campus chatter
December 22, 2017|page 11
THE LION’S ROAR|THELIONSROAR.COM|opinions
UPGRADE
9 New Year’s resolutions
The Lion’s Roar asked ...
What is your New Year’s resolution?
Holiday lights
“Last year, it was to read more books. I want to say for this year, to consistently go to the gym. I want to keep that up.”
New Year’s parties
- Aidan Fitzmaurice, Class of 2018
End-of-the-year sales
“To study more for tests and stuff.” - Bella Hamilton, Class of 2019
New Star Wars movie Catching up on Netflix shows
“Personally, I don’t really have a New Year’s Resolution.”
- Jonah Raisner, Class of 2020
Homework-free December break NFL Playoffs
“To not procrastinate on my school work and not watch Netflix.”
- Sophie Gu, Class of 2021
Snow!
photos by Eu Ro Wang
9
DOWNGRADE
Pre-break tests/ labs/projects One-week break Crowded stores Short days Post-vacation blues Icy roads College rejections Broken New Year’s resolutions
Restaurant Review: Santouka by Eu Ro Wang Walking down Harvard’s centuriesold pathways, it’s hard not to notice a glowing shop on the corner of Bow Street. Upon entry, I found people of all ages standing shoulder to shoulder, waiting for their names to be called. For most of my visits to Santouka, I’ve had to wait anywhere from 10 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day. The ramen, however, is worth every anticipatory second. When the waiter calls your name to be seated, the entire staff shouts “Irashhaimasse,” which means “welcome to our restaurant.” The authenticity of the heartfelt hello comes full-circle when the staff shouts, “arigato,” meaning “thank you,” when you leave. Throughout the entire meal, the restaurant’s workers, chefs and waiters exhibit an impeccable level of professionalism and attentiveness. From providing storage pouches to refilling my cup with ice water without my asking, the employees’ scrupulous commitment to their customers ensures a pleasant night out. The menu offers a wide variety of ramen. The restaurant’s four different types of ramen, priced between $10 and $12, all taste incredible. The appetizers are perfect for two people to share. My favorite is the gyoza, the Japanese fried dumpling, which
is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The ramen usually arrives in no time, even when the restaurant is packed. Personally, I order Shoyu ramen or Kara Miso (spicy) ramen. I also order Ajitama, soft-boiled egg, to add to the ramen. The immaculate harmony between the noodles and the egg is a must-try for ramen enthusiasts. Once the ramen arrives in all its beautiful splendor, you can’t help but revel at the remarkable wonder in front of you. This is the ideal time to open Snapchat and capture the food sitting before you. In addition to the incredible aesthetics of the dish, its taste exceeds expectations. The deep broth warms your entire body, the savory noodles dance around your tongue and the succulent pork belly exudes delicious juices. But words can only go so far; the only way to do the ramen justice is to try it for yourself. Santouka first opened its doors in Japan in the 1980s. Since then, it has developed a chain of restaurants, providing joy, comfort and love through ramen for decades. With new locations in Boston, we finally have the opportunity to taste this delicious Japanese meal. Whether you are a diehard ramen disciple or someone who has not yet encountered it, Santouka will not disappoint.
photos by Eu Ro Wang