Korean for Beginners

I was posting for a birthday dinner when I remembered a place on Lincoln Ave, just south of Touhy, which if I recall correctly, had a name like Live Concert 4080. It was across from the Lincoln Village mall and Borders.

Pie Dude and I went to a Korean place once in Morton Grove on Dempster; it was a little dingy, the staff looked pissed that we were there and never took their eyes off of us, and we ended up walking out.

We know nothing about Korean food, and would really like to try it, especially the Korean BBQ stuff, but we have no idea where to begin. I assume there are plenty of good choices on Lawrence. Anybody have any recommendations for an inexpensive joint with some really good, simple dishes just right for newbies?

Also, with Pie Lady being what she is, what's a good Korean dessert?

San Soo Gab San is a good choice for beginners looking for something that's authentic. Charcoal-grilled dishes you might try are bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) and kalbi (short ribs), which you cook over a grill set into the table. Grilling is for a minimum of two orders, but they can be different items.

Other items I like here include the gun mandu, fried dumplings and the chap chae, garlicky cellophane noodles with onions, carrot, spinach and shreds of beef.

But this place is especially known for the vast array of complimentary side dishes, called banchan, that they bring out.

Honestly, I can't recall being served anything for dessert in a Korean restaurant in Chicago except fruit and Japanese-style ice cream.

This may be useful: Life in Korea

San Soo Gab San
773/334-1589
5247 N. Western Ave.

(Lots of other refs here -- do a search)

Great stuff, LAZ, thanks!

LAZ wrote:
Honestly, I can't recall being served anything for dessert in a Korean restaurant in Chicago except fruit and Japanese-style ice cream.

That's because the idea of dessert was kicked off by the ancient Romans, and only Western cultures inherited that tradition. Asian places only serve oranges or such to make Westerners happy.

I do agree with all LAZ's recommendations for newbies -- bulgogi (transliterated, so you might see it as pulgogi, bulkoki, or similar variations), kalbi (or galbi), mandu (or mandoo), and chapchae (or japchae). I might add bi bim bop -- fun to say and also easy to like -- big bowl of veggies and rice topped by an egg, then broth is poured over the whole thing. If you hesitate in the least, wait staff will most likely offer to help you with everything, from grilling to adding broth to bi bim bop.

If you get addicted to chapchae, as I have, Asian Super Market on Milwaukee at Greenwood in Niles has outstanding carry-out chapchae, as well as some other fun carry-out items.

Don't know if it's helpful or not, but I came across this list of pretty much all the area's Korean stores, restaurants, and buffets: http://www.skokienet.org/american/group ... urants.htm

Hope you enjoy exploring Korean food. I love it. And once you feel more comfortable with it, I recommend Garden Buffet on Lincoln -- long tables of marinating meat and seafood, and you just grill everything that looks good.

Cynthia wrote:And once you feel more comfortable with it, I recommend Garden Buffet on Lincoln -- long tables of marinating meat and seafood, and you just grill everything that looks good.

I think Garden Buffet would be a great option, except that it appears to be closed now.

I'd suggest just jumping into Korean food with both feet. Like San Soo Gab San, Hae Woon Dae is a similar, highly regarded Korean BBQ option.

But if you want something less adventurous, more a gentle introduction to Korean food, there is somewhat Americanized Korean at Jin Ju.

Hae Woon Dae
6240 N. California Ave.
Chicago

Jin Ju
5203 N. Clark St.
Chicago

nr706 wrote:
I think Garden Buffet would be a great option, except that it appears to be closed now.

Darn. You turn your back for a few months, and things vanish. Too bad -- it was a great place. (I can remember seeing Korean wedding receptions in the side room, when I visited, which added to the experience. Not to mention the personal nostalgia factor -- we celebrated LTHForum's first birthday there, and it's where I met many LTHers for the first time.)

Since the OP shows Niles as her location, she's kind of in the middle of Korea world, as far as Illinois goes -- I can't imagine one of the myriad places in her neighborhood wouldn't fill the bill. There are about a dozen Korean places along Milwaukee and on Golf Road, Glenview through Niles. Perhaps not all as good as those recommended, but it's definitely a target-rich environment.

Cynthia wrote:That's because the idea of dessert was kicked off by the ancient Romans, and only Western cultures inherited that tradition. Asian places only serve oranges or such to make Westerners happy.

I don't think that's necessarily true; Growing up we often had sweet dessert soups in Chinese restaurants gratis w/ family style meals - we'd have 'em at home too. Fruit is a common dessert in Asian households. It's cakes, brownies, pie and ice cream which might be a little foreign - seeing those in nouveau Asian restaurants always seems "odd" to me, but otherwise, I think dessert isn't entirely foreign or just to make Westerners happy.

Cynthia wrote:That's because the idea of dessert was kicked off by the ancient Romans, and only Western cultures inherited that tradition. Asian places only serve oranges or such to make Westerners happy.

