Category Archives: Korean Food

Palsaik Korean BBQ

09 Friday Oct 2015

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I went to visit a friend who operates a massage therapy business in the same mall as Palsaik, and she suggested that we try this restaurant that has just opened recently.

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The place is nice and clean, and what I found interesting was that there are these drawers built into the table that holds all the paper napkins, chopsticks, spoons and even aprons! But the only problem with that was the drawer was only on one side of the table so the utensils were not quite accessible to the patrons on the other side of the table.

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The server was very polite and tried to explain the menu to us. Since there were only the 2 of us, we just chose the smallest set menu.

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The server brought a big pot with soup inside and a platter with some raw seafood and vegetables. He proceeded to put all the items inside the pot of soup and began the cooking for us.

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He then brought out 2 strips of raw pork, and some raw scallops and he put them on a grill next to the pot. There were some kimchee already on the side of the grill. The server basically did all the cooking for us. He would come to our table periodically and check on the food.

I enjoyed the taste of the hot pot, and all the vegetables. To finish off the meal, the server cooked some rice with the left over broth from the pot.

I noticed that the other table ordered the restaurant specialty which is pork in eight different flavors (the raw pork came in 8 different dishes with each one marinated in a different sauce). They looked really good, but seemed a bit too much for 2 people.

There are no side dishes that came with the meal which is rather unusual for a Korean restaurant. It would have been nice to have some good Banchan.

Palsaik Korean BBQ: 22757 Hawthrone Blvd., Torrance, CA 90505   Phone: 310-791-0300

 

 

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Gen Korean BBQ

26 Thursday Mar 2015

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It must have been at least a few years since I was last at an Korean BBQ restaurant. Don’t get me wrong, I love Korean BBQ, so much so that when I was in college, I was frequenting a Korean BBQ restaurant at least once or twice a week.

Those days are gone though, partly due to the fact that my lungs are not enduring the heap of smoke and fumes from these places too well. I would feel some chest congestion and would be coughing for quite a few days afterwards. The possible harm from eating too much red meat would also loom in the background while I would gingerly scrape the blackened, burnt crust off the meat.

However, with the assurance from a trusted friend that the place is smokeless and that one did not need to wash the hair immediately after eating there persuaded my reluctance. I boldly ventured into the neon lighted, discotheque/bar decor of Gen BBQ.

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The place really did resemble some of the dance places I had been in back in the 90’s. Being that the restaurant is fairly new, it is very clean and we were seated in a large table with long comfortable booths.

Being that it was a Sunday afternoon, we were told that it would be the dinner price all day.

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We were allowed to order up to 4 different items at one time. So I ordered the Spicy Pork Bulgogi, and a double order of Jap Chae(mixed vegetable with glass noodle), while my friend ordered Beef Bulgogi and some kind of chicken.

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The meat were all flavorful and tender, my friend and I enjoyed the Jap Chae (stir fried sweet potato noodle with vegetables), and ordered more later. For the second round, I tried the Galbi, and shrimp for my companion. No complaints about the food, everything tasted good, and I especially liked wrapping all the meat with the large slices of radishes.

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One can also purchase a variety of macaroons in the little freezer near the front of the restaurant on the way out.

However, being that my lungs are so sensitive, they did not feel well for a couple days afterwards, and I was coughing slightly as well.

As much as I had relished the taste and the cook-it-yourself experience, it will be a little while before I will undertake another culinary adventure into the world of Korean BBQ.

Gen Korean BBQ – 24301 Crenshaw Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503  Tel: 424-328-0388

Lunch: $14.99 Dinner: $19.99

 

Rice Cakes this Sunday Afternoon

31 Monday Mar 2014

Posted by in Food, Korean Food, Lifestyle, Markets

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For the past few months, right after Sunday service, I have taken up the ritual of visiting various of my favorite markets to do some leisure food shopping and sample tasting. I find these particular times to be immensely relaxing and utterly enjoyable because, unlike food shopping on the weekdays, I don’t feel the pressure nor the time restraint to rush, to get back to work, or to get back before my son comes home from school, or to do more housework and cook.

Given the wonderfully sunny weather of Southern California, most of the past Sundays had been so bright, warm and cheerful.

Previously, my ritual usually began at Whole Foods. More often than not, there would be delicious samples such as pieces of sushi rolls, delectable cheeses, dips and crackers, and sometimes even chocolates and cookies. Knowing that all the ingredients were natural and relatively healthy added to the overall experience.

Next would probably be Trader Joe’s for the excellent coffee, then Sprouts, then a Korean Market, sometimes maybe a pastry shop, before heading home happy and satisfied.

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On this particular Sunday morning, however, I was really craving for some Korean fast food such as Ddeokbokki (Spicy rice cake), and Gimbap (rice and various ingredients rolled up in dried seaweed) , so I decided to visit one of the Korean market in my area named S-Mart, where there is a good selection of these types of prepared foods.

