I've met people in Seoul who say that Korean food in LA is even better than Korean food in Korea. I've known this Korean BBQ place since my college days, and it full-on kicks ass. Hidden in a totally ghetto and beat up strip mall off Koreatown, this place fills up quickly. Wear your old clothes and don't plan on kissing anyone afterwards 'cuz you're gonna stink like smoke, grease, and garlic when you come out. It's definitely not a date place.
The thing that makes this place so good is the ingredients. They provide extra sesame oil for dipping and generous heapings of scallion strips in more sesame oil for extra accompanying taste with your meat. The kalbi here is tender and tasty, using mainly its own fat, and they already cut the bones off for you (unlike many Korean places that use some unappetizing scissors in front of you at the grill). Another great specialty here is the hye mit gui, or cow's tongue, which, in stark contrast to how it sounds, tastes incredible when sliced thinly and burned on a fire - a bit like Canadian bacon, but with more grease. They have a kickass beef and turnip stewed thin soup to accompany, as well as the usual spread of kimchee varieties. You can also ask for raw garlic and jalapenos (no doubt a localized Californian necessity for freshness) to do with as you please. The portions are generous, so come in a group and prepare to eat. Just be sure to come early or the crowds will hit you.
No comments:
Post a Comment