Soy Crab & Sushi Bibimpap

This is for the most adventurous of you eaters out there. This right here is ganjang-gejang (간장게장)which is raw crab marinated in soy sauces. Nom, nom, nom.... oh right, I'm writing a review not thinking about food.

On Sunday I NEEDED to eat this so I went on a hunt for a place with my friend, trying to find a few places Naver had recommended. All of them had been torn down to make way for progress.  I found this one completely by chance after we tossed our plan aside to go hangout at Pyeongtaek Lake Park.

We ended up splitting the crab and then each having a bowl of sushi bibimpap which was really delightful.  The restaurant has huge sashimi meals as well, for those with groups of 4 or more, so it's a nice old fashioned place to grab a dinner. It's not cheap though. Expect to pay at least 20,000 per person without drinks.  Delicious though, and right near the lake so no problem at all for me.

The restaurant is older and run in the traditional style, but the menus do have simple, mostly accurate English translations. They also had both floor seating and tables with chairs. Parking was also very easy.

After we finished dinner we were able to take a beautiful walk, enjoying the lake, and grab some coffee. It's an amazing way to spend a day with a friend or an adventurous date. 

*** This listing and all other restaurants reviewed by South of Seoul can be found in the South of Seoul app which can be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple App Store. ***

(For a map, Click HERE for the MollaKorea.com Listing)

Tofu Restaurant: 두부마을송탄점

One of the culinary surprises I experienced when eating in Asia, and Korea in particular, is that tofu is not a meat substitute. It has nothing to do with being vegetarian. It's just something people like to eat. This revelation was of great delight to me because I love tofu but I also love meat and I was always annoyed that I wasn't allowed to eat them together.  

To my delight, in Korea, when you go to a tofu restaurant it isn't just tofu. Instead, they feature homemade tofu as part of the over all landscape of the meal. The result - for us foreigners - is that tofu is re-imagined as delicious flavor clouds you can eat (or at least that's what they are in my mind) along with many other substantial flavors. It's hard to explain, but I feel like I finally understand what tofu is and why it became so popular. My taste for it has continually grown and now I crave it on a regular basis.

This particular restaurant is my favorite tofu restaurant in all of Pyeongtaek, not only because of the delicate tofu, but also because to the extensive seasonal side dishes that come with the meal. It's an affordable feast for the senses. Seriously, I eat here all the time.

Name: 두부마을송탄점

Address: 경기도 평택시 중앙동

Telephone: 031-611-1321

Farm To Table Traditional Korean

Are you a foodie who thinks Pyeongtaek doesn't really have much to offer?  Well, you are wrong and this place will prove it.  Tucked away in the hills behind a university, it will seem like you are lost just about the time you find this place.  Completely unassuming on the outside, inside is small bright space where reservations are often needed if you show up after 11:00am.  Many guests at this lovely destination come from far and wide to eat this exquisite food. 

The pictures in this blog do not do it justice.  You would think that I would have a zip drive full of good pictures because a) I go here all the time and b) the food is stunning.  Instead, however, I have failed each and every time to take good photos because I am too excited/overwhelmed by the food.  The presentation is just delightful and I get wrapped up in how lovely it looks and can't really think about anything else. So check out these Korean food blogs to get a better idea of the awesomeness.

http://m.blog.naver.com/jinsung6788/220351508686

http://m.blog.naver.com/gasumi00/220243220871

http://m.blog.naver.com/gluvc/40211103715

(Arg. Looking at the photos is killing me. Want - to - go - now!!!!!)

There are only two set options and everyone will need to order the same one.  They are between $14 and $18 if I remember right. To be honest, I am always thinking, "Here take all my money. I love this too much" so I don't remember exactly what I spend. That said, I have only order the cheapest option because it's always too much food and I'm not ready to level up.  The basic meal is something like 16 courses so pace yourself please.  Just when you think you are finished more is going to show up.

The food here is indescribable and everyone I have ever taken here has been in awe.  The flavors are fresh and each plate very unique.  If you are going with kids, there are also kids plates you can order like fried pork cutlet so that you can keep the best parts for yourself.

Address:

 Name: 산말을명가  

Address: 경기도 평택시 장안동 92-17

Never Map: http://me2.do/5aNFlluS