Nutty noodles

Ever since Keizo Shimamoto created (and trademarked) the Original Ramen Burger, foodies around the globe have been trying to get a hold of one, and many chefs at home and in restaurants have tried to copy the item. Sacramento doesn't have a ramen burger yet, but last month Shoki Ramen House (whose owners happen to be friends with Shimamoto) debuted the Rapanada, a burrito-esque “ramen-empanada” at a few special events. Shoki's Facebook page says it will be available soon (if not already), but in the meantime, here are a few other options in town for people who want their noodles stuck in some buns. First, there's the Gold Rush burger at Broderick Roadhouse (319 Sixth Street in West Sacramento), featuring bacon macaroni and cheese atop a burger. And then there's the yakisoba-pan from Mahoroba Japanese Bakery (4900 Freeport Boulevard): stir-fried yakisoba noodles stuck inside what looks like a hot dog bun.