How to use this Page

I’m always on the look out for good ramen, here in New York City. A nice bowl of Ramen is one of the most satisfying things in the word. A nice salty broth, chewy slurp-able noodles, and a few pieces of delicious Cha-shu, I salivate just thinking about it.  Fortunately, authentic Ramen isn’t too hard to find here in the city, but some places are certainly better than others. One such place that has yummy Ramen (and yummy Oden as well) is Menchanko Tei.

Located on 45th right off Lexington, Menchanko Tei is only steps away from Grand Central, making it an easy place to get to. They get their name from their signature dish, Menchanko, which combines a bowl of Ramen, “men” meaning chinese noodles which is where ramen comes from, with traditional Sumo Wrestler stew (albiet with some added seafood for good measure), Chanko. The Menchanko itself is good, but personally, I prefer their more traditional kinds of ramen. Here, a bowl of Ramen will set you back between $9-$11 depending on what kind it is and what you want in it, a price I totally say is worth it.

Here are my two favorite kinds of Ramen available at Menchanko Tei. On the right is the Hakata Ramen, with broth made from Pork Bone, and on the left is a bowl of Shoyu Ramen, a traditional Tokyo style ramen with Soy Sauce in the broth. Not complicated dishes, but both of these are delicious are highly recommended. The noodles are filling, the broths are tasty, and the pork and eggs are cooked right.  If you enjoy Ramen and either live or find yourself here in New York City, I recommend getting one of these bowls for yourself. Menchanko Tei also has a daily don (rice bowl) delicious oden, and a nice selection of drinks. I highly recommend it if you’re looking to go get yourself, or maybe a date, a bowl of Ramen.

For each question, select the answer which best describes your job, and add up your points at the end to determine how good your job is.

Rise and Shine

1. It’s still dark outside when I get up (5 points)
2. The room has a faint hint of dawn’s light when my alarm goes off (3)
3. I am the master of my own schedule (0)

Leisure

1. I try to go to the restroom (even if I don’t need to) more than three times in one hour to pass the time (5)
2. I have occasionally thought about going to the restroom (even if I don’t need to) while at work in order to escape boredom (3)
3. I only use the restroom at scheduled break-times and never even think of taking unscheduled breaks(3)

Climate Control

1. The Mohave desert are probably cooler than my job location (5)
2. I can survive with a tank top or short sleeves (3)
3. I usually wear a light cardigan to fight the chill (1)

Paraphernalia

1. My job requires a sunhat, Gatorade, Windex, pruning shears, tools or other cleaning/maintenance supplies (10)
2. I bring nothing because a monkey could do my job (5)
3. My job requires Critical Thinking skills so I usually just bring a blackberry, laptop, and/ or a pen (0)

Compensation

1. Uncle Sam would pay me more to stay home and watch TV (10)
2. I make less than the national average for my job title ( 5)
3. I am able to live comfortable fulfilling life on my salary (0)

Insurance/ Planning for the Future

1. “I’m probably not contagious”, or “It’ll probably go away” or “Grab the duct tape and aspirin, I hope we don’t have to amputate this time” (25)
2. “Top Ramen and Waffles again, we have to the deductible this month” (10)
3. “Thank goodness I had my insurance card with me, otherwise I might have had to fill out extra paperwork” (0)

Attire

1. My work attire comes with a name tag and rubber soled shoes (5)
2. My work attire is pretty casual (3)
3. My work attire is formal and/or business casual (0)

Food

1. “I thought I had a tic tac in here somewhere, oh well”(10)
2. “Where’s the taco truck?” (3)
3. “Should I have one martini or two?” (0)

Regarding The Boss

1. ” You’re lucky I’m on parole this month” or “Where is my concealed carry permit” or “If I wear sunglasses, maybe he/she won’t know it’s me” (10)
2. “Has he/she ever heard of fa-breeze” (5)
3. “My boss is usually tough but fair” (0)

Internal Fraternization

1. “No means no”, “It’s never as good as the first time”, “I really need this promotion”, “put that camera away” or “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas (25)
2. “Is he/she checking out my junk?” (5)
3. “Maintaining cordial and professional relationships with colleagues is the key to success” (0)

Bonus

• My job requires holding a sign and standing on a sidewalk ( 100 points)

Your Results:

0-15= A+ : You are just too legit to quit, you lucky duck

15-45= C-: Consider quitting, you’re better off selling stuff on eBay or Craigslist

50-100 F : See ya! Go home, and let Uncle Sam spring for the donuts from now on. You don’t have to take it anymore

Over 100 F-: Consider a life of crime( just kidding) , 3 hots and a cot

For each question, select the answer which best describes your job, and add up your points at the end to determine how good your job is.