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Being that it was around 11:10am or so, most of the items were fresh and still hot. The Spicy rice cake was selling for $1.49 a box today, sometimes they are only $1 each, so I was not sure why the price was higher. I know that at times, they sell for around $3.5, but those have an boiled egg inside.  The Gimbap came with either fish cake, beef, and sometimes with tempura. I usually opt for the Beef Gimbap with egg, spinach, pickled radish.

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On occasions, I would get the steamed sweet potato, but they are a bit pricey. I have found that after a certain time in the evening, some of these prepared food would be half off the original price which would then be really good deals.

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I also bought a package of dried seaweed flakes which was on sale for $1.99. I like to sprinkle these flakes onto my rice from  time to time. I added some of the flakes to my rice cake, and for those brief moments,  I was blissful and content.

S-Mart: 2515 Torrance Blvd. Torrance, CA 90503  Phone 310-533-6053310-533-6053

 

 

 

Cocohodo – Tasty Retreat

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

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Sometimes simplicity is best. When it comes to these tasty little treats that the store called Premium Walnut Cookies, it certainly does not get any simpler.

The store sells just one main product (not counting the coffee and tea selections)- Hodo Kwaja.  These are small walnut shape cookies filled with sweet red bean paste and walnuts. When I first tried these pastries, it was over ten years ago, and I had bought them from a Korean supermarket. At that time, I thought the little pastries were just alright, perhaps a bit too sweet.

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The walnut pastries at Cocohodo are definitely many grades better than the ones at the supermarket. The red bean paste inside as well as the outer cake portion have just the right, small amount of sweetness that I prefer, and with the soft crunch of the walnut, the pastry came together quite harmonious without feeling heavy.

I ordered a special which included a cup of coffee and four pieces of walnut pastries for around $3.5. One could choose either regular or hazelnut flavored coffee. My friend and both decided that the hazelnut coffee was probably one of the smoothest, most flavorful coffee that we have ever tried. It was so good even without any cream, milk, nor sugar. The walnut pastries were individually wrapped and came in a contemporary ceramic white bowl, which made it easy to share with others without having to use any utensils.

The atmosphere inside this small store is very peaceful, modern, with huge windows are around. I felt so comfortable and relaxed sipping my coffee and looking out at the passing cars.

I was told that the store features art work from local artist at one corner of room. One can also buy these pastries either in gift bags or gift boxes and the prices are reasonable.

I will definitely come back the next time I want to having a relaxing chat with friends, while enjoying great coffee and a small treat.

Cocohodo – 2734 Hawthrone Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505  

http://cocohodo.co.kr/coco_e/1_1.html

Da Maat – Pleasantly Surprised

14 Monday Oct 2013

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I have tasted this dish in some of the best Korean restaurants in Los Angeles Koreatown, and have already decided that Soban is the Place to go. So I was not expecting much since this restaurant is not well known for this favorite dish of mine, Eun Daegu Jorim (Braised Black Cod with Radish).

I was really craving for black cod, and I did not want to make the trip to Koreatown that Saturday afternoon. I decided to try the Eun Daegu Jorim at Da Maat since the other dishes were fairly decent when I had lunch with my Korean friend here before.

The menu has some good photos of various dishes including the cod fish plate and the Bossam (Steamed Pork wrapped with Leaf Vegetable). We ordered the bossam and the fish.

The Eun Daegu Jorim came out in a huge, piping hot black metal pot with four large pieces of black cod and big rounds of radishes. I was immediately impressed with the presentation. Upon tasting the fish, I was so wonderfully surprised by how fresh and clean tasting the cod was, and how utterly tender and flaky the flesh was. I also love the fact that the seasonings were not too salty, and one can easily taste the true flavor of the fish. I was elated with the fact that I have found such an excellent rendition of this dish so close to home.

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The Bossam was another welcomed surprise as well. While most flocked to Kobawoo for the famous steamed pork, I was amazed at how soft and moist the meat was here, almost better than those at Kobawoo on this occasion. I don’t know whether it was the fact that I have not had these two dishes for quite some time, but both dishes were just so outstandingly great that I could not stop thinking about them the whole day after the meal. I kept wanting to go back the following day.

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The banchan selection, while not huge, were all really fresh and tasty. The service was efficient and the interior was clean and comfortable.

Da Maat:  2814  W. Sepulveda Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505  Phone: 310-534-5533

Yank San Park

17 Tuesday Sep 2013

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Some friends from my badminton group told me about this restaurant a while ago, and mentioned that the Banchan (side dishes) are very fresh there, as well as the food being quite good.

So I asked a Korean friend to join me in exploring this place. It was Thursday, around noon time, there were not a lot of people, which was good in the sense that it was less smoky, being that it is a BBQ restaurant.

