Do Sirak - 30 E. 13th Street (Korean)
A not-bad Korean place in the East Village, a little bit east of St. Marks. Rather on the loud side, and the banchan (side dishes) weren't flowing as much as you'd think. But its okay if you're craving Korean, and you're in the area.
Showing posts with label Korean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korean. Show all posts
Friday, July 16, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Korea Palace
Korea Palace - 127 E. 54th Street (Lexington/Park) (Korean)
Nice, hi-brow, classy place (albeit a little expensive, but on par for Manhattan Korean). Complete with a piano player and full bar...
Nice, hi-brow, classy place (albeit a little expensive, but on par for Manhattan Korean). Complete with a piano player and full bar...
Woorijip
Woorijip - 12 W. 32nd Street
Your basic Korean deli - with plenty of prepackaged snacks n' meals.
9/1/07 - A followup trip to Woorijip proved that this deli has just alot o' good things going for it. Tons of prepackaged snacks and meals (as I've been wont to mention previously) - including tasty tidbits such as pumpkin porridge (Ho bak Jook), cold cucumber soup (Oyi Naeng-Guk), lotsa Kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls) and warm, freshly made rice cakes galore. Can't beat the prices, which run around $2.50 - $5.00. Awesome, and thrifty - a great combination in my book!
Your basic Korean deli - with plenty of prepackaged snacks n' meals.
9/1/07 - A followup trip to Woorijip proved that this deli has just alot o' good things going for it. Tons of prepackaged snacks and meals (as I've been wont to mention previously) - including tasty tidbits such as pumpkin porridge (Ho bak Jook), cold cucumber soup (Oyi Naeng-Guk), lotsa Kimbap (Korean-style sushi rolls) and warm, freshly made rice cakes galore. Can't beat the prices, which run around $2.50 - $5.00. Awesome, and thrifty - a great combination in my book!
Mandoo Bar
Mandoo Bar - 2 West 32nd Street (also, 71 University Place)
If you're going to try Mandoos (Korean dumplings), have them here! They make them right in the window (a beautiful multicolored sight), and the appetizer of 4 Mandoos is only $5.00, which is way better than the usual price of $7.00 or more. Plus, the Mandoo menu is expansive, with plenty of varieties to choose from.
If you're going to try Mandoos (Korean dumplings), have them here! They make them right in the window (a beautiful multicolored sight), and the appetizer of 4 Mandoos is only $5.00, which is way better than the usual price of $7.00 or more. Plus, the Mandoo menu is expansive, with plenty of varieties to choose from.
KR Space
KR-Space (Deli) - 34 W. 32nd Street
A good deli with a bunch of little prepackaged meals for takeout. What I've sampled here so far is Pat-Bing-Su, the shaved ice, fruit and syrup treat that's alot like Malaysian ABC. I'm sure it's available in other places, too, but this is the first place I've seen it. By the way - it's good!
A good deli with a bunch of little prepackaged meals for takeout. What I've sampled here so far is Pat-Bing-Su, the shaved ice, fruit and syrup treat that's alot like Malaysian ABC. I'm sure it's available in other places, too, but this is the first place I've seen it. By the way - it's good!
Koryodang
Koryodang - 31 W. 32nd Street
A decent Korean bakery (a little on the fru-fru side for my tastes). But worth a stop. There's also one in Flushing, so I read.
There's one amazing thing I've had here: the cashier simply called it mochi, but it was wonderfully different. Pure white, this mochi was assymetrically lumpy with a tiny gel-green leaf on top. Inside was a creamy white filling, with a taste that I can't place (shiro-an, white bean paste?). It was the softest mochi/daifuku type dessert I've ever had - I think it had soy bean flour (kinako) on it. Almost supernaturally soft! They had it right next to the register, and if you see it....get it!
A decent Korean bakery (a little on the fru-fru side for my tastes). But worth a stop. There's also one in Flushing, so I read.
There's one amazing thing I've had here: the cashier simply called it mochi, but it was wonderfully different. Pure white, this mochi was assymetrically lumpy with a tiny gel-green leaf on top. Inside was a creamy white filling, with a taste that I can't place (shiro-an, white bean paste?). It was the softest mochi/daifuku type dessert I've ever had - I think it had soy bean flour (kinako) on it. Almost supernaturally soft! They had it right next to the register, and if you see it....get it!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Choga
Choga - 145 Bleeker Street (Japanese/Korean)
A decent, stylish joint in the West Village - offering both Japanese and Korean fare.
