WICKER PARK — Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya in Wicker Park plan to give away free bowls of ramen on Thursday as part of a National Noodle Day promotion and a "general thank you to the neighborhood," a restaurant spokeswoman said.
Bowls of Kizuki's "signature" Tokyo Shoyu ramen (normally $9) will be given to the first 100 dinner guests on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 5 p.m. Thursday.
The shoyu ramen is made with a light chicken and pork broth augmented by house made roasted oil and soy sauce seasoning with thin "chuka" noodles.
Toppings include a slice of pork chashu that is roasted, marinated and then grilled; bamboo shoots; Chinese greens; and a garnish of chopped green onions, chili flakes and seaweed.
The restaurant, 1482 N. Milwaukee Ave., opened in February and was the first Midwest location for the Tokyo-based chain, which also has several outposts in Washington.
Founded in 2003 in Japan, Kizuki Ramen & Izakaya serves "the most traditional, authentic and delicious Japanese Ramen that you can possibly have without actually flying to Japan," according to its website.
The restaurant was previously known as Kukai Ramen & Izakaya when the chain originally confirmed plans for a Chicago spot.
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