Ramen in Isolation

Photo: New York Times

Many people find the idea of eating alone a bit strange. However, this Japanese ramen chain, Ichiran, in Brooklyn is taking eating alone to a whole new level. When dining at Ichiran you have the option to sit at a booth or a table. The tables are arranged just like any other restaurant you walk into. However, the booths are where it becomes interesting. The booths  are two long rows separated by a long alley where the wait staff work. They are then separated from this backstage area by bamboo shades. According to Ichiran these are “flavor concentration booths.” There is even a sign over the booth that reads, “Flavor Concentration in progress — please be quiet and silence your phones.” That may be hard to do for most people. To read more about the Ichiran experience click here.