Not much seems to distinguish Choga from the millions of other Japanese and Korean spots dotted throughout the city. The interior is classy. Like alot of places with Korean food, it's a tad on the expensive side (definitely not a cheap, tasty grab n' go like Han Ah Reum.) But the menu has a decent breadth of choices - from Japanese comfort food such as OmeRaisu (omelet rice) - to Korean mainstays like Bulgogi. The ethnic mix is probably the best reason to give Choga a try - it's a chance to have your sushi, and Bibimbap too...all in one big multicultural meal.Natural Tofu
Natural Tofu - 34 West 32nd Street (off 6th Avenue)
There is no sign for Natural Tofu. There isn't even a listing in Menupages. But the place had been recommended to me, and so I went - up the small flight of stairs to the spacious second floor.
Also known as Seoul Garden, NT is renowned for its Soon Tofu (soft tofu). So that's what I ordered. For only $10, you get quite alot of food. The Soon Tofu was nice, but even better were the banchan side dishes...one a sweet, lightly fried plate of tofu. The highlight of the evening was also banchan - a simple bowl of sweet black chewy beans - so good that I'll remember them long after the rest of the meal has faded into memory. (A wonderful side dish by the name of Kong JaBan)
Perhaps most striking is the pleasant atmosphere at NT. You feel right at home the minute you walk in. It's bright and spacious, with no feeling of "stuffiness" - just comfortable. And so, the evening was a success. If only Korean cuisine wasn't so expensive, I'd go regularly!
There is no sign for Natural Tofu. There isn't even a listing in Menupages. But the place had been recommended to me, and so I went - up the small flight of stairs to the spacious second floor.
Also known as Seoul Garden, NT is renowned for its Soon Tofu (soft tofu). So that's what I ordered. For only $10, you get quite alot of food. The Soon Tofu was nice, but even better were the banchan side dishes...one a sweet, lightly fried plate of tofu. The highlight of the evening was also banchan - a simple bowl of sweet black chewy beans - so good that I'll remember them long after the rest of the meal has faded into memory. (A wonderful side dish by the name of Kong JaBan)
Perhaps most striking is the pleasant atmosphere at NT. You feel right at home the minute you walk in. It's bright and spacious, with no feeling of "stuffiness" - just comfortable. And so, the evening was a success. If only Korean cuisine wasn't so expensive, I'd go regularly!
Han Ah Reum
Han Ah Reum (Supermarket) - 25 W. 32nd Street
A great overall supermarket, with a very large stock of seaweed and miso. They also have nice little dishes of Korean desserts, such as ddeuk (Korean mochi.) It deserves (and will get) further exploration! (Not as good as the one in Ridgefield, however - see both for more details...)
Han Ah Reum (Supermarket) - 321 Broad Avenue, Ridgefield, NJ
I have seen Korean grocery nirvana, and it is Han Ah Reum. About the size of a small K-Mart (and the same color scheme), is grocery store in Ridgefield, NJ is packed. It's got a full bakery section, including such terrific goodies as Hotteok and bungeo ppang (a fish shaped pastry filled with red bean paste.) And it's only twenty minutes or so by car from New York! There's also a small food counter/area in the back, and it's worthwhile exploring the rest of the Han Ah Reum mall, also - there's a decent liquor store with Korean beers right across the hall from the supermarket.
A great overall supermarket, with a very large stock of seaweed and miso. They also have nice little dishes of Korean desserts, such as ddeuk (Korean mochi.) It deserves (and will get) further exploration! (Not as good as the one in Ridgefield, however - see both for more details...)
Han Ah Reum (Supermarket) - 321 Broad Avenue, Ridgefield, NJ
I have seen Korean grocery nirvana, and it is Han Ah Reum. About the size of a small K-Mart (and the same color scheme), is grocery store in Ridgefield, NJ is packed. It's got a full bakery section, including such terrific goodies as Hotteok and bungeo ppang (a fish shaped pastry filled with red bean paste.) And it's only twenty minutes or so by car from New York! There's also a small food counter/area in the back, and it's worthwhile exploring the rest of the Han Ah Reum mall, also - there's a decent liquor store with Korean beers right across the hall from the supermarket.
