Dance on down to Hot Nood's

SANDUSKY — A new food truck is open for business in downtown Sandusky. Hot Nood's is set up on Wayne Street near Civista Bank. The business specializes in ramen bowls. But don't think of one of a college student's four food groups. Hot Nood's ramen bowls feature noodles, broth, green onions, bok choy (cabbage) and hard-boiled eggs. The business name is a play on words for the hot noodles served there. Co-owner Sebastian Ryan said the menu is unique in this area. Chicken, pork and miso bowls are served. The miso bowl is the truck's vegetarian option, Ryan said. It contains vegan broth, miso paste, mushroom, tofu along with bok choy, green onion and hard-boiled egg. Ryan said his inspiration came one day while watching a cooking show about ramen. He said he thought to himself, "I can probably do that." For five years, he tinkered with recipes. Then Sebastian, brother Trevor Ryan and girlfriend Erin Dayringer secured financing to purchase a new food truck. Their excitement of opening was tempered by a fire that broke out while the truck was set up near Barrel House on May 13. "It was heartbreaking at first," Sebastian said, "but at least no one was hurt." Sandusky firefighters quickly doused the small fire. The truck was sent back to the manufacturer for repairs. The business shut down for two and a half weeks, Sebastian said. Sebastian, who said he has over a decade of food service experience, including a stint with the Air National Guard's dining service, said they try to make as much as they can by hand. Also on the menu are potstickers and shrimp tempura. They also offer nuclear fries which are french fries coated with spicy sauce, with fried ramen, sesame and nori (dried, edible seaweed). Also on offer is boba tea made from traditional milk tea, brown sugar and tapioca pearls. The business is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Then it's open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.