Imbri S.
Yelp
May being Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we decided to support at least one local Asian American-owned business each week. Today we ventured to Asian Pear because Korean food just sounded really good.
There are a heck of a lot of options on the menu, and most importantly to Raz, some of those options are completely vegetarian. Let's face it, New Mexico is a heavily ranch-influenced state, so anyone daring to offer a whole meal that doesn't involve something which once had hooves or feathers is worth visiting for that alone. Bonus points to be awarded for the absence of butter and heavy sauces in the preparation.
Fitting that bill, we ordered the spicy tofu bibimbap, veggie pancake, and kimchee pancake. I fell back on my own ranch heritage and got a bulgogi bowl for myself too.
First, let me say that the thin-cut beef was super tender, and even though it was cooked all the way through, it still tasted beefy enough to know a cow was involved even after slathering it in spicy garlicky chile paste. Long story, short, that was one awesome bowl. The fresh, shredded lettuce didn't feel like filler, either, but added both refreshing coolness and crisp texture to the dish. Next time my iron is low, I'm forgetting steak and coming back for more bulgogi.
Raz felt pretty much th he same about the spicy tofu, veggies, and rice all mixed up with spicy garlic-chile paste.
However, neither of these amazing dishes are why we're going to put Asian Pear on our regular restaurant rotation. Not because they lacked anything, but because the Veggie and Kimchee pancakes are just that addictive.
I've tried making Asian-style veggie pancakes, and as simple as they seem, they are an impressive feat to get right. Asian Pear's are perfect. They're crispy on the outside without being dry or the veg inside tasting over cooked. They taste fresh, slightly smoky, and simultaneously full of pan-fried delicious flavor. The salty/sweet/spicy dipping sauce that accompanies them takes that taste heaven one notch higher.
I still can't decide if I like the fresh veggie taste or the briny, spicy kimchee flavor ubderlying the pancake better, and so I rate both pancakes equal. Raz prefers the kimchee. Either way, the proprietors if Asian Pear can expect us routinely from now on for pancakes. We encourage everyone else in Albuquerque to try these too, along with the rest of the menu.