Buena Park, CA. (December 2022) – After 10 years of training in Tokyo, Toshimasa Sano, owner and chef of Ramen & Tsukemen TAO, opened his unassuming restaurant in Buena Park, specializing in ramen and tsukemen. Sano's crafted culinary skills have paid off and his restaurant has now been granted the honor of the MICHELIN® Guide distinction of Bib Gourmand.

The MICHELIN Guide has been the gold standard for excellence in dining for over 120 years, with various distinctions dependent on specific criteria. The MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand is given for “exceptionally good food at moderate prices,” with the ability to order two courses and a glass of wine or dessert for under $49 before tax and tip. Restaurants that make it into the MICHELIN Guide must also serve fresh ingredients that are carefully prepared and provide an overall good meal. Anonymous MICHELIN Guide Inspectors visit the dining location to assess the quality of the food before making their recommendations.

Ramen & Tsukemen TAO puts their heart and soul into their food, especially into the Tonkotsu ramen and tsukemen dipping noodles that are accompanied by a broth that takes over 40 hours to prepare. Chashu, beef, spicy tsuna, and takana don rice bowls are also shining stars at this humble eatery. For a full smorgasbord, diners can also order a side of pork bun, karaage fried chicken, pan fried gyoza, and edamame.

Buena Park's bourgeoning food scene now consists of several esteemed restaurants, some of which include Porto's Bakery & Café, recently named Best of the Southland by the L.A. Times for their potato balls, Refugadios, and Cuban sandwiches. All-you-can-eat hot pot restaurant, Miss Shabu, made it onto Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in the United States with their premium meats and wide selection of broths. Known for their hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, and cheese fries, Chicago-based staple, Portillo's Hot Dogs, is the recipient of five Silver Platter Awards for Best Restaurant in the Country. SUP Noodle Bar's light and flavorful pho was awarded the Best Pho in The OC by OC Weekly. Yoshiharu's slow simmered ramen was deemed the OC's Best Ramen House by the OC Register.

To further showcase these awards and accolades, Visit Buena Park is pleased to announce the coordination of several food-centric FAM trips in 2023 to give media a chance to experience the local dining. There are several opportunities available for media to participate, with each FAM trip focusing on a particular cuisine. Space is limited so please contact Karina Diez, Marketing Specialist, at kdiez@buenapark.com for more information.

###

ABOUT VISIT BUENA PARK
Buena Park, California is a fun, affordable destination conveniently located just 5 miles from Disneyland®, award-winning beaches and Los Angeles landmarks. Named one of the 'Most Fun' Small Towns in America, Buena Park welcomes millions of visitors each year. Boasting five of Orange County's seven major attractions including California's first theme park, Knott's Berry Farm, Knott's Soak City Waterpark and three of the world's most interactive dinner shows - Pirates Dinner Adventure, Beach Boulevard Club, and Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament. As the official destination marketing organization for the City of Buena Park, Visit Buena Park's mission is to become a recognized travel destination and increase visitors and overnight hotel stays to economically impact the city. For more information contact Visit Buena Park at 714-562-3561 or www.visitbuenapark.com.