Chef Phillip Frankland Lee of Studio City’s Gadarene Swine recently expanded his Valley reach with Encino’s Scratch Bar & Kitchen—and by summer he’ll be noodling around with a new next-door neighbor on Ventura Boulevard: Oh Man Ramen, moving in at 16101 Ventura Blvd. #242.

Former Butchers & Barbers Chef Luke Reyes partners with Chef Phillip in the new venture. Phillip tells The Sauce that Oh Man Ramen will represent one of few ramen houses west of the 405. He adds that the partnership is a first step in his plan to move out of the kitchen into the role of restaurateur. Phillip said he is looking at several other spaces in the complex but would not confirm any specific deals—“but I’m definitely not stopping with Oh Ramen, is that politic enough?”

Phillip Frankland Lee

Chef Luke, the brains behind the kitchen, says the idea is to create a casual eatery that is less spendy than Scratch Bar but a cut above the ubiquitous LA noodle house in both quality and variety. Expect a full cocktail menu and plates that includes sashimi, combos, hibachi grilled meats and fish, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free offerings.

Pay attention to the pork: They’ve partnered with Cambria’s Stepladder Ranch to raise pigs exclusively for the restaurants. Adhering to the nose-to-tail trend, Oh Man Ramen will make use of bellies, bones and fat for broth, while other cuts such as tenderloin will likely end up on the Scratch menu.