The galbi at the bulgogi and kimchee cart on 49th, west of B'way is laced with crack!
... or at least I think that's why I've been eating it every day for lunch, for the past several days. I just want to give a shout out to this underrated little cart, since I've not seen more than one mention of it, on this board.
The galbi (#1 on the menu) is beautiful: well marinated, very tender and just fatty enough, but not too fatty. (Bulgogi and other menu items I've tried are just fair.) The meat comes over white rice and with a side of jap chae, kimchee, shredded lettuce, and