Rise and Shine

1. It’s still dark outside when I get up (5 points)
2. The room has a faint hint of dawn’s light when my alarm goes off (3)
3. I am the master of my own schedule (0)

Leisure

1. I try to go to the restroom (even if I don’t need to) more than three times in one hour to pass the time (5)
2. I have occasionally thought about going to the restroom (even if I don’t need to) while at work in order to escape boredom (3)
3. I only use the restroom at scheduled break-times and never even think of taking unscheduled breaks(3)

Climate Control

1. The Mohave desert are probably cooler than my job location (5)
2. I can survive with a tank top or short sleeves (3)
3. I usually wear a light cardigan to fight the chill (1)

Paraphernalia

1. My job requires a sunhat, Gatorade, Windex, pruning shears, tools or other cleaning/maintenance supplies (10)
2. I bring nothing because a monkey could do my job (5)
3. My job requires Critical Thinking skills so I usually just bring a blackberry, laptop, and/ or a pen (0)

Compensation

1. Uncle Sam would pay me more to stay home and watch TV (10)
2. I make less than the national average for my job title ( 5)
3. I am able to live comfortable fulfilling life on my salary (0)

Insurance/ Planning for the Future

1. “I’m probably not contagious”, or “It’ll probably go away” or “Grab the duct tape and aspirin, I hope we don’t have to amputate this time” (25)
2. “Top Ramen and Waffles again, we have to the deductible this month” (10)
3. “Thank goodness I had my insurance card with me, otherwise I might have had to fill out extra paperwork” (0)

Attire

1. My work attire comes with a name tag and rubber soled shoes (5)
2. My work attire is pretty casual (3)
3. My work attire is formal and/or business casual (0)

Food

1. “I thought I had a tic tac in here somewhere, oh well”(10)
2. “Where’s the taco truck?” (3)
3. “Should I have one martini or two?” (0)

Regarding The Boss

1. ” You’re lucky I’m on parole this month” or “Where is my concealed carry permit” or “If I wear sunglasses, maybe he/she won’t know it’s me” (10)
2. “Has he/she ever heard of fa-breeze” (5)
3. “My boss is usually tough but fair” (0)

Internal Fraternization

1. “No means no”, “It’s never as good as the first time”, “I really need this promotion”, “put that camera away” or “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas (25)
2. “Is he/she checking out my junk?” (5)
3. “Maintaining cordial and professional relationships with colleagues is the key to success” (0)

Bonus

• My job requires holding a sign and standing on a sidewalk ( 100 points)

Your Results:

0-15= A+ : You are just too legit to quit, you lucky duck

15-45= C-: Consider quitting, you’re better off selling stuff on eBay or Craigslist

50-100 F : See ya! Go home, and let Uncle Sam spring for the donuts from now on. You don’t have to take it anymore

Over 100 F-: Consider a life of crime( just kidding) , 3 hots and a cot

An American turns his noodle obsession into a career.

From Reuters:

“‘Ramen is the uber-comfort food. It’s meatloaf and mashed potatoes in a bowl. It’s a Jewish chicken noodle soup. It’s all those kinds of things that I think make you feel warm and safe.’

Ivan Ramen may be one of an estimated 80,000 ramen shops across the country, but one Tokyo food magazine ranked it among the top ten best noodle shops in the city this year.

Kaoru Nakamura, a regular at Ivan Ramen, says its Orkin’s skill that makes his shop stand out from the rest.

‘Ivan’s skill as a former French chef really shines since his ramen is presented in a beautiful way,’ he said.”

Awesome. Now I want a big bowl of (vegetable) ramen…