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Business & Tech

Syosset's Orkin Uses His (Ramen) Noodle in Japan

He's a success in restaurant and supermarket biz.

It only took one taste of ramen–a Japanese noodle served in meat or fish broth–and Syosset native/chef Ivan Orkin was hooked. Now living in Tokyo, Orkin has perfected his version of the country's national dish. 

The country has nearly 8,000 ramen-serving restaurants competing against each other. As owner of Ivan Ramen Restaurant, which opened in 2007, the 47-year-old Orkin is more than holding his own.

"My restaurant stays busy. I can have 30 to 40 people waiting outside. My food speaks for itself," says Orkin during a phone interview. His instant Ivan Ramen Noodles are also a success in Japanese supermarkets.

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"I am a huge fan of ramen and I had to eat a lot of it to make it the best," says Orkin, who makes ramen from scratch and uses only natural ingredients. "It's 100 percent made by me and I add my special ingredients." 

Priced between $8 to $9 a dish, Orkin's most popular dishes are Shoyu Ramen (Soy Sauce Based Broth) and Sio (Salt Based Broth). They include a blend of whole chicken and fish soup with pork belly and onions.

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Growing up in Syosset on Twin Ponds Lane, across the street from the Pine Hollow Country Club, Orkin reminisces about the Japanese restaurant he worked at as a teenager–a life-changing experience.

"I worked at Tsubo Japanese Restaurant as a dishwasher," he says. "It was a profound moment in my life because it gave me the opportunity to taste Japanese delicacies, which I loved. Working at Tsubo changed my life."

Syosset was also a place where he built lifelong relationships.

"When I was 16, 17, I made a great group of friends in Syosset that I am still in contact with today," says Orkin. "I grew up in a big house with a swimming pool. I had a great life in Syosset."

A graduate of Syosset High School and the University of Colorado, Orkin perfected the Japanese language while in college.

"I fell in love with the Japanese cuisine and culture," Orkin says. "I didn't open a ramen restaurant because I wanted to open a ramen restaurant. I came here because I wanted to live in Japan. I have always marched to my own drum. I have always had a sense of adventure in me."

After graduating from college, Orkin moved to Japan but returned to the States, wanting to enhance his culinary skills. After training at the Culinary Institute of America, he worked with famed chef Bobby Flay.

"It was a great experience," Orkin says. "I was working there when Mesa Grill had just taken off. Bobby gave me one piece of advice: Be quiet and watch. It was a great kitchen to work in, great teamwork."

Living in Tokyo with his Japanese wife Mari and three children, Orkin couldn't be happier.

"I love Japan and I love to cook. I have the best of both worlds," he says.

He's excited about attending his 30-year high school reunion next year, and he'll have great news to share: He plans to open another restaurant this coming September named Ivan Ramen Plus.

"I am very happy," Orkin says. "I speak Japanese all day, which is very interesting and stimulating, and I cook ramen dishes. I am living out my wildest dreams."

For more information, visit www.ivanramen.com.

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