The best broth you ever had

We've pretty much put an end to breakfast.  We are not getting up early enough for that.  Today for lunch/breakfast, we go in search of more Ramen.  Supposedly one of the best Ramen places in town.  Totto Ramen.  A small hole in the wall place that seats maybe 25.  We knew there would be a line so we tried to get there early.  A little too early.  We got there about 11:20, no line, doors open.  We walk in and they were very nice but tell us that they don't open until 12.  OK we'll be back.  They told us to sign up on the sheet.  We put our names in. We are the 1st one on the list, cool! This is just like being first on the singles list at Torrey pines or Balboa.  Familiar territory.  We head out to find a place for a drink to kill some time.  Around the corner we find a place called "McCoy's" an Irish pub.  That works.  We sit down and had a couple of beers and a nice conversation with the bartender, a young woman and her boyfriend? who was also sitting at the bar.   They knew about the Ramen place and told us that you must be present when they call your name or you're gone, so we are careful about the time.  We say our goodbyes to the nice people at McCoy's and head back to Totto Ramen so we are there 10 minutes before they open.  The line has formed.  Must have been 20 people there waiting.  Finally they open at precisely 12:00 and yes we are the first name they called.  The menu is pretty limited so it doesn't take too long to order and by 12:04 Ramen is served.  We also ordered the pork buns (I'm a sucker for these).  they were really good but admittedly not as good as Momofuko's.  Now on to the Ramen.  Normally most of the Ramen that I've had is made with Pork broth, a combination of neck and feet and various other veg.  The broth here at Totto Ramen is made with chicken stock.  You cannot believe how viscous and delicious this chicken broth is.  It's almost like it has been thickened with a rue or cornstarch but I'm sure it has not been.  This stuff is like 30 weight motor oil it so thick.  Fantastic flavor and especially mouth feel.  I'm sure it was made with chicken feet as the rest of the bird does not have enough collagen in it to make the broth that thick. If you touch the broth with your fingers it's sticky with collagen.  Fantastic stuff the best chicken broth I've ever had.  I have to say that generally Momofuko's total ramen experience was better, but the broth here was unbelievably good.

Pork buns

Ramen with chicken

Ramen with pork