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| - We took great interest in this Korean restaurant due to a long list of positive reviews on Yelp. We wanted to learn if the food would live up to its name, especially given how it had been compared to those in LA Koreatown. During our visits, the interior was spacious with a red and orange colored setting. There were several TVs available to accompany the wall-to-wall images of Korean home-style dishes. With plenty of long tables neatly arranged across the open floor, the restaurant encompassed all the appropriate characteristics for groups, families, and casual gatherings.
The Mandu ($6.99) came with a number of dumplings served on a bed of vegetables. The appearance of the veggies was odd. The fillings were also too skimpy, and not as plump as I expected them to be. Not recommended.
The Dolsot Spicy Chicken Bibimbap ($12.99) came with a sunny side egg, spicy chicken, namul, and purple rice served in a hot stone bowl. The spicy chicken was tender and delicious, and the charred purple rice came out with a decent amount of crispiness and texture. The overall composition was then underscored by the spicy gochujang sauce with a taste of nutty sesame oil that lingered in the background. We both thought the serving size was noticeably smaller when compared to restaurants like GOGI. The wow factor also did not measure up to the one at Seongbukdong.
The Grilled Mackerel ($11.99) was nicely executed and served with purple rice. The Mackerel was buttery, flaky, and flavorful. The serving size was again smaller than other restaurants, but I did like the fact that it was less salty than the ones I had before.
I was really looking forward to the Galbi Tang ($11.99), but it turned out to be a disappointment. The bulky piece of rib was not fresh at all, and the meat only came off the bone after several struggles. Eggs and glass noodles were also added to the broth, but the profile was too peppery and desperately needed daikon to brighten the flavor. It was a fail.
I tried to order the Ddukbokki, but they were charging $28 for a dish that I can easily get elsewhere for less than $10.
The atmosphere was quiet and subdued on each of our visit. We find the service to be minimal and efficient, and our banchan were refilled upon request. The six to eight item banchan were on the saltier side, but still enjoyable as the flavors were mostly on point. My favorite was the kimchi due to the moist and spicy flavor without it being too sour. The fish cake was also addictive and deserved several refills. Overall, I didn't think this place measured up to the restaurants in Koreatown, or even GOGI in Chandler, which is not saying much given the limited options available in Arizona. I came to visit with high hopes, but I don't think I would return any time soon.
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