We've talked you through your options for National Waffle Day and National Frozen Custard Day, but have you thought about what are you doing for National Noodle Day?
Yes, that's right, October 6 is the big day; And while you could put down a plate of pasta, we're thinking it's time to get your ramen on instead.
The ramen stakes have never been higher, with restaurants across the country falling over themselves to produce the best bowl of the soupy noodles. Here's where to go to sample some of the USA's finest.
Tsujita LA Artisan Noodles(Los Angeles, California)
This sleek, contemporary restaurant is a far cry from the steamy carryout joints that were synonymous with '90s noodles.
The clue is in the name here as Tsujita takes their menu very seriously, going as far as boiling their tonkotsu (broth) for 60 hours before serving. Expect a wait for a table here, no matter what time of day you visit.
What to try: The Char Siu Tsukemen, a dish that features noodles and broth served separately before being eaten by dipping the noodles into the flavorful broth.
Ramen Tatsu-Ya(Austin, Texas)
Ramen Tastu-Ya is on a mission to educate the world about what ramen is. (Hint: they call it the "soul food" of Japan.)
Their restaurants are bustling and eclectically-designed, with long, communal tables that will quickly make you lose your inhibitions about slurping in front of strangers.
What to try: The Mi-So-Not, filled with pork broth and touches of miso paste. Be sure to add one of the many extra toppings, which include flash-fried Brussels sprouts, aged parmesan and swirled fish cakes.
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Lucky Belly(Honolulu, Hawaii)
This hip noodle joint is minimalistic in design but packs a maximum punch when it comes to flavor.
Lucky Belly is famous for staying open late to serve the nighttime cravings of the noodle-addicted, but their sophisticated plates are equally as delicious at lunchtime.
What to try: The Beast Bowl, featuring the usual ramen suspects (broth, egg and green onions) but also topped with brisket, short ribs and oxtail wontons (yes, oxtail wontons).
Yume Wo Katare(Cambridge, Massachusetts)
All jokes about the diet of the college kids aside, we couldn't make a list of great ramen joints and not include this ever-popular spot in the student town of Cambridge.
This place is small-there's always a line out the door-and definitely "no frills" when it comes to interior decor, but the overflowing bowls of ramen served up by the Japanese owner and his staff are the stuff of dreams and perfect fuel for long nights of studying.
What to try: The Buta Ramen, piled high with five pieces of pork.
Terakawa Ramen(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
The recipes served at Terakawa originate from the Kumamoto region of Japan and therefore feature a deep, rich broth that is simmered for two days.
Space is at a premium here, but the style of the space religiously stays true to the restaurant's Japanese roots.
What to try: The Tan Tan Ramen, that has a spicy miso chicken broth base, along with sesame paste, minced pork, bean sprouts and chopped scallions.
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Daikaya(Washington DC)
This unique concept restaurant is split into two separate spaces: a ramen "shop" on one floor and an izakaya (Japanese pub) on the other.
The izakaya serves Japanese-style comfort food to accompany a wide range of drinks (think sake cocktails), but if you're simply after a steaming bowl of noodles, you should take a seat at one of the wooden tables in the ramen shop on the first floor.
What to try: The Shio Ramen, made with a rich stock of chicken, pork bone, seaweed and dried fish.
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