Like Tamagotchis in the 90s, ramen is now the Japanese original no one can put down. The power of the bowl is in the broth, the deceptively simple broth which takes hours or days to get just right. Get the broth right, and the rest is pure preference. Big veggies, fresh-cut meat, poached eggs. It’s a dish both universally unchanging and individually tailored. Basically, it’s whatever you want it to be.
Just over a month old, Furious Spoon in Wicker Park is already being called one of the best ramen shops in the city. The Kickstarter has one nice advantage over the rest, Michelin star rated chef Shin Thompson is at its helm.
I was invited to check out the new ramen shop for Chicagoings.com. Here’s the whole picture.
The Whole Picture
The Atmosphere: Decor: All wood everything. Centered before a row of wooden benches and bar height tables, Furious Spoon’s galley kitchen is the show. The space is either tight or comfortably intimate – depending on what type of day you’re having.
What type of ramen is being served at Furious Spoon?: The thick, meaty flavor packed kind. To say their version is filling is like saying their spoons are large. By the way, the spoons here are humongous. But who needs a spoon? Broth this good is meant to be enjoyed like cereal milk– mouth to bowl. Don’t be shy.
The noodles are perfect on purpose. Chef Thompson, who spent most of his childhood in Japan, has a system for achieving just the right firmness and he’s spared no expense to keep the staple authentically delicious. Expect to chew your noodle a little more here than you would elsewhere. This is a good thing.
From the Menu: Ramen is served four ways here. We tried the namesake Furious Ramen and the Shoyu Ramen with an added topping of scallops. My favorite was the Furious since I have an inclination toward the spicy but Hubby loved the Shoyu. Each was full of fresh, pleasantly surprising flavors. The beef brisket was perfectly tender, not too fatty, and the mushrooms proved even meatier.
You Should Know
- It’s called Furious Spoon for a reason. Ramen is meant to be furiously devoured, not sipped and fussed over. Get in, enjoy your meal, get out in under 15 minutes.
- The music is proudly loud and full of lyrics you may not want your kids to hear.
- Take out is not an option so as to protect the integrity of the ramen.
- Furious Spoon is open until 1 a.m. or later.
- Try the house made Apple Chilli Hot Sauce. Just, try it.
Atmosphere: 2/4. The restaurant is proud of its hardcore hip hop soundtrack. For me, it proved too aggressive for a midday ramen lunch.
Service: 4/4. Cool and knowledgeable.
Price: 4/4. Chef Thompson is a Michelin star rated chef and his dishes are full of vision so it’s pretty amazing that here you can score a bowl and a beer for under $20.
Food: 4/4. Furious Spoon is already a stand out in a city obsessed with ramen.
“First Visit” rating: 3.5
Furious Spoon, 1571 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 687-8445