Category: Korean Food
Date: Originally appeared in The Scarborough Mirror January 26, 2000.

Just after Christmas, and a surfeit of wonderful traditional seasonal fare courtesy of my son and his partner (would she be properly described as a daughter-in-common-law?), I set off to track down a source of vegetarian samosas that had been recommended as both excellent in taste and economical in price. Just before I got there I was side-tracked by a Korean barbecue restaurant. Since I had never tried Korean food, like barbecues and needed material for another column I ventured inside.

Each table was equipped with a small recessed gas barbecue and it transpired that each diner was responsible for cooking his or her own food. Quite a nice change (unless, like me, you like to read while eating alone) but in the cause of research I set the book (the new Carl Hiaasen novel - Sick Puppy) aside until later.

First the friendly and efficient waitress appeared with a menu and a cup filled with tasty green tea which she handed me before firing up the in-table barbecue.

The menu offered a choice of chicken, beef, squid, pork or filet with rice, soup and four appetizers. My choice has either a plate of 3 of the 5 items for $5.50 or "all you can eat" (same 3 of 5) for $8.95. I was tempted, but settled for the cheaper plate when the waitress reappeared with a bowl of clear soup, a bowl of rice and the appetizers; took the order; topped up the tea; adjusted the flame; squirted oil on the grill, then vanished again.

She reappeared - just after I'd hunted fruitlessly for a spoon, concluded I was supposed to lift the bowl and sip from it and proceeded to do so - deposited a plate full of the chosen raw beef slices, chicken chunks and squid squares.

I sipped the soup and placed one of each type of meat on the BBQ checking and turning as required. I also picked at the four small plates of vegetable appetizer (pickled cabbage, watercress, bean sprouts and cucumber) all of which were very tasty. Meanwhile I started to pick the meat off the grill and eat it with the rice and vegetables. This was becoming a literally working lunch. The only surprise was the squid squares which curl as they cook and defy even-all-over cooking.

This was a fun meal that turned out to very tasty, filling and inexpensive. I was glad I wasn't tempted by the "all you can eat" option, but wish I had tried the intriguing ice cream offerings.

Web Hosting by Netfirms | Free Domain Names by Netfirms

Top of Page

Back

Copyright © John North 1999-2001 - All Rights Reserved - Disclaimer
Site Design Ewing Net Com Ltd. All rights reserved. Legal & Privacy Notices