Mateo Rogers and Brittney Yracheta are the chef-owners behind Momotaro Ramen, a noodle restaurant in the Paso Market Walk in Paso Robles, California. I met Brittney and Mateo while writing a story about steamed buns. At the time, they shared a mushroom hirata bun with me, and it was one of those flavor moments where a taste really stops you in your tracks: it was so, so rich and concentrated, with that pillowy bun and meaty filling that didn’t actually include meat. I loved getting to know them better this time around. They shared about how Mateo was homeless for a while, how he won Brittney’s heart with grits, how Brittney’s pescatarianism — if that’s a word — informs the wonderfully meat-free dishes they’ve made together since their earliest days with Heirloom Catering, which they closed a little over one year ago. They are fascinating and talented — I hope that comes through loud and clear. 

Website: eatmomotaroramen.com

Instagram: @momotaroramen