Ramen Jinya

I''m at Jinya Ramen Bar, finally.  After reading Jonathan Gold's review in July's LA Weekly.  It's on Sawtelle Blvd., South of Olympic, by Marshalls.  I ordered the tan tan men ramen.  It has a distinct flavor, nutty, a little peanuty.  The tan tan men is a classic dish, originating from Japan.  It is served dry, without broth, which was differnet for me, and I missed the broth it a little.  It is served with ground pork, tokyo negri, which I thought gave it the spicy heat.  Later I found out that tokyo negri is merely scallion onion.  It's the chili oil that brings on the heat of this dish.  The flavor is one that I may crave later or totally forget about.
     Their spicy miso tonkotsu or spicy chikcken ramen is something that I would try in the future.
The size of the noodles vary from thin to thicker, more traditional ramen style.  Miguel was a helpful, friendly person.  When I first walked in he was attentive, and described the menu to me.  When I went to wash my hands prior to the meal I saw Jonathan Gold's review in a glass frame, on the wall.  Out from the kitchen came Victor, whom I chatted with, sharing a love of food, and life, what a pleasure!
     When I returned to my seat Miguel said that he brought me a salad with delicious miso dressing, to try.  My dish is really quite rich, perhaps needing an acquired taste.  It is accompanied by bok choy, red bell pepper, placed diagonally on top of the meat.  It was a pretty presentation and the red pepper added color but the taste did not fit with the other ingredients.
     Leaving, I met Shiyon, the kitchen manager, whom has personally met Jonathan Gold on several occassions, at events.  He spoke of the gold standard that Jonathan uses to give his, so called, stamp of approval.  Jinya has it's first restaurant which is in a city that I forget the name of, sorry.  Giovanni said hello also and when I shook his hands they were the softest.
The food was as good as the friendly staff, perhaps even better.  Bravo!