| rev:text
| - For Summerlin natives, it's easy to take Maru for granted. It's practically in our backyard, we see it everyday taking kids to school, and it seems to always be open. For non-fans of Korean food, it's easy to go there once, then forget about it, but if you like this type of cuisine, there's no reason to think it's any steps lower than a Korean restaurant you'd find in Koreatown (Spring Mtn & Jones) or on the Strip...and certainly no reason to have to drive further.
Maru, although its clientele tends to be mostly non-Asian, has not dumbed down the menu to just the usual staples of the middle-American palate (bulgogi, kalbi, etc.). Those items are definitely available, and are done expertly, but the more authentic array of tripe soups, steamed rice bowls, and very spicy noodle dishes are all on the menu, and I would think the fully-Korean cooks are delighted to get one of these offerings on a ticket once in a while. They're delicious, like everything else here...except...
...for the sushi. As an Asian, I've always contended that the Japanese should run Japanese restaurants, Koreans should run Korean eateries, and the Chinese should stay with Chinese fare. As sushi has exploded in popularity since the 80's, it seems like Asian restauranteurs of every ilk now think they can roll sushi right...but unfortunately, that still isn't the case. A few times, our white tuna or yellowtail have arrived obviously quickly thawed out (and consequently lacking any body or true flavor), and they seem to try to make up for it by putting a gigantic slice of fish on top of an oversized rice cushion. In short, I would not take my Japanese mother here for sushi!
But if you stick with any Korean menu item, you'll be delighted. The matriarch of the family will undoubtedly come by your table at some point in your dinner to offer her gratitude for your visit, and ask you for any special requests. She does this from her heartfelt feeling that you are visiting her home, and not for some marketing or "feelgood" effect. Koreans are a very proud and passionate people...and the food they prepare from their homeland at Maru represents them well!
I almost forgot to mention the kimchi and appetizer assortment that you get with every meal. This, too, is the real deal, and if you see something missing (occasionally, they seem to cycle through their available items and bring out, say, 7 out of the 10 goodies they have in the back), just ask. A few of the more fringe items you may get at a restaurant on Normandie in LA may not be available - maybe a pickled squid, a type of dried fish, or a blanched pearl onion - but almost anything you'd find at any Korean restaurant will gladly be brought to you if you ask.
All in a fabulous, ultra-modern decor with comfortable and expansive tables. Why leave Summerlin?
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