planet in search of friendship. He travels to several planets then eventually arrives on Earth. He befriends a fox then a pilot, who is really Antoine himself. The Little Prince learns "One only sees clearly with the heart. Anything essential is invisible to the eyes." The book has somewhat of a sad ending, but is still considered a masterpiece by many. 

I would say both the Japanese and English versions are geared towards children and maintain a wholesome storyline. What has always stood out to me is the illustrations. The original book from 1943 was illustrated by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The anime series was illustrated by Knack Productions and did a superb job paying homage to Antoine's artwork. 

The full 39 episodes of the Japanese series can now be watched with English dub on Crunchyroll. There is a 3D adaptation available on YouTube and a 2D adaptation on Netflix. For a complete list of adaptations check out this Wikipedia article.

Restaurant- Poke House (poke)

 I found myself at Poke House in Crandford NJ for the second time.  I was there to try poke for the first time. Poke is a Hawaiian dish with Japanese influence.  I ordered the Special bowl which came with Ahi Tuna, Salmon, Shrimp, Edamame, Cucumber, Sesame Vinegar, and Avocado. 

There is an option to choose white, brown, or green rice. I selected brown rice. The rice was black, sticky and taste both sweet and nutty at the same time. Overall this was a great tasting, healthy dish with fresh ingredients. I will be back to try this "green" rice. 

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

 

Godzilla: King of the Monsters is the sequel to Godzilla (2014.) It's part of a series of Hollywood produced Godzilla movies and part of the Monsterverse franchise. The Monsterverse was created when Legendary Entertainment negotiated the rights to both Godzilla and King Kong. The Monsterverse incorporates movies and a TV series where Godzilla and Kong co exists.  

This was the first and only Godzilla movie I've seen to date.  While the online reviews are horrible, I really enjoyed this movie. We encounter Dr. Emma Russell who awakens monster zero and plans to awaken more kaiju. She believes we need their path of destruction in order to deal with over population, pollution and other negative human activity.  She will bring mass deaths with her plan. The Monarch organization decides to awaken a sleeping Godzilla with a nuclear bomb to attack the other kaiju before they can destroy mankind. 

I loved seeing Godzilla awaken and the fight scenes. There was a lot of useful information given as far as world-building goes.  Please give this movie a chance before you skip over it.

Tapatio Ramen

 

I tried the Tapatio instant ramen sold at the dollar tree. This is from the same brand that produces Tapato hot sauce. Just add water and place in the microwave or boil the water and add to the fill line. Either way you'll be enjoying your ramen in 3 minutes. 

The Chicken flavored is rich and flavorful. It contains small pieces of carrot, scallions, and garlic. It does pack some heat. Overall this was much better then any Maruchan ramen I've tried. 

The Original flavor had reddish colored broth. Not as flavorful, does have some heat when it hits your tongue and throat. More of a tomato flavor.

My advice is to add some extra toppings of your own.

Godzilla Kaiju Wars VR

 I was back at Tropicana's newest arcade "Game Up Lounge" located in the shopping quarter. I bought a $10 card which gave me just enough to ride/play the Godzilla Virtual Reality game.  

One swipe is 32 credits. I played 1 out of 5 levels. It does give you the option of which monster you would like to fight. Unfortunately I was still adjusting my headset when it choose for me. I played against Ghidorah, the three headed monster. 

The game feels more like an amusement park ride or Rollercoaster.  The VR transports you to a helicopter where you fly around the city of Tokyo. You use the large gun in front of you to shoot random monsters, giant insects, robots, Ghidorah and finally at the end you face off against Godzilla. I did end up killing Godzilla but that got me no where, you still need to swipe again for another 32 credits to go up against another monster. 

I would say it's worth the $10 to experience the ride once but not sure I would play again. 

Restaurant- Rayaki Ramen Edison

 We tried Rayaki Ramen in Edison NJ. It's a small restaurant but delivers great ramen. There were menu slips and pens at our table. Which is an efficient easy way to order. In addition to ramen, they have a wide selection of teas and robatayaki (meat and vegetable skewers).

I tried the spicy miso soup. It came with the boiled egg, pork cutlets, scallions, bamboo shoots, sprouts and corn. The pork was cooked really well and I appreciate that it wasn't the typically pinwheel and much easier to eat.  The table had chili paste, ramen seasoning and soy sauce but I didn't need to use any of it. I would describe my soup as a flavor explosion. It was such a great tasting bowl I rank Rayaki Ramen the number 2 ramen restaurant in New Jersey.

The restaurant also has some great murals for the anime fans. There are Pokémon cards displayed that can be purchased. Rayaking Ramen is also a chain of 6 restaurants, if Edison is far you could try a closer location.