RAMEN REBELLION: GUT CHECK

By Keola Warren x @unclekeola

At 5:15 pm the first few people started lining up outside.  As we bustled around Mr. Ojisan getting the last of our preparations done for Ramen Rebellion, we did not even think these first few people were here for the event.  Maybe they were just curious passer by’s who happened to stop and look in the window.  Then, fifteen minutes later there were a few more people lined up…then at 5:45 pm the line was stretching down the street.  We all looked at each other in disbelief.  Were they all here for ramen??

MISO & ALE is very different from any other food business I have ever been involved in.  Every event that MISO & ALE does is vastly different from the last, which is what keeps it fun for the crew and interesting for the people that come out and support us.  We have done five-course meals, street food at the Mo’ili’ili Festival, and now a ramen pop-up shop.  It’s not to say that everything we do will be successful, but taking chances is half the fun!  Presenting new and interesting dining opportunities is what makes us tick and you can be sure we will always put our best foot forward.

That being said, Ramen Rebellion was A LOT of FUN!  We were very surprised by the large turnout and we all took a deep breath right before we opened those doors at 6:00 pm. There is something about the unknown that is terrifying and exhilarating all at the same time!  This was the first time we have ever worked out of Mr. Ojisan, the first time Chef Gee and Chef Okuhara had cooked out of that kitchen, and the first time MISO & ALE has had full waiter service and a menu with options.  There were a lot of firsts that night.  Oh what a night!

Ramen Rebellion was really something special for us.  We love ramen.  We love serving ramen. It is a local food that is affordable, satisfying, and comforting.  We were able to use local ingredients, pop-up in a wonderful local establishment, and serve local people.  Families, couples, and friends all come out and it didn’t break the bank.  It was great to see and be a part of.

We would like to send a BIG mahalo to everyone who joined us for the Rebellion!  Thank you so much for your time and support.  It is a great blessing to see everyone come out, talking about food, and continuing to nurture a dynamic food scene in Hawaii.  We look forward to seeing you at Eat The Street in Mililani on Saturday, September 15^th. Cheers you Rebels!