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| - I love Café Ga Hyang.
I'll admit I'm not extremely well versed in Korean cuisine. I'm just a bit beyond the pointing at the menu "I'll have that" stage. I do, however, have a Korean food advocate in the family. After spending a time in NYC with two Korean roommates, this family member returned to Arizona with a taste for Korean soap operas and Korean food. She was greatly relieved to find Café Ga Hyang and considers it one of two favorite local Korean spots. I, however, can recognize an outstanding family run restaurant, regardless of ethnicity, when I see one. The location in an aging strip center does not leave a strong initial impression. Do not be deterred. The Korean television, the décor, the private booths, the big long tables, the late hours (open daily until 2:00 a.m.)... and of course the food, will leave a positive lasting impression by the time you depart..
The entire restaurant is served by one waitress, which I'm sure slows things down at peak times, but seems to be a way to keep the family in charge of interacting with diners. A great idea if that's the thought process. Our server showed visible concern when we ate very little of one of the dishes we ordered, a genuine reaction you seldom see while dining. No problem with the food. We just ordered too much and expended too much effort on the glorious array of small side dishes. She then packed it up for us to go. We dined in one of the enclosed booths. Fun and very private. We felt like we had the restaurant to ourselves. Simply great service. We also appreciated when a little instruction was volunteered, without the slightest hint of condescension, regarding how to best eat (and enjoy) one of the dishes.
I will definitely volunteer to return whenever the family needs another fix of Korean cuisine.
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