All the Korean supermarkets I've been in seem to stock cookies and cakes and ice creams, so Koreans must eat them. I've got melon-flavored Korean ice-milk pops in my freezer right now.

Cynthia wrote:

nr706 wrote:
I think Garden Buffet would be a great option, except that it appears to be closed now.

Darn. You turn your back for a few months, and things vanish. Too bad -- it was a great place. (I can remember seeing Korean wedding receptions in the side room, when I visited, which added to the experience. Not to mention the personal nostalgia factor -- we celebrated LTHForum's first birthday there, and it's where I met many LTHers for the first time.)

Since the OP shows Niles as her location, she's kind of in the middle of Korea world, as far as Illinois goes -- I can't imagine one of the myriad places in her neighborhood wouldn't fill the bill. There are about a dozen Korean places along Milwaukee and on Golf Road, Glenview through Niles. Perhaps not all as good as those recommended, but it's definitely a target-rich environment.

yes. there's a korean bbq on milwaukee next to pita inn, there are two korean restaurants (shabu house and another one with karaokee) in the four flags shopping center on Golf/Milwaukee, there is at least one in the H Mart (H Mart has korean food in its one right)/Niles Plaza on Oakton and Waukegan and there's a few strung out on Dempster as you approach the edens. there is a lot of korean in this area. just reviewd was a Dumpling House:

http://lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?t= ... ight=ttowa

lots in the area

LAZ wrote:

Cynthia wrote:That's because the idea of dessert was kicked off by the ancient Romans, and only Western cultures inherited that tradition. Asian places only serve oranges or such to make Westerners happy.

All the Korean supermarkets I've been in seem to stock cookies and cakes and ice creams, so Koreans must eat them. I've got melon-flavored Korean ice-milk pops in my freezer right now.

I didn't say Asians didn't love their sweets. They definitely do, and have a wonderful array. I love Asian pastries. But in Asia, sweets are generally for snacks, not dessert. Of course, that's changing as the world continues to shrink (though that shrinking has actually been going on for about 500 years). Still, traveling in most of Asia even now, one rarely has anything sweet served at the end of a meal, except for a bit of fruit. (In China, I often was served oranges or watermelon at the end of a meal, but never pastry or ice cream or what Westerners consider dessert.) However, there can be courses within the meal that are sweeter than many one would encounter in the West (caramel-covered potatoes, for example).

So yes, sugar is popular in Asia -- and some regional cooking is almost defined by the amount of sugar used. But an entire course devoted to sweets was, like the lettuce-based salad, a Roman invention.

Caramel-covered potatoes? Interesting.

MBK mentioned H Mart, which I love, and forgot was Korean. Am I mistaken or is there another giant market where the liquor warehouse was on Milwaukee & Ballard, called perhaps, ASSI? I seem to recall Korean characters under the name. It seems that store is having a grand opening, so of course I steered clear - but not for long.

The first time I went to Garden Buffet, we had a lovely Korean-American hostess who walked us through the process and was most helpful. However, there are some great guides on the 'net that can give you an general idea:
(my favorite) MUK JA! A CHON-NOM'S GUIDE TO KOREAN BARBECUE
Korean Barbecure Dos and Donts
Eating Kalbi at Solga (video)

(These are specific to Korean Barbecue restaurants.)

Mhays wrote:Korean Barbecure Dos and Donts

Corrected link. The one in Mhays' post links to a recipe for poke cake.

Do read the comments on this article, in which various folks of Korean heritage disagree with the rules set set out by the author.

it's only when i read/hear the rules of consuming my own cuisine explained to others/me that i realize that i need to be way more suspicious of what i read about foreign food customs and etiquette.
who knows when you're bumping into/ reading/ being lectured by some uptight food schoolmarm.

Recently, we had a very nice meal at Hae Woon Dae. You could call it a Korean 101 meal. We bypassed the BBQ and ordered from the menu. Seafood soup, seafood and scallion pancake and bulgogi. With panchan, a bottle of soju and a bottle of OB, simple and delicious and simply delicious.

Pie Lady wrote:Caramel-covered potatoes? Interesting.

MBK mentioned H Mart, which I love, and forgot was Korean. Am I mistaken or is there another giant market where the liquor warehouse was on Milwaukee & Ballard, called perhaps, ASSI? I seem to recall Korean characters under the name. It seems that store is having a grand opening, so of course I steered clear - but not for long.

howdy,

i drove by the store a few days ago and it appeared open although the exterior is still not finished. the lot wasn't packed like the grand opening for H Mart so it may have been after the grand opening or a soft opening. of course, this was on easter sunday

LAZ wrote:

Mhays wrote:Korean Barbecure Dos and Donts

Corrected link. The one in Mhays' post links to a recipe for poke cake.

LMAO! Serves me right for multi-tasking! I've corrected the link in my post as well (I hope)

I'd like to give a big F you middle finger to that Do's n Don'ts list.

It's perfectly OK to wrap the bbq up in lettuce leave ala Wolfgang Puck Chicken Lettuce Wrap.

