Kathryn L.
Yelp
I am a person of extreme transparency, & if I am not familiar with something, I have no issues in stating the same...I now know what BIBIMBAP is! & let me pay it forward, its basically mixed rice topped with tantalizing toppings.
During my market excursion with my EBFF, she hijacked me to here & soooooo happy she did. I already knew that this Korean treasure was located in a gas station, yet did not anticipate I would be walking into a feng shui food environment.
This is the best menu I've seen. Not only the big, colorful traditional one hanging over the cooking area (which was immaculate), yet the examples of dishes perfectly placed in Korean craftsmanship bowls that are on display for a visual choosing. Plus, you will find hand written notecards describing each of the magnificent medley.
The one woman show was so beautiful, friendly, helpful & educating, I almost forgot we were here to eat. Especially since I was in awe of every square foot of this mini magical place I was surveying, photos to prove.
Our delectable decisions we opted to share...as we all know sharing is caring:
1) Nirvana Japchae - an enormous bowl of sweet potato noodles with house sauerkraut, chive salad with nirvana mix that consists of shiitake, tofu, cashew, water chestnuts & a touch of ginger sauce.
2) Scallion Pancake - a huge jeon aka flapjack with special seasonings, scallions & soy/fish sauce. I couldn't partake as it contains eggs, but looked so delicious.
3) Vegan Croquette - comes in three & packed with so many tasty ingredients...just go by & try them, they are amazing.
The entire lunch was amazing with the fresh ingredients being used, made & delivered to your table. The menu is not as extensive, yet the Vegan options is massive within all of the offerings of Bowls, Tacos, Burgers, Salads, Sides & Desserts. There's a cold unit presenting their "House Drinks" consisting of Cinnamon & Ginger Apple Cider, Lemonades & other combinations of fresh juices. They also offer Matcha teas & jarred Kimchi. On the sweet side, you'll find a handful of variety from Vegan Cinnamon & Chili Truffles, Organic Ginger & Date Cookies to a Hot Mexican Apple Turnovers that you have to request...can you say foodie diversity, ole?!
There is an in-kind self serve atmosphere from water, utensils, condiments, discarding of the dishes, & if you bring back one of their bowls or one of your own containers, you'll get a discount. One might think a small space adjacent to a gas station is not embracing, yet let me tell you differently. There are tables, high-tops & counters to sit at. You'll see such a deep artistic decor of signage, table mats, rugs, floral & purchasing items throughout this compact space of wonder.
This gem sits on the corners of Georgia/University Aves, with the main entrance off the latter, that will be locked sharply at 2:30pm to prepare for dinner. Lunch is 11:30am-2:30pm & Dinner is 5pm-9pm, closed on Mondays & Sunday. Parking at the gas station is cool, predicated spaces are available (have patience with the gas buying people) or pay the meter a couple of shiny coins & enjoy your feast of outstanding Korean food that really touches your Seoul.