Why I Love It: For one, Taan is located in one of my favourite parts of Washington, DC, Adams Morgan, so the vibe alone is great. Most importantly this modern ramen shop, inspired by traditional izakaya, highlights a simple menu with only a handful of dishes and three types of ramen: pork, duck and vegetarian, which means that the chef has nowhere to hide--and hide, he does not. Executive Chef Jonathan Bisagni, who has had stints at Kushi Izayaka & Sushi, Morimoto Waikiki, Sticky Rice (another of my favourites), and Toki Underground, gives this very traditional concept a youthful facelift.

What to order: Try the Kushiyaki, Sake Cured Thigh, Meatball, Negi ($7) as a starter and the Triple Stock Ramen w/ Pork belly, pickled cucumbers, charred corn, scallions, woodear, greens, hanjuku tamago ($12) as your main. DELISH!!!

What I didn't like as much: Sharing a table with strangers and intermingled conversations due to proximity of your fellow restaurant goer might not be your cup of tea if you wish to have an intimate dinner, or a business meeting. But there are five two-person table, which, if you're lucky, will offer some privacy.  

What to expect: On a weekend, don't be surprised if you have to wait between 15-40mins for a table, but it really is worth it. 

itadakimasu!!!