I'm a first generation Korean American, and I worship the food my grandmother used to make. Alas I only learned a few of her recipes before she passed and it's really hard to find what I need to make good old fashioned home cooking.
So instead I go to Chuhgajib Korean BBQ. It's a tiny place that has a homey feel right down to the TV playing bad Korean soap operas in the dining room. Most of the servers speak english but there are a couple who are harder to understand, it's called authenticity! At least you know the food is being made by, oh my gosh...Koreans!
Ok as for the food. My biggest test is always the tempura. Most Japanese restaurants in the valley have failed miserably at this, being too oily and heavy. Here the tempura is light, crispy and not at all greasy. Almost as good as grandmas, and I don't say that lightly folks!
Next up is the quintessential dish Jap Chae. Glass noodles tossed with veggies a touch of meat and sauce. The jap chae served here is a little saucier than what I'm used to but delicious all the same!
You must try the BBQ, a big plate over propane in the middle of the table where you then sizzle big chunks of meat. Yum. The galbi is well marinated and boneless which is a nice touch, great flavor. All served up with crisp lettuce and sauce to wrap all the tastiness up in.
My only complaint is that the kimchi is a little weak on the spice. I can eat a whole dish and not feel my mouth warm up in the least. It's very good kimchi, not at all rank or sour like other places I've been. But if you are looking for spice you really must assure the servers you can handle it as they are a little wary of people asking for "hot".
All in all this is a nice place to relax, grab a good meal that doesn't leave you feeling gross and stuffed. Just happy with a tummy full of good home cooking!