About Us
Francisco & Erica Velazquez
Francisco & Erica Velazquez
Francisco & Erica Velazquez
Husband and wife team, Francisco and Erica live in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Francisco started cooking at The Ballard Inn and Restaurant where he first became accustomed to using Asian ingredients under the guidance of chef Budi Kazali.
In 2013, Erica and Francisco met in San Diego while working together at the Marine Room, the flagship restau
Husband and wife team, Francisco and Erica live in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Francisco started cooking at The Ballard Inn and Restaurant where he first became accustomed to using Asian ingredients under the guidance of chef Budi Kazali.
In 2013, Erica and Francisco met in San Diego while working together at the Marine Room, the flagship restaurant of The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. They learned teamwork in a high-paced kitchen under chef de cuisine Ron Oliver and executive chef Bernard Guillas.
Together they made their way north to Napa Valley and worked at Michelin starred restaurant La Toque, and at acclaimed Iron Chef Morimoto's Morimoto Napa.
After leaving Napa and moving to Sonoma County, they found an opportunity to work at a small ramen shop in Sebastopol, California.
Ramen Gaijin became their home for the next 3 years where they helped the restaurant grow into a Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded ramen shop and izakaya.
Since their move back to the Santa Ynez Valley, Francisco and Erica have continued to share their love for Japanese food with the local community!
Ramen Kotori
Francisco & Erica Velazquez
Francisco & Erica Velazquez
Kotori in Japanese translates to "little bird."
Ramen Kotori is the first and only ramen shop in Solvang or better known as the Danish Capital of America.
Our soft opening was on March 25, 2019. Since then, we have added a colorful variety of popular new items and specials.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our daily stories and update
Kotori in Japanese translates to "little bird."
Ramen Kotori is the first and only ramen shop in Solvang or better known as the Danish Capital of America.
Our soft opening was on March 25, 2019. Since then, we have added a colorful variety of popular new items and specials.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our daily stories and updates!
Thank you so much for your support throughout all the years!
🇯🇵 Arigato
🇩🇰 Mange tak
Ramen Kotori
Francisco & Erica Velazquez
Ramen Kotori
Kotori in Japanese translates to "little bird."
Ramen Kotori is the first and only ramen shop in Solvang or better known as the Danish Capital of America.
Our soft opening was on March 25, 2019. Since then, we have added a colorful variety of popular new items and specials.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our daily stories and update
Kotori in Japanese translates to "little bird."
Ramen Kotori is the first and only ramen shop in Solvang or better known as the Danish Capital of America.
Our soft opening was on March 25, 2019. Since then, we have added a colorful variety of popular new items and specials.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our daily stories and updates!
Thank you so much for your support throughout all the years!
🇯🇵 Arigato
🇩🇰 Mange tak