Ramen-off: Second Harvest, Eating Ramen, And Helping Japan

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

All I have to say is this: Get your tickets now.

Ramen-Off Fundraiser benefiting 2nd Harvest Japan

This goes way beyond the small, crumbly packages of hot pot noodles that kept you going through college. Ramen is cooking in the minds of chefs and eaters alike.

So what better time than now to throw the first ramen-off in the Twin Cities, and help the native land that inspires the dish? On Thursday, July 21st a gaggle of local chefs will come together at the Create Catering Dining Studio with their own signature ramen dish to be sampled by eaters and judged by a panel of experts in the hopes of earning Top Ramen honors. Of course we have Masu and moto-i competing, but can Russell Klein of Meritage and Jack Riebel of Dakota crank out the goods? Let's face it, ramen/noodle soups have long been the late-night sustenance for many chefs and most are just itching for a reason to cook something new.

Tickets cost $10 (can be purchased through the web or at the door) and guarantee admission and one bowl of ramen, while additional bowls and beer/beverages may be purchased at the event. Proceeds will benefit the food shelves of Second Harvest Japan, which have no affiliation to the American organization. Instead, they are on their own and facing insurmountable need as the devastation from the earthquake and tsunami continues to be felt, even as their plight has disappeared from the media spotlight.

WHEN: Thursday July 21 / 6pm - 10pm

WHERE: Create Catering Dining Studio
1121 Jackson St. NE, Mpls. 55413
createcaters.com

WHAT: Eat Ramen/Help Japan: Ramen-off! Come sample chef-created ramen dishes and see what's evolving in the world of noodles. Local chefs will sample their signature ramen, created with ramen donated by Sun Noodle, in an effort to win bragging rights and a fabulously crafty ramen crown. DJ Nak will help set the tone, "Norae Time" karaoke and a Snapz Photobooth will be there for kicks and giggles. Beer/beverages will be available for purchase.

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from the website or at the door. Cost is $10 for entrance, which guarantees one bowl of ramen. Additional bowls may be purchased at the event.

WHY: Second Harvest Japan is struggling to meet the need of the families affected by the tsunami. It is our goal to help feed those in Japan with a $5,000 donation from funds raised by this event.

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Kenji Okumura
http://flavors.me/kenjiokumura
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kenjiokumura