Franchia
Franchia - 12 Park Avenue (34th/35th) (Korean - Vegan)
A nice little gem in the center of midtown, Franchia is primarly a teahouse (as is obvious from their website, filled with tons of tea related links, including the history of tea, health benefits, yada yada yada.) But if that was all, it probably never would have made the annuals of Gaijin Girl. Sure, tea's nice. But I ain't payin' the big bucks for it.
Thing is, Franchia's also vegan. Korean-Fusion in flavor, Franchia offers a decent selection of vegan rolls...more than your average sushi joint. Nicely prepared, offerings include spicy "tuna" roll, "shrimp" avocado roll, "chicken" sate...you get the idea. Artfully presented, and looking pretty much like the real thing, Franchia's rolls provide a nice change from the limited vegan fare available from your neighborhood sushi-ya. Other options include dumplings, noodles, Bibimbap, and even a few neat cocktails. The space is also pretty classy - perfect for an elegant date, or a special occasion.
All that said, Franchia is a little on the pricey side (my dumpling and two roll order ran me $20. Though granted, I *do* tend towards cheap.) As for the taste? Good. Not howlingly great - the rice in my rolls lacked the vinegared flavor of my regular joint, Sushi Time...and the kimchi dumplings had very little kick. But as a vegan, it was nice to look onto the plate and see something more substantial than a sad, cucumber maki roll and a lump of artificial wasabi. So Franchia gets a thumbs up... Was it worth a visit? Yes. But will it replace Sushi Time as my personal stand-by, in terms of flavor or value? Not at those prices... But it's nice to know it exists.
A nice little gem in the center of midtown, Franchia is primarly a teahouse (as is obvious from their website, filled with tons of tea related links, including the history of tea, health benefits, yada yada yada.) But if that was all, it probably never would have made the annuals of Gaijin Girl. Sure, tea's nice. But I ain't payin' the big bucks for it.
Thing is, Franchia's also vegan. Korean-Fusion in flavor, Franchia offers a decent selection of vegan rolls...more than your average sushi joint. Nicely prepared, offerings include spicy "tuna" roll, "shrimp" avocado roll, "chicken" sate...you get the idea. Artfully presented, and looking pretty much like the real thing, Franchia's rolls provide a nice change from the limited vegan fare available from your neighborhood sushi-ya. Other options include dumplings, noodles, Bibimbap, and even a few neat cocktails. The space is also pretty classy - perfect for an elegant date, or a special occasion.
All that said, Franchia is a little on the pricey side (my dumpling and two roll order ran me $20. Though granted, I *do* tend towards cheap.) As for the taste? Good. Not howlingly great - the rice in my rolls lacked the vinegared flavor of my regular joint, Sushi Time...and the kimchi dumplings had very little kick. But as a vegan, it was nice to look onto the plate and see something more substantial than a sad, cucumber maki roll and a lump of artificial wasabi. So Franchia gets a thumbs up... Was it worth a visit? Yes. But will it replace Sushi Time as my personal stand-by, in terms of flavor or value? Not at those prices... But it's nice to know it exists.
Hangawai
Hangawai - 12 E. 32nd Street (5th and Madison)
Located on the edge of K-town, Hangawai has indisputable class. Hidden behind heavy wooden doors, the restaurant is traditionally decorated - complete with low slung tables, floor cushions, caligraphy covered candles and even a strict no-shoes policy. Even stricter is the no-meat policy - for Hangawai is purely vegetarian (and almost vegan, with the exception of an occasional egg.) So Korean BBQ fans beware...there's no Galbi here. Don't even try. Fortunately, I'm vegan...so Hangawi seemed custom-made for my tastes, which skew towards a love of spicy Tteok Bokki, Veggie Mandoo, Injulmi and bowls of Bibimbop (with egg and beef removed.)
You'd think it was a match made in culinary heaven. And it would have been - if Hangawi had any flavor whatsoever.
