Years ago, my husband and I traveled to Kanazawa and found a place to stay by the Ishikawa forest. We arrived at the ryokan and settled our bags, and we were so excited we ran outside for a quick hike just as evening was coming in.

There was not a soul in sight. We walked along the path and into the trees, when all of a sudden we heard the unmistakable sound of a bear. It was a growl so low it vibrated inside our bodies, and every hair stood up straight. We never saw it, but the feeling of being watched by black bear was so scary it was exhilarating.

I wanted to relive this moment in my ramen tonight.

黒いくまラーメン

Chicken broth base with a miso tare, arame seaweed and steamed broccolo romano, shiitake mushrooms and a hint of salicornia.