It has been the pattern that great ramen dishes from Finch & Fork chefs walked away with the honors at the annual Ramenfest competition, however, a few upsets were on the horizon at Goodland Kimpton when Jeff Olsson and Tracy On of Industrial Eats in Buellton  surprised everyone by taking 1st Place overall. Olsson, chef/owner of Industrial Eats presented a ramen with duck and salmon that was sensational. The popular vote went to Sama Sama, who were doing a delightful food production carving pork for hungry attendees that was quite interesting and at times entertaining.

Jeff Olsson & Tracy On, Industrial Eat

The Outpost’s Third Annual “Ramenfest” at the Goodland Hotel on Calle Real in Goleta featured top restaurant teams that included Finch & Fork, Outpost, Sama Sama, Barbareno, Wildwood Kitchen, Loquita, Industrial Eats and a bevy of Japanese saki, beer and whisky samples from Craft Imports & Young’s Market. The Ramenfest welcome cocktail was a refreshing beverage featuring Akashi Ume (Japanese plum whisky), yuzu, lemon, ginger & honey.

Industrial Eats 1st Place Ramen Bowl

From traditional ramen to unique interpretations, including an amazing ramen with a French flair from Wildwood Kitchen, it was all delicious with ramen tasters eager to select the 2017 “Ramen King of Santa Barbara.” From Noon til 4:00 crowds of people packed into the pool area of the hotel to sample and cast their votes. DJ Darla Bea set the vibe with great music as guests mingled, sampled and sipped the afternoon away.

Goodland Kimpton Hotel Pool Full of Ramen Lovers

Partial profits from Ramenfest are being donated to No Kid Hungry, a charity that works to end childhood hunger in America.

Former Ramen Champion Chef James Siao, was a host with the most at the event, and the staff at the Kimpton Goodland really did a fantastic job keeping the attendees happy. For information on next years “Ramenfest” or to make reservations at the hotel call (877) 480-1465.

by Bonnie Carroll