Hidden away back in the depths of the Alley, a two-story retail complex on Broadway, is a little Korean restaurant called Kimchi Bistro. Despite the fact that Robert and I end up at the Alley at least once a weekend, either for sushi at Hana or dinner or brunch at El Greco, we have never been to Kimchi Bistro. It’s very well hidden so that could be part of the reason. More likely, however, it is because I know next to nothing about Korean food. I know that there is kimchi, which I have liked the few times I’ve had it, and lots of beef, which I don’t eat. In keeping with my goal to try some new restaurants this year, we finally decided to head out to Kimchi Bistro for dinner.
Kimchi Bistro is a pretty small restaurant, consisting of a single room with about 10 tables and a tiny loft which may or may not contain more seating (I didn’t check.) Being tucked in the back of the Alley, it doesn’t have any access to windows. But, what it lacks in natural light, the owners have made up for by installing lots of back lit screens and pretty, light colored wood. There is very little art up on the walls. Overall, it’s a pretty plain but warm atmosphere. What stands out most is that every seat is covered by a funny Kimchi Bistro seat cover.
As I expected, the menu contains lots of meat. Most of the rice bowls and soups are made with beef and, of course, there is the famous Korean BBQ. Luckily for me, there is a decent number of seafood options and one or two veggie choices as well. The menu offers a nice selection of Korean classics. There are a handful of appetizers, including a pah jun (seafood pancake) that gets rave reviews from folks on the internets. Soups, bi bim bap (rice bowls), grilled items and other entrees complete the menu. They are currently getting a liquor license so, even though beer was listed on the menu, we weren’t able to order any yet.
Robert opted for the Dohl Soht which is vegetables, beef and egg over rice served in a hot stone pot. I ordered the Vegetable Soon Doo Boo, a spicy soft tofu soup. What came to our table first was a huge sampling of dishes known collectively as banchan. Banchan are flavorful side dishes that are traditionally served with every Korean meal. Kimchi is the most famous of these, but there are many others as I was just in the process of finding out. I love little side dishes so I was really excited about this. We had cabbage kimchi, radish kimchi, shiitaake mushrooms, shredded cabbage with sesame oil and soy and several other interesting items.
My soup arrived next, bubbling feverishly in its hot pot. Soon Doo Boo is made with curds of soft tofu, egg and vegetables, all served in a spicy red broth. I ordered mine medium and it was still pretty spicy. I may try “spicy” next time, although that could be pushing it (they also have an “extra spicy” option for the truly hard core among us.) Robert’s meal also came to the table sizzling away, the freshly cracked egg on top cooking as we watched. The lady who brought it out asked if he had ever had this dish before. He said “no” so she proceeded to show him the correct way to stir all of the ingredients together. She stirred for what seemed like an extremely long time. According to the menu, there are some sort of health benefits that are derived from stirring the meal around in the hot pot. Something about charged ions and chi. I think the health benefits really just come from the exercise you get while stirring for so long.
Robert and I both really enjoyed our meals. Kimchi Bistro will definitely become another one of our neighborhood regulars. On top of the fact that the food is delicious and perfect for our many rainy evenings, the ladies who own the place are extremely friendly and our bill for the evening came to a mere $18! Kimchi Bistro is located at 219 Broadway E. in the Alley. It is open from 11-9 Monday through Saturday and 3-9 on Sundays.