Being The Very Best Like No One Ever Was - The GameOverGreggy Show Ep. 217(MP3)

I know I'm insanely late on commenting in this episode, but whatever. I feel I need to get my reply out there since I've lived in the LA area for quite a while now and while I wasn't a fan at first I have grown to appreciate it I'll lead it off by agreeing that the Icehouse is terrible. I went there once a few months back and the only reason I would go back is if someone I really wanted to see was there. It's way easier to get a ride over there (if I have to go there again I'm pregaming it) than to go over to Burbank or downtown. I can't attest to the quality of the Miyako Hotel, but I've stayed in a few hotels in Japan and if it's anything like them I can see where it would be a problem, especially when you're expecting an American hotel. I'd love to know which ramen place across the street the guys went to because that does matter. The most well known and best one is Daikokuya. I doubt they went to this one as there's always a line here and they only have a name sign-in sheet for waiting. If they did, then first I'd be surprised there weren't complaints about the wait and second I'd disagree about it being "nothing special." Sure, it's not the BEST ramen I've had in the states, but this place does not disappoint. Some if their other locations, sure, but not here. Two or three shops down from it is My Ramen Bar and I will agree that place is medicore. I've not been to Mr. Ramen yet, it's a few shops down on the other side of Daikokuya, but that place doesn't seem like it's anything special. Hit me up if you want some more info on the ramen joints in northern and central LA! If all they saw of Little Tokyo is the Miyako and the couple if shops in front of it, then they didn't see enough to really evaluate it. Sure, it's not nearly as big as Chinatown, but theres a lot more there. There are about 3 -4 blocks worth of places. 1st - 3rd Street and Alameda Avenue to Los Angeles Street. Everything in Japanese village plaza, at least 3 markets, dozens of restaurants (I can think of at least 8 ramen shops), a few Japanese style bars, a karaoke box place, and more. Hell, the whole bottom floor of a building has pretty much become different departments of a store called Jungle where you can get pretty much anything nerdy you want from Japan: Gundam and other models, figures, anime, manga, and related merchandise, trading cards, cosplay, fashion, etc. Last point is that I agree that getting around LA without a vehicle is terrible. Rideshare apps are fine if you're staying in one city, but I've always decided against it if the ride is more than 15-20 minutes. I honestly have no idea how much it would be, but I'd recommend renting a car or hiring a driver if you have to do much travelling in LA.

Donald Eckels