“I took my family to try Kimen for the first time this past weekend. Overall, the experience was positive with a just a few minor quibbles.We ordered chicken karaage, which can be a good barometer for a Japanese restaurant’s commitment. While it certainly does not compare to the karaage we ate in Tokyo, it was pretty good. The meat was seasoned, but could have used more time in the marinade. The breading was basically just a dredge. We find this preferable to the overly thick “KFC” style you sometimes encounter. The issue was that the meat was drier and tougher than it should have been, yet there were still slightly wet spots of coating. The dish as acceptable, but compromised.I ordered the mazemen, ramen without the soup. It came with ground meat, garlic, ginger, scallions, and a raw egg yolk on top. It’s eaten bibimbap, or mix mix style. The flavor was good and intense and the noodles were springy with good chew. This dish was good.Another ordered the unagidon. She remarked that it was just good with the portion perhaps a bit on the small side. Somewhat understandable given that roast eel is an expensive item.The miso ramen is also another good test dish. Kimen’s miso ramen was quite good. The broth was rich and tasty, the noodles lively and fresh, and the pork plentiful and tender. If the rest of their ramen offerings score like this, it’s worth returning.The chicken katsudon was good. Neither outstanding nor disappointing. The meat was fresh and fried just right. Perhaps a bit too much shredded cabbage side.Two dishes came with miso soup, which was a bit disappointing for two reasons. Although the menu picture shows it containing diced tofu as is common, ours came with none. And the flavor was thin. Double the miso paste would have been more appropriate.Finally, the bowls and plates in which the food came in were all chipped heavily around the edges. Without exception. While a gentle nod to wabi sabi and the reality of a life properly lived, we felt the damage was a bit too extensive and one member could feel scratchiness or grittiness at the bottom of her bowl through her chopsticks.The decor is worth noting. All the walls were papered with what appeared to be pages from Japanese magazines or books and posters. It was very cool and provided much visual interest. There were also shelves with Japanese toys and tchotchkes. Delightful.In sum, Kimen was a mixed bag with a lean toward the positive. The flavor and textures were solid and enjoyable. The details were where there were some concessions. However, given that the staff was friendly and attentive, I think we’ll go back again to try some more eats.We also tried to upload photos.“
“Fresh rolls, delicious drinks, an attentive waiter, and the restaurant's clean and modern interior decor make for a great dining experience. I will definitely return to try more!Parking: Plenty of free parking as it's located in a shopping plaza.“
“I took my family to try Kimen for the first time this past weekend. Overall, the experience was positive with a just a few minor quibbles.We ordered chicken karaage, which can be a good barometer for a Japanese restaurant’s commitment. While it certainly does not compare to the karaage we ate in Tokyo, it was pretty good. The meat was seasoned, but could have used more time in the marinade. The breading was basically just a dredge. We find this preferable to the overly thick “KFC” style you sometimes encounter. The issue was that the meat was drier and tougher than it should have been, yet there were still slightly wet spots of coating. The dish as acceptable, but compromised.I ordered the mazemen, ramen without the soup. It came with ground meat, garlic, ginger, scallions, and a raw egg yolk on top. It’s eaten bibimbap, or mix mix style. The flavor was good and intense and the noodles were springy with good chew. This dish was good.Another ordered the unagidon. She remarked that it was just good with the portion perhaps a bit on the small side. Somewhat understandable given that roast eel is an expensive item.The miso ramen is also another good test dish. Kimen’s miso ramen was quite good. The broth was rich and tasty, the noodles lively and fresh, and the pork plentiful and tender. If the rest of their ramen offerings score like this, it’s worth returning.The chicken katsudon was good. Neither outstanding nor disappointing. The meat was fresh and fried just right. Perhaps a bit too much shredded cabbage side.Two dishes came with miso soup, which was a bit disappointing for two reasons. Although the menu picture shows it containing diced tofu as is common, ours came with none. And the flavor was thin. Double the miso paste would have been more appropriate.Finally, the bowls and plates in which the food came in were all chipped heavily around the edges. Without exception. While a gentle nod to wabi sabi and the reality of a life properly lived, we felt the damage was a bit too extensive and one member could feel scratchiness or grittiness at the bottom of her bowl through her chopsticks.The decor is worth noting. All the walls were papered with what appeared to be pages from Japanese magazines or books and posters. It was very cool and provided much visual interest. There were also shelves with Japanese toys and tchotchkes. Delightful.In sum, Kimen was a mixed bag with a lean toward the positive. The flavor and textures were solid and enjoyable. The details were where there were some concessions. However, given that the staff was friendly and attentive, I think we’ll go back again to try some more eats.We also tried to upload photos.“