홍일점 - Hong il Jeom
Ok. I have a confession to make. Being half-Korean, I have never once eaten this dish in my life. I am embarrassed that I didn’t know of this dish, and even more ashamed that I never knew about this restaurant. But now, thanks to an introduction from a friend, I am pleased to introduce to you; 찜닭 (Jim - Dalk).
찜닭 is literally translated to steamed chicken; but this dish has more to it that steamed cock. Within a few minutes of being seated we ordered our half-portion of 찜닭. Half portions are a mere 22,000W, while full portions were 33,000W. Out came the usual side dishes: bean sprouts, kimchi, fish cake, and spinach. All of it was quite boring. I think most people here have a general rule of thumb; if the kimchi is good, the meal will be good. So I was nervous after tasting how average the kimchi was.
Next thing I knew the server was holding a gigantic plate, which was about the size of a large western-style pizza. On it was a magnificent portion of chicken on a bed of clear noodles and vegetables. The hot steam rising off of the tender chicken made my stomach growl. The dish is comprised of potatoes, onions, carrots (all cooked to perfection), clear noodles and steamed chicken. The sauce enriched with spicy red and green peppers, with heavy flavors of soy and a nibble of sugar.
This dish was spicy. I have a moderate tolerance for spicy foods, but something about this dish put me over. I couldn’t stop sweating! I wasn’t sure if it was the lack of air-conditioning or maybe the fact that we had just had a few beers beforehand. If you can’t handle heat, bring a towel.
Overall, this place rocks! There is traditional floor seating as well as tables and chairs. The servings are gigantic. I think the half portion could’ve easily satisfied three to four people. Joe and I are both eaters, but we couldn’t finish it off. The atmosphere was that of a typical Korean restaurant, except livelier. The place was packed! Young and beautiful Korean girls were the vast majority. I recommend going around 6:00PM on a Saturday (if you’re in to the girls). I highly recommend this restaurant.
-JD
How to get there: Get off at Amigliore by taxi or bus, and walk down the main street toward downtown (A Twosome Place is the start of the street). You will pass WA BAR and the intersection with the Baskin Robbins. Next, keep your eye out for small alleys on the right hand side. There are two shops, one called Paris, the other Vogue. 홍일점 (Hong Il Jeom) is in the alley just before those two stores.
