In honor of the mess of AP and IB exams in the coming weeks, I have decided to put a review out about a food that is so heart-warmingly cozy, it may cure you of all exam-related anxieties. This food is no other than the intimate Japanese dish known as Ramen. The hands-down best bowl of ramen in the city is available at Rook, 719 Virginia Avenue. Rook captures the Indy food scenes missing link, artisanal and out-of-the-box ethnic foods. In this case, it is a mix of everything from Chinese to Vietnamese dishes.

The interior of Rook prepares one for a comfortable experience. Unmistakably modern, yet unfathomably cozy. Upon entering the restaurant, which is located in the Hinge building, one is immediately hit with the sight of an electricity pole which is designed to look like it has fallen through the restaurant. Hipster looking lights dot the power lines that are strung above the tables which makes for a back-home feeling. Upon the main wall are eccentric and colorful designs that definitely give off the pan-asian vibe that Rook is looking for. Nearly all tables are on the communal wood booth, which furthers the warm feeling of the establishment.

The food of the restaurant is unquestionably delicious. The menu made up of dumplings, buns, bahn mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, and other asiatic dishes are all creatively designed by distinguished chef, Carlos Salazar. This past time, I ordered the Pork Belly Steamed Buns ($3.50), which melded the velvety feel of the bun with the tenderness of the pork extraordinarily, the Mushroom XO dumplings ($5.00), which contained mushrooms that were a little on the bitter side for me housed in an exquisitely thin and fresh dumpling, and best of all the Squid Ink Ramen ($14). The ramen felt as cozy as the warm packets I often eat on late nights, yet modern with the silky and earthy taste that the addition of squid ink provided. The melt-in-your-mouth caliber of pork in combination with the noodles, which always have a soft and fresh texture, and the 63 degree egg is always the cherry on top of the cake for me. The dish was delicious delivering in all areas of my expectations, flavor, texture, and presentation. The dish left nothing left to be desired and I left feeling warm and relaxed, like I had just finished a homemade winter meal.

Rook is truly the premiere Indianapolis destination for ramen. All different types, for all different people. Rook truly fills a gastronomic gap that had existed in the Indianapolis area. Ideal for the students, cold nights, and anybody else in for some insanely prepared ramen. 9/10