Although it seems a bit odd to have two food related posts on the same day, in what is ostensibly a bike blog, I have to comment on a brand new ramen place on Baldwin St. There was quite a bit of buzz about this place since it is being run by the people behind Guu.
They had a soft opening that started today. I went today with a large group, and we were very lucky to snag the one large table at the back. Other than this table (for about 8-9 people) there is just a narrow counter, as well as a standing counter at the front. Sorry for the terrible photos, but I only had a backup camera on me.
So how was the ramen? There are already some reviews on yelp, but my take on the miso ramen was that it was tastier than what I’ve had at either Kenzo or Ajisen, largely because it was quite a bit less salty. The noodles were nice and firm. As some of the other reviews have noted, it was a bit odd to have diced raw onion as a garnish. Was the miso broth as intensely flavoured as Ajisen? Perhaps not, but I liked it, and I appreciated that it was less salty (and this was the regular as opposed to the light broth). Was it “authentic”? I’ve certainly had worse ramen in Tokyo.
Service was a bit chaotic, and I got slightly more response from the wait staff by speaking Japanese, but I’m willing to cut them some slack as it is still a soft opening. It is just as loud as the Guu on Bloor, whether or not that is your cup of tea.
There were some people in line outside when we left around 7:30. Once word gets out, and they get their liquor license, this place is going to do well.
UPDATE: some notes from a second visit on May 25.
Biking in a Big City 
I’ve certainly had spring-onion (‘negi’) on ramen, here in Tokyo, though the ‘negi’ here is halfway to leek size and flavour. As for salty… well, that’s Japanese food, right? I do like it, but the salt gets monotonous. However, sounds like you have as much, or more, knowledge of authenticity than I have.
I’ve had negi. This was diced red onion.
Red onion? Yeah, that’s wrong. Been out of TO for two years, and had not heard of Ajisen. How does it compare to Kenzo? My J-wife and I thought Kenzo was no better than what she has made at home, and maybe worse.