Before long, it was time for a lunch catch-up with Brett. I always try to choose something unique and memorable for our meals together, so this time, I picked Killer Noodle in the Sawtelle neighborhood of Los Angeles.
It had been years since I last tested my spice tolerance there, so I thought it’d be a fun, flavorful place to introduce Brett to.
We kicked things off with a pint of SAPPORO BEER, which was crisp, cold, and consistently perfect. My first satisfactory sip set the tone for our lunch, and the conversation started flowing effortlessly.
For lunch, I ordered the TOKYO DANDAN (chicken and pork broth, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, sesame sauce, peanut butter, vinegar, white sesame, bean sprouts, ground pork, pickle, cashews, green onion, seasoned egg) with PORK CHASHU and a NUMBNESS and SPICINESS at a 4.
Paired with the beer, it was a solid moment in time. As we transitioned from chatting about recent travels – him with a family trip to Japan and me with a trip to French Polynesia – into deeper reflections regarding the lingering effect of the Pacific Palisades fires, on grief, loss, and the strange, joyful chaos of being alive – it felt grounding to be sharing thoughts and experiences over a warm, intense bowl of ramen. Just when the heat threatened to overwhelm my mouth, a sip of beer brought everything back into balance. I could have got hotter – even a 5 or 6 in numbness and spiciness.
Frankly, it reminded me of the Sichuan Spicy Dumplings I loved at Sichuan Restaurant Amsterdam – Warmoesstraat in the Netherlands. I simply love Sichuan peppercorn. Like, when I say love, I used to buy Szechuan Peppercorns and Szechuan Pepper Salt from Penzey’s Spices. It’s so damn good.
But back to lunch at Killer Noodle. Truly, it was a beautifully honest hour of connection – spicy, soulful, and deeply satisfying – with ramen to match – in the heart of Sawtelle.
Killer Noodle
2030 Sawtelle BlvdLos Angele, California 90025
