Denny K.
Yelp
So Gong Dong Tofu House (SDG for short in this review)
Some people bristle or squirm at the thought of "tofu"....so let's start off by putting those fears to rest. Yes, So Dong Gong Tofu House does serve tofu...but there are plenty of other options on the menu including clams, oysters, shrimp, fish, chicken, pork and beef - virtually all of which can be custom tailored in spiciness for your tastes.
We scheduled our monthly Tennessee Returned Peace Corps Volunteer "International Dine Around Town" at SDG. And Mina, who took our reservation, greeted our entire group politely and enthusiastically as we arrived. Unfortunately, at the last minute (literally as we walked in the door) I received two text messages and informed her we had to reduce our group of 15 to 12 due to traffic woes. Nevertheless, Mina again proved to be a most welcoming and gracious host and told me - no problem - not to worry.
Drinks - beer, Saki, and tea were ordered and promptly delivered, along with water for everyone. Our orders were taken, with a bit of broken English interpretation. (However, staff speaks better English than I do Korean, so I have no "beef" with language here.)
The dishes around our table - some of which were shared, as is our group's custom, included hot soup for nearly everyone. (Combos are a great way to go at SDG...check the menu and ask your server if explanation is needed.) Nearly all dishes come with an assortment of "condiments" or sides that include marinated Cucumber or Bitter melon, Fish Cake (a personal favorite), rather mild KimChi (another fave), potatoes, shredded beans, sprouts, and steamed rice.
The soup (mine was a slightly spicy Kimchi, Tofu and Mushroom) is served in an extremely hot clay dish so you can add a raw egg and stir the pot while it cooks right in front of you. (I've noticed there is at least one video on SDG Yelp photo page showing this.) Also, you can specify the amount of heat from "Very Hot" to "Medium" to "White" (aka none at all.)
Main dishes we shared included Korean Ribs - thin, barbecued and fairly tender, seasoned mildly - yet tasty. Shrimp and scallop. (Notice...you get one scallop! I'd prefer if they were a bit more generous with the mollusk part of this dish.) Dumplings - fried nicely. Bibimbap - a hearty rice dish that's loaded with veggies and meat.
Chopsticks and a spoon are the set tableware here; you will have to ask for a fork if needed...although none of our group did.
Prices are very reasonable and the atmosphere is warm and, as mentioned at the outset, very inviting.
After a delicious meal like this, methinks SDG could easily stand for "So Darn Good!"