I picked the Spicy Kim-chi Pork and Tofu Stew since it sounded hearty and I was really hungry. My friend ordered her usual Bi Bim Bap, which is a vegetable and beef egg rice bowl.

My meal started with a plain salad in a slightly sweet dressing. The banchan were indeed fresh and had a couple of items that I had not tried before, such as one that was this long, thin strips of what seemed to be burdock root in a piquant red sauce. I sampled each of the side dishes and ordered more of my favorites which included the bean sprouts, the eggplant and small slices of chives pancake.

The pork slices in the stew were not too big and were half fat and half meat. I took out the fatty part, the rest was tender and juicy. The kimchi had a deep aged flavor that was exquisite. The tofu was in long rectangular chunks and medium firmness which absorbed the essence of the soup. I only wish they had the option of brown rice instead of  just white rice.

The Bi Bim Bap looked enticingly fresh and appealing with all the different colors of shredded vegetables arranged neatly inside the big metallic bowl. I would like to try the Spicy Cold Buckwheat Noodle and the Sliced Rice Cake Soup next time I come back.

Yang San Park: 22757 Hawthrone Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505  Phone: 310-373-8340

Tous Les Jours – Take a Small Break

08 Sunday Sep 2013

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When I want to get together with a friend for a chat, or to just to take a small break from our sometimes frazzled lives, my place of choice would be Tous Les Jours.  This  French-Asian café pastry shop comes to my mind first because it provides an extremely relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for one to sit down, unwind and have some good French style pastries, as well as some traditional Korean ones, with a good selection of coffees and teas.

 

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The interior is very open and modern, with ample spaces in between tables for some private conversations. The employees are young and friendly.

One can choose freely from the many assortment of traditional and not-so-traditional bakery items. One of my favorite here is the very Thick French Toast. The toast is way over an inch thick with a golden yellow top crust, sprinkled with slivers of almond and powder sugar. It is only mildly sweet, and goes exceptionally well with a good hot cup of cappuccino.

 

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I have also tried some of the Korean style donuts here such as the Sweet Rice Doughnut – a round ball made with sweet rice deep fried to a golden brown that is chewy and just a tad sweet. Sweet Corn Cream Doughnut is a twisted version rolled in a faintly sweet yellow corn powder.

For something a bit more sweeter, the Sweet Potato Pie and Apple Pie will fill that craving, along with the Chocolate Croissant and the Red Bean Pastry. If something non-sweet is desired, the Mochi Roll –  a baked mochi bread roll with some sesame seeds and a chewy crust, or the Garlic Baguette will satisfy nicely.

The shop is opened from 7am to 9pm, which makes it convenient to stop by before work or after an early dinner.

Tous Les Jours – 2814 Sepulveda Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505  Phone: 310-257-6848

See Website for other locations:

http://www.touslesjoursusa.com/store.asp?smnu=02

Mountain

22 Thursday Aug 2013

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“Please come in and try our food”, with the assured enthusiasm of someone who knew whatever he was offering was worthy, the young man urged us to go inside. This was about two years ago while we were walking by the newly opened restaurant inside a strip mall in Gardena. My companion and I were on our way to another restaurant in the same mall when we were intercepted.

At the time, there was nobody inside this seemingly spacious and clean restaurant. We were a bit reluctant to try, but did not have the heart to turn down this young fellow with the hopeful smile. “OK, we will try, you said it is good, right?”, I wanted to have his affirmation. “Yes”, excitedly he said.

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The menu was very clear with photos of all the dishes. He proceeded to recommend the Abalone porridge, DolSot Bibimbap (Rice with meat and vegetables on Hot Stone Bowl), and Galbi-Tang(short-rib based soup). I finally settled on the Abalone Porridge, while my companion ordered the combination of Galbi and DolSot-Bibimbap.

There was a rectangular box on each table that held the stainless steel spoons and chopsticks that one could help themselves to. The banchan (side dishes) here were much bigger in portion size than most of the other Korean restaurants. I especially liked the cube sized soy sauce beef, it was so tender and tasty. The potato salad was moist, mushy, a bit tangy, I asked for two more refills later on.

The porridge was served in elongated oval shape shallow bowl with a raw egg yolk on top. I gave the raw yolk to my companion, and dug into my porridge. The flavor of abalone was mild but I did find tiny pieces of abalone inside. It was not enough food for me, so I had some of my friend’s bibimbap and galbi. The galbi was cooked just right, with a slight sweet flavor.  While the mixed rice on hot stone bowl would be good on a cold evening, I preferred the regular version with the rice not burnt.

