Dao'n - Review - Spring Branch - Houston - The Infatuation

"Dao'n describes itself as “modern Korean food,” which in this case means a mix of Korean classics, a few fusion twists, and the occasional dish that feels like it wandered in from a nearby restaurant. The casual dining room has a small bar and cubicle-like booths that offer more privacy than you’d expect from a place slinging bulgogi and fajitas under the same roof (plus a few walled-off rooms if you need secrecy). One minute you’re digging into chewy stir-fried rice cakes with pork jowl, the next you’re twirling bites of “Steak Diane alfredo” and learning to stop asking questions and just enjoy the ride. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Most of the food is pretty good, whether you’re sticking with the hits—seafood pancakes, banchan, braised galbi—or following the menu off the beaten path. It’s probably not a place you need to cross town for, but if you’re already in the area or just looking to break up your Friday night Korean BBQ routine, Dao'n is a fun way to mix familiar flavors with some real curveballs. Come with an open mind, a big appetite, and maybe a friend who appreciates both tteokbokki and alfredo sauce. Food Rundown Steak Diane Pasta There are two pastas on the menu—one with gochujang cream sauce, and the steak diane pasta billed as their signature. This is a creamy mushroom sauce over fettuccine, topped with a sliced steak. It’s a pretty tasty plate, even if it feels out of place on the menu. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Seafood Pancake A fairly standard version, but a bit light on the seafood—especially at $25. We found a few baby shrimp and the occasional piece of squid, and not much else. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Soy Salmon Over Rice This salmon looks like it was cut blindfolded. Some pieces are short and stubby, others are six inches long and thin as paper, so you end up wiht a few massive chunks of raw fish that are a little unappealing to look at and to eat. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary Pork Jowl Rice Cake The MVP of the menu. The pork jowl is crispy, the rice cakes are slightly blistered and perfectly chewy, and sweet bell peppers add a fresh crunch. photo credit: Nicolai McCrary" - Nicolai McCrary