The troubles started with the selection. Though painfully expensive, Hangawi does offer price-fixed lunches ($19.99) and dinners ($39.95) - a refreshing option, given the average price of $20 per main dish. Interested in a dash and run, I asked for the Mini Emperor's Lunch - complete with porridge, dumplings, stone bowl rice and the dessert of the day. A good value - if it had been available. Unfortunately, it couldn't be served to go. Though sad, I gamely took the takeout menu, finding several of the same items available (though at a more expensive price, of course.) They, too, turned out to be unavailable - offered only during weekdays. After a few go arounds--for there was no sesame porridge, either-- the meal was chosen: consisting of dumplings, spicy jeon pancakes, and a cinnamon broth for dessert, accompanied by fresh fruit.
Lightly steamed--and somewhat large--the dumplings proved the best of the lot...fluffy and tasty (with thankfully no need for the plain, salty soy sauce served on the side.) The rest of the meal fared...well, significantly worse. Despite the pepper symbol on the menu, the jeon pancakes proved greasy, undistinguished...and just plain bland. And despite an enticing description, dessert proved to be a quarter of an apple, and a handful of pine nuts, floating in cinnamon colored water. (One look, and I found myself wishing I'd ordered the tofu pudding.) Given the Korean pedigree, I'd expected some spice and some flavor...but there was none to be had. Adding insult to injury, I was even billed for a second plate of dumplings (though they quickly and graciously removed the charge when notified.) The cost for the meal? $25.00. Without even a snippet of gochunjang on the plate.
Don't get me wrong - there were a *few* highlights. Hangawi has atmosphere galore, the service is good, and the staff is sweet. But the food? Ah, there's the rub. Hahn Ah Reum grocery would have been a better experience.
Located on the edge of K-town, Hangawai has indisputable class. Hidden behind heavy wooden doors, the restaurant is traditionally decorated - complete with low slung tables, floor cushions, caligraphy covered candles and even a strict no-shoes policy. Even stricter is the no-meat policy - for Hangawai is purely vegetarian (and almost vegan, with the exception of an occasional egg.) So Korean BBQ fans beware...there's no Galbi here. Don't even try. Fortunately, I'm vegan...so Hangawi seemed custom-made for my tastes, which skew towards a love of spicy Tteok Bokki, Veggie Mandoo, Injulmi and bowls of Bibimbop (with egg and beef removed.)
You'd think it was a match made in culinary heaven. And it would have been - if Hangawi had any flavor whatsoever.
The troubles started with the selection. Though painfully expensive, Hangawi does offer price-fixed lunches ($19.99) and dinners ($39.95) - a refreshing option, given the average price of $20 per main dish. Interested in a dash and run, I asked for the Mini Emperor's Lunch - complete with porridge, dumplings, stone bowl rice and the dessert of the day. A good value - if it had been available. Unfortunately, it couldn't be served to go. Though sad, I gamely took the takeout menu, finding several of the same items available (though at a more expensive price, of course.) They, too, turned out to be unavailable - offered only during weekdays. After a few go arounds--for there was no sesame porridge, either-- the meal was chosen: consisting of dumplings, spicy jeon pancakes, and a cinnamon broth for dessert, accompanied by fresh fruit.
Lightly steamed--and somewhat large--the dumplings proved the best of the lot...fluffy and tasty (with thankfully no need for the plain, salty soy sauce served on the side.) The rest of the meal fared...well, significantly worse. Despite the pepper symbol on the menu, the jeon pancakes proved greasy, undistinguished...and just plain bland. And despite an enticing description, dessert proved to be a quarter of an apple, and a handful of pine nuts, floating in cinnamon colored water. (One look, and I found myself wishing I'd ordered the tofu pudding.) Given the Korean pedigree, I'd expected some spice and some flavor...but there was none to be had. Adding insult to injury, I was even billed for a second plate of dumplings (though they quickly and graciously removed the charge when notified.) The cost for the meal? $25.00. Without even a snippet of gochunjang on the plate.
Don't get me wrong - there were a *few* highlights. Hangawi has atmosphere galore, the service is good, and the staff is sweet. But the food? Ah, there's the rub. Hahn Ah Reum grocery would have been a better experience.
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