Omnivore Atlanta

THROW ANOTHER PIG ON THE BARBIE: A selection of meat on the grill at Honey Pig

I’m convinced there are those of you out there who still haven’t ventured to the corners of the city to seek out Atlanta’s dizzying variety of ethnic food. Not only that, I’m convinced it’s not for lack of wanting. The reasons hardly matter. It might be the intense American fear of appearing out of place. I suffer from this affliction myself. What if I can’t read the menu? What if I’m the only white girl in the building? What if the food is too weird, I can’t eat it, I offend my hosts, and I’m chased out into the parking lot by an angry mob??? Obviously I’ve overcome these self-doubts for professional reasons, and also because the payoff is so huge. But my guess is that many of you haven’t.

Well kids, this one’s for you. If the above set of totally understandable anxieties describes you at all, or if you’ve never ventured into a Korean barbecue restaurant but have an inkling that tons of grilled meat cooked in front of you might be fun, then get thee to Honey Pig. It’s about the most delicious, least intimidating Korean restaurant imaginable. In fact, it’s downright upscale. “I could bring my parents here,” my husband observed, somewhat impressed and somewhat disgusted. (He adheres to the skuzzier-and-weirder-the-better ethos when it comes to ethnic eating). The stone and black lacquered-wood accents and comfortable, fat leather chairs create a calming atmosphere that would please almost anyone. (more…)

Bookmark to:

NOT A MOMENT TOO SOON: Korean Soon Tofu stew

I must have been Korean in a past life. I crave some form of the cuisine daily. My most recent discovery, Jang Su Jang (3645 Satellite Blvd., Duluth, 678-475-9170), has become a fast favorite.

The restaurant advertises Korean barbecue and tofu on its sign (the rest is in Korean). Both are good, but the tofu makes this spot worth the trek. More specifically, the Soon Tofu dishes, a bubbling tofu stew served in cast-iron bowls alongside a bowl of rice and the customary banchan (assorted side dishes). The beef and kimchee ($8.45) heartily mixes spicy broth with large chunks of fresh, silken tofu, green onion and other ingredients. You are given a raw egg that you crack into the bowl and stir to cook; it adds richness and body to the dish, which you then ladle over the rice. (more…)

Bookmark to:

As I reported earlier this week, The Standard on Memorial Drive is now offering Korean barbecue on Wednesday nights. We gave it a try last night.

Honestly, I can’t say it’s as impressive as the Indian specials on Monday nights, but we enjoyed ourselves. About $10 buys two thick slices of tastily sauced pork placed on two rice cakes (that almost seemed like rice pudding) and a serving of kimchi. The latter did not measure up to the usual around town. I’m not sure if the restaurant is actually fermenting the stuff or buying it at one of the many Korean markets in town.

You’ve probably seen jars of kimchi at Publix, Kroger and Whole Foods, where it costs more than double, probably three times, the price at Buford Highway markets.

Spotted at The Standard: Tom Houck, everyone’s favorite gossip.

Bookmark to:

(Photo by Eamon Siggins)

My friends Aubrey and Thomas came into town this weekend to visit from North Carolina. Thomas is a sommelier who lived in Korea for a couple of years, and we get along well because we share a passion for French white wines and Korean barbecue (not together — in fact, often the latter as a cure for having indulged in too much of the former the night before). Having read Cliff’s article last week on Hanil Kwan, we decided to take a trip to Buford to try the barbecue that Cliff foolishly passed up in favor of a lunch special.

As you can see from this photo, Thomas takes his Korean feasts seriously. We ate a lot of food, and Thomas schooled us all on “the rules” of soju, the distilled, clear liquor native to Korea. “The rules” consist of never letting anyone’s glass go empty, and pouring and receiving using two hands.

Hanil Kwan serves some of the best Korean barbecue I’ve had in town, and service is helpful and friendly. I particularly liked the piles of salad — Thomas described it as fresh kimchi — that consisted of super fresh greens dressed in chili, vinegar and sesame oil.

Bookmark to: