To celebrate, we went out for Korean food. I absolutely love Korean food and always have trouble choosing between my favorite dishes. Ultimately, Mark convinced me we hadn't been eating enough meat lately and so we had great fun cooking marinated short ribs (wang kalbi, I think) on our tabletop gas grill.
Usually, the meat is marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, and sugar. My friend Grace also told me almost everyone has their own secret ingredient to tenderize the meat.
Ideally, you get this amazing, juicy piece of beef that is sweet, savory, juicy, and smoky. I love to wrap the meat inside a lettuce leaf, with a spoonful of hot rice, a dollop of chile bean paste, and extra scallions.The other fun thing about Korean food is the banchan: little dishes that accompany the main event. Probably the most famous banchan is kimchi, or fermented spicy cabbage or radish. I'd say kimchi is an acquired taste but I personally can't say no to its alluringly spicy and funky flavor.
Yesterday they served us kimchi, pickled zucchini, cold boiled bean sprouts with sesame oil, sweet and sour wakame seaweed, fish cakes, spicy potatoes, tofu, and sweet dried fish. In general, I couldn't be happier when my meals consist of lots of small dishes, particularly when the dishes all have wonderfully different flavors and textures.As for the restaurant, the meat was of good quality, but I was disappointed by the banchan, which didn't taste quite as good as usual. Several new Korean restaurants have opened in the area so I think we'll try a different place next time.
Korean food is a fun date if you both are adventurous and love to eat, but I have to warn you that you inevitably leave the restaurant smelling all smoky and meaty. Hey, it could be a turn-on for some people!
Arirang
9715 Bellaire Blvd
Houston TX
2 comments:
Congratulations on the new job!!!!
What is a red letter day? Also, Arirang is not so good. Korea Garden better! will you post about the awesome tea at the end of the meal and tell me how to make it???
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