Jinya, Thornton Park

Today I had lunch at this ramen bar on N. Summerlin Ave (near the 7-11). It opened a few months ago. It is part of a chain that started in LA. I had a Jinya pork bun for $4 and a Sukiyaki Q bowl for $14. The bun was ok. The place on Mills is better. The bun was a little moist. Like it had been defrosted. The pork wasn't oozing umami. The ramen bowl was ok (lacked contrast). The place in Chinatown has better. The pork broth was very viscous. Adding hot sauce didn't help. They put too much onion in and it tasted like it had been battered and that batter disintegrated into the broth making it even pastier. What there was of the beef was very fatty and cut into indigestible long strips. The "six minute" egg was cooked around that. Not cut in half. Unnecessary in this one note (savory) compilation. The noodles were ok. You can add another helping of noodles for $2.50. I was watching a show last night called Food Flirts. They learned how to make ramen noodles. It's simple. All purpose flour, salt, water and some kind of liquid baking soda. I think I'm more likely to make my own noodles than try this spot again. I guess slicing raw fish and steaming beans isn't rocket science either, but, I just don't get the hysteria over these things. They also have "tacos". But, they are $6 a piece. Most ramen bowls are $13. They try and pimp you to add in add ons  They have a few rice dishes and some other Japanese go tos. They have a fairly large sake and craft beer selection. Some wine. The place seats 16 in the back, 14 right in front of that (communal high top), 8 or more at the bar (moving forwards towards the entrance) and a few tables at the door. The color scheme is red (brick wall) black and wood. They have some fake green grass on the walls. Glassless, iron ceiling fixtures. It looks like a hip izakaya. Service was good. However, the bus boy just scraped the dirt (etc) onto the floor and seats and used a paper towel (no disinfectant) on the table. It was about half full. A "bun" place failed around the corner just recently. This is kind of the same menu. It will be interesting to see how different this appeal will be to the neighborhood. I would like it at half the price. At this price I want a "real" meal.