And it's perfectl OK to wrap all the panchan into the various wraps (KBBQ has extended the wrap selections to Chinese style "dduk" rice noodle sheets as well as the wasabi'd mu slices).

recently, i've found this link:
http://efl.htmlplanet.com/korean_food.htm
and it is the most comprehensive introduction to Korean food. better than any wiki article and easily understood. it covers not only cooked dishes, but ingredients, fruits and nuts, etc. as well.

I believe Garden Buffet is closed? There should be another joint right down the street, but i can't remember the name right now... anyone?

pie lady, drove by ASSI today and its packed! grand opening must be in full effect; they had a niles PD at the entrance to direct traffic.

If i had to guess, San Soo Gab San is probably one of the more user friendly type places. And despite calling it user friendly, still very authentic. i think they've expanded and remodeled as recently as in the past two months.

i went there last week or so, it was quite good. not exactly the cheapest place on earth though. it helps to know the basics, but really there's not much needed to know... just kinda go along with what's happening around you. you need to order 2 meat dishes minimum to get a charcoal grill at your table, and even then if it's super busy you might not get a table capable of it (so ask).

also went with a korean friend who helped decipher some of the less ordered menu options. we had a cold noodle soup that was particularly good (added vinegar and mustard into it) and something I'd never order on my own.

if you're really feeling adventurous, learn a few Korean phrases prior to going.. if the waitress hands you something while supporting her elbow with her other hand, that's a sign of respect so you've done something right.



(ribeye--pictured above--was highly recommended by others. it could've been cut a little thinner if you ask me)

... i also went to Kang Nam a few months back... it's certainly more divey in feel, and perhaps more laid back though too.

Kang Nam
4849 N Kedzie
Chicago, IL

...It is certainly a little more off the radar than San Soo Gab San. It's nothing fancy. the food is good though. maybe better than San Soo Gab San even. and they give you a ton of the sides, just as many. they also had lunch specials that were cheap



...they gave some sort of pancake-like thing to eat your banchan with too...(anyone know what this is called?)

...i wouldn't call it dessert, but they gave each of us some 2 ounce little yogurty sugury shake-like drink in a little bottle at the end. they probably give it to their toddlers and went back to the kitchen and laughed at us for being amused by it

the pancake thing is called pajun. if it has seafood in it, it's haemul pajun.

Here's another resource that I originally discovered as a podcast but she's got a website where you can watch her cook Korean dishes. It's very accessible and a great resource!

I have a couple of Korean cookbooks but it's always good to see it being done too.

http://maangchi.com/

ah ha... yes, pretty sure there was seafood in it...(it's in picture on the bottom right)

Mhays wrote:Eating Kalbi at Solga (video)
(These are specific to Korean Barbecue restaurants.)

As soon as I get home from work I'll look at that. Has anyone been to Solga? I drove by the other day and thought, "my, what a pretty sign".

Also there's a place on Lincoln south of Montrose called Korean Live BBQ. That's not what I think it is...is it?

Pie Lady wrote:Has anyone been to Solga? I drove by the other day and thought, "my, what a pretty sign".

LTHForum Search function is not pretty, but ...........

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=9725#9725

http://www.lthforum.com/bb/viewtopic.php?p=114484

Great pics. I love Korean food. Just stay away from the Soju. That stuff will make you go blind

I would recommend Solga to a first-timer. My first Korean experience was actually at Hae Woon Dae. While it was fun and a place I continue to return to - it wasn't the most user-friendly.
I also love San Soo Gab San, but unless you go during an off-time, you might get rushed through.

I forgot to mention one of the things about San Soo Gab San that makes it a good choice for timid beginners -- the booths are very private, so you don't have to feel that all the Koreans in the place are laughing at your mistakes.

On the other hand, you don't get to watch them eat, either.

Hae Woon Dae is a bit smaller, and while very good, feels more intimidating.

LAZ wrote:I forgot to mention one of the things about San Soo Gab San that makes it a good choice for timid beginners -- the booths are very private, so you don't have to feel that all the Koreans in the place are laughing at your mistakes.

LAZ,

San Soo Gab San has redecorated, no more private booths. Personally, I prefer the new open look, I found the old set up a wee bit claustrophobic.

Enjoy,
Gary

really? the private booths were a selling point for me; oh well.

Pie Lady wrote:

Mhays wrote:Eating Kalbi at Solga (video)
(These are specific to Korean Barbecue restaurants.)

As soon as I get home from work I'll look at that. Has anyone been to Solga? I drove by the other day and thought, "my, what a pretty sign"
Also there's a place on Lincoln south of Montrose called Korean Live BBQ. That's not what I think it is...is it?

Solga is excellent. Actually,when a Korean friend of ours took us out for Korean food Solga was her choice. It is terrific, great service, good looking space. Only drawback: on the expensive side.But you won't be disappointed.

davecamaro1994 wrote:Great pics. I love Korean food. Just stay away from the Soju. That stuff will make you go blind

I'll just drink it until I need glasses.