| rev:text
| - I'd had plans to go to subway on my way home from the bank when I noticed that the sign on the sushi place had changed. I had a peek inside... clean, but a little shabby... not that that means anything - I've noticed most of my favorite places are holes in the wall with a heart of gold - and there were only two people seated inside. I was curious, I've never had the opportunity to try Korean BBQ before, and I had some time to kill so... why not?
I hopped inside. Turns out the two seated were the owners, not customers. I feel bad for interrupting their lunch but they are incredibly welcoming and encourage me to have a seat. They were so relaxed and presented themselves so well that you find yourself forgetting that you called it shabby only a moment before. The simplicity is darling, though I still think some warm coloring or decoration could really pack a huge punch instead of the stark white.
Mr. and Mrs. Lee are gracious hosts. I am offered a bowl of soup to try while I wait for my order, a cream soup that I unfortunately can't recall the name of. I agree that in the event of a lactose intolerant customer you'd be out of luck but I am no such person and I have to say it was absolutely delicious. I learn his wife does all the cooking - a revelation that makes me balk a little. I'm the sort of person who will sometimes skip breakfast because cereal in a bowl seems like too much of an ordeal, so the idea of cooking enough food to run a restaurant every day makes me want to jump off a bridge.
She's a good sport, though. Everything is beautifully plated and the flavor is amazing. Party in your mouth material. I ordered the fried dumpling lunch and they certainly didn't skimp out on it. The dumplings were plump and more flavorful than some gyoza I've had, and came with a delicious sauce to dip them in. Sometimes dipping sauces are sort of a case of "YOU DON'T LIKE IT SO DROWN IT IN WHATEVER THE HECK THIS IS" but the sauce was absolutely complimentary and wasn't overpowering.
My meal also came with a number of bowls with many tasty things to try - an omelette thing that was super light and fluffy, some amazing kimchi that had all the flavor without the gastrointestinal unfriendliness that some tend to have, some cucumber salad that really needed to just be it's own meal because I could eat that forever, a bowl of rice ((of course)), and a brown... thing that I don't recognize but was really tasty and was very light. I was incredibly impressed with how fresh and light everything was. I love Chinese food but I hate feeling like I'm carrying it around with me all day - that kind of "you're almost wearing it" sensation that all the oils tend to leave behind - so this also satisfied the craving without making me feel gross afterward. ((I'm a korean-food newb, guys, don't judge me. ;)))
About halfway through my meal Mr. Lee returned with yet another flavor to try. A beef and noodle sample that he suggested I pair with my rice and see if I liked it. It was amazing - yet another thing that I could have just eaten all by itself. He seemed super concerned that he hadn't given me enough food and even offered to bring me something else but I laughed and told him I was fine. I know I'm a little pudgy ((okay, maybe a lot of pudgy)) but while I wasn't stuffed it was more than enough food and I was quite satisfied by the end.
I am enamored. I'll have to come by again and try some other food. Apparently they have a whole other menu for dinner? I might have to give that a try.
I'm not much of a drinker so the lack of alcohol didn't much affect me. There is a Lee's liquor within walking distance, though, and both the corner market and the smoke shop have something to get you buzzed if that's really you're thing. I did, however, find myself wanting for some hot tea but they only serve cold canned/bottled beverages.
Really my only major disappointment is that there weren't more people in there enjoying their hospitality with me. They certainly deserve more guests. I did read that on busy nights the work is a bit of an overload for poor Mrs. Lee ((and I totally don't blame her there, especially given my predisposition toward cooking)) but in the afternoon it was very quiet if you're looking for a perfect time to visit.
Happy munch'n yelpers. I hope this was helpful. :)
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