 

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After not having been there for quite some time, I decided to have lunch at Mountain this past weekend. I ordered the Soon Tofu with seafood, while my son had the combo of bulgogi and soon tofu with beef. The amount of tofu had decreased substantially, as well as the portion size of the bulgogi. I was quite disappointed. The only constant was the banchan, the selections were still enjoyable, so I filled myself up with the soy sauce beef and potato salad. While this restaurant cannot compared to some of the best ones in Koreatown, it does offer a relaxing atmosphere, comfortable seatings because of the spacious booths, a shorter drive from home, and ample parking spaces.

Mountain Restaurant: 15460 S. Western Ave. Ste 101, Gardena, CA 90247  Phone: (310) 327-8494

Hot Bubbly Tofu at Cho Dang

14 Wednesday Aug 2013

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There are quite a few places in the South Bay area that serve this soul warming, tongue burning tofu stew called Soondubu jjigae.

The one we prefer to go to is Cho Dang Tofu. The wonderfully velvety texture of the tofu and the substantial amount that are served are reasons enough to eat there, but the more decisive element here is the banchan (side dishes).

The fact that the tofu is silky, smooth, soft should be expected from these tofu houses, but I like that the tofu here comes in bigger blocks, and the amount served seems to be a bit more than other tofu places. I prefer my tofu in larger chunks rather than in small broken pieces.

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As I mentioned earlier, the key reason why we come here is the banchan. The well-balanced and distinct flavors and consistencies of the side dishes make up for the not-so-plentiful varieties. My son just loves the rectangular nori (dry lavar seaweed), and the mildly marinated bean sprouts. I enjoy the spicy pickled cucumber, and the slightly acidic pickled wakame. We always ask for seconds or thirds of these particular ones, despite the waitresses looking solemn and stoic at times.

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On this occasion, I ordered the Mushroom Tofu – White (no spiciness whatsoever), while my son had the Beef Tofu – Medium spicy. I enjoy the pleasantly soft crunch of the Enoki mushroom floating on top of the tofu. My son, who used to order his tofu white, said that he much prefers the overall taste of the tofu with some spiciness.

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The white rice here is served also in a stone pot like the one with the tofu, so it comes out burning hot. One definitely needs to wait a bit before digging into the piping hot rice. While most of the patrons here scoop the rice out from the hot stone pot to another bowl,  I, however, actually prefer to put some of the tofu directly onto the rice in the pot, and eat the rice straight out from the hot pot (very carefully of course). With this method, the hard, crunchy rice next to the metal eventually gets soften up, and I can then scrape it off easily and eat it all without having to put liquid into it at the end.

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Cho Dang Tofu: 22549 Hawthrone Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505  Phone: 310-373-7055

Seongbukdong – Great Galbijjim!

25 Thursday Jul 2013

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The phone rang. “Hello,…”. “…, do you want to try that place with the beef ribs and mackerel?” “You mean Seongbukdong?”

It was Wednesday morning, and I had just finished my morning cereal when my friend suggested trying this place known for the Galbijjim (steamed beef short ribs) and Braised Mackerel. Why not, life is short, and one should enjoy whenever possible.

Almost a mandatory stop whenever I go to Koreatown, I made my way over to the Koreatown Galleria Market to get some Gimbap, seaweed snacks, Persian cucumbers before heading over to the restaurant. Since Cake House was just right across the market, I got some ham and cheese croissants, corn muffin and some vegetable rolls for snacking later on.

The restaurant sat in a small strip mall, and I would have drove right past it if I had not seen a photo of the store front prior. Fortunately, there were quite a few parking spaces left in this tiny lot when I pulled up.

There were some empty tables when I walk in, and I wasted no time in ordering. “Steamed beef short ribs and braised mackerel, please”, I said to the waitress. She pointed to some photos from some newspaper clippings posted on the wall next to my table to confirm the order. “Yes”, I reassured her of my orders.

The Beef short ribs arrived – a little anxious that it might not meet my expectations. Incroyable! (Incredible, I mean) Not only was the beef unequivocally succulent, luscious, and remarkably tender, but one could even taste the essence of the meat itself because of its freshness and quality. Though the sweetness of the sauce is slightly more than I would have preferred, I still managed to devour most of the meat in the small pot, leaving my companion scrounging the left over bones for more meat.

mackerelWith its oiliness and strong “fishy” taste, the mackerel itself is already an extraordinary flavorful fish. The addition of the kimchee, peppers and radishes to the Brasied Mackerel enhanced that richness of the fish without overpowering it. At some restaurants, the texture of the cooked mackerel could be a bit tough at times, but the mackerel here still managed to retain some moistness. It would have been even more satisfying if there were more than just the three small pieces of mackerel in that pot.

I was not entirely full after the meal, perhaps that would leave me wanting to come back again sooner for more.

Seongbukdong: 3303 W. 6th St. Los Angeles, CA 90020  Phone: 213-738-8977