The Good Enuf Mommy

Goro + Gun: Authentic Japanese Ramen Noodle Soup for the Masses

in Eating Well YYC on

If you’re looking for a modern yet authentic ramen noodle house in Calgary, your search has come to an end. Named after a classic Japanese film called Tampopo (1985), the movie features two main characters (Gorō and Gun) that make it their mission to transform a beat up roadside ramen noodle house into the epitome of noodle soup cuisine.  
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a vendor I have chosen to work with. I have received either paid compensation and/or free product in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own based only on my own experience.
 

Goro + Gun lives up to its namesake, transforming a traditional Japanese staple into a modern classic that will satisfy even the most picky of patrons. Executive chef Tomo Mitsuno is a master of Japanese fare, creating intricate dishes that will excite your palette and intrigue your senses. His expertise is evident and includes the elite culinary certification in the safe preparation of deadly blowfish (fugu). Also unique to this restaurant, Goro + Gun’s employs a resident sake sommelier whose expertise is unmatched. She will perfectly pair one of thirteen curated sakes with each dish and take you on a journey of the rich history of each sake along the way.

 
As soon as we walked into the restaurant we were greeted with a hearty Japanese welcome from the staff. We began our evening with a warm sake, as recommended by the sommelier. She explained that by drinking the sake warm it increased both the sweetness and aroma. As a sake virgin, it was a unique introduction into the world of rice wine.
 
The chef prepared a collection of appetizers to sample including smoked salmon, a chicken lollipop, and the most delicious sashimi I have ever tasted.
 
 

In the interest of full disclosure, I am not typically a fan of sashimi. In fact, I am often the one ordering the cooked sushi rolls because I can’t stomach the idea of raw fish. The few times I have tried it, it has been rubbery, bland, and frankly unappealing. Chef Tomo has made me a convert. I could eat his sashimi every single day for the rest of my natural life and never grow tired of it. Each piece was perfectly executed with a balance of flavours that made me dissolve into a pool of pure joy. The finishing touches on top, from a beautifully roasted tomato to a delicate quail egg enhanced each bite perfectly. I’ve been planning my next girl’s night out here ever since.

 


Our main dish was the mushroom ramen. This is of course what Goro + Gun is known for – their noodle bowls. Packed full of oyster mushrooms, yuzu, green onions, and ramen in a bath of seaweed broth. This was their vegetarian option, but any carnivore would not miss the meat in this dish. The mushrooms were meaty and the bowl was enough for two! The smoked egg was an interesting addition as well. It’s a popular add-on with the regulars. I’m not sure I would order it again but I’m certainly glad I tried it once. I am interested to try their other ramen bowls as well, particularly the miso ramen (with pork belly) and the spicy lamb ramen. 
The reviews online rave about each.
 
Finally, our meal was concluded with a rich pumpkin dessert perfectly complemented by a sweet plum wine. The artistry of the chef was once again apparent down to the smallest detail. The candy topping left the perfect crunch at the end of each bite.
 
I have to admit that prior to our visit I expected a run of the mill menu at yet another restaurant trying too hard to make a name for themselves in the Calgary restaurant industry. After eating our way in and around Calgary, it takes a special place to wow us. Goro + Gun surpassed my expectations in many ways, from the freshness of their ingredients to the expertise and detailed knowledge of their staff. I listened with awe as the sommelier explained the process of sake making along with the region it came from. Chef Tomo clearly takes great pride in each culinary masterpiece he serves. It was a true pleasure to sample what Goro + Gun had to offer.
 
Whether you’re part of the business crowd and looking for a downtown spot for lunch or a hot spot for your next date night, you won’t be disappointed. Just remember to hold the soy sauce (as Chef Tomo advised) and enjoy the flavors in their pure form.
 
Goro + Gunn has definitely earned themselves a regular customer.

 

 
The Good Enuf Mommy

 


 

 

 

 












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Comments

  14. Shann says

    Yum. The food looks great, and it sounds like you had a really fabulous experience…which often times is just as important. I really want one of those Ramen bowls right now!

    Reply

  25. Alana Parenting from the Heart Blog says

    I've never read a good review that has made me feel as if I was actually there. I'm not a sashimi person (my husband is big time) but I wish I could try the one prepared for you. I love ramen. And as I love told you, I love Calgary too. If only it were just across the Rockies and not across the country as it is now…. What a beautifully written recount of your evening ❤️

    Reply

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