King Sejong

(I think the food would have look better if the rice was on the red part and viceversa).

No. 73

<2010-08-12 Thu>

When I reviewed Sura, I thought it was the only Korean restaurant left in town. I was mistaken. King Sejong is the other one.

I have passed in front numerous times, and its storefront has never "called" me. It has the menu and photos (many fainted) posted on the window, but it does not look very interesting nor appealing, even though I like Korean food.

I think the main challenge with Korean food is that we have no idea what the dishes are. Yes, I know what Bibimbap is, but other than that, I always struggle to remember what the dishes names are. For example, I really like the pork bone spicy soup, but I can never remember its korean name (it is gamjatang, I think, but I had to look it up).

The restaurant is narrow and long, and has around 40 tables, with around 1/4 of them in use, significantly bigger than what I expected. It looks outdated, as if King Sejong took over a failing restaurant and decided not to change the furniture nor the decor.



King Sejong has a long menu and lunch specials. the long menu contains many items, including some that are expected to be shared by at least two people (i.e. the soups).

I wasn't very hungry, so I opted for one of the four lunch specials: Jeyuk bupbap (fried pork with spicy sauce on rice).



The food arrived promptly. As it is customary in Korea, it included side dishes (3 this time, I love that of Korean food). They are called banchan, and they are expected to be shared. They were kimchi (a staple of korean food), shrimp flavoured (I think) tofu, and bean sprouts. My favourite was the tofu; the kimchi looked as if needed more time fermenting.



The meat was pork fried in a spicy sauce with onions, sprinkled with sesame seeds. It was very tasty. The food cooled quickly (the plates were not warmed--I can't blame them for that, at this price range) and it started to feel oily.

When considering the price of my food, it was very satisfying lunch, and I would certainly eat here again.

If I had to compare it to Sura, I think King Sejong is a notch below, but it is also a notch below in price (Sura specials are 10, Sejong King 8).

Verdict: Excellent value for lunch.

Paid: 8.95 + tip

For more information, including price, visit:

Sura

Warning: Dinner Review

I came with company. We were asked at the door if we wanted barbecue
of not. This is a tough decision to make when you have never been
there before.

We opted for barbecue, and ordered the 2 persons special.

It was wayyyy too much food. Wayyyy to much. And as good sports we kept eating and eating and eating. 12hrs later I am still full. The food was good. I particularly liked the last spicy beef. I think I could just order that one with vegetables and be happy. I should have asked what its name is!

The meal was good and the service excellent (they cook the food for you in front of you). To top it all, I loved the photos on their walls.

Verdict: Yes, Sura is in the rotation as good food at an excellent value.

Paid: 22.50 + tip

For more information, including address, visit:

Sura

<2010-07-01 Thu> Have you ever eaten at a Korean Restaurant? Do
yourself a favour and try it. Sura seems to be the only Korean left in
town. I believe that is because we are not used to their food, and
don't know what to expect in their restaurants. This might explain
why, in the opinion of my Japanese friends, Koreans tend to open
Japanese instead of Korean restaurants.

I have never been disappointed in a Korean restaurant. Their soups
reminds me a lot some of the Mexican stews: based on bone, spicy,
always rich in flavour.

But I also like the little plates they bring you along: potatoes,
kimchi, sprouts. And they are all included in the price of your main
meal.

I recommend people to start with a bibimbap. Remember, you must mix
the egg with the rice as it is served.

It was my first time at Sura. The menu is beautiful to look at. I
could not make my mind, partially because I don't really know many
dishes.

I ordered a beef soup. I love it. It came on one of their thick clay
pots, and was boiling as served. I had to be careful to wait long
enough not to burn my tongue :( The temptation is too high to dive
in. It was labelled extra spicy, but I found it to be just
"Medium". Your mileage might vary.

In terms of value, I can't think of better places to have a complete
meal. The soup came from the "dinner" menu (which they offer at lunch
time) and it was a paltry 9.99 + tax. I was even offered more
apetizer dishes (I wish I knew their real name).

I forgot to mention, only one table had no Korean looking person (the
place is popular with Koreans).

Verdict: This place will become a regular destination for me, and can
see it become one of my favourites. Other visits will tell. I like
Korean food and that makes me biased. A steal at dinner time.

Cost: 11.14 + tip (yes, new tax :(


For more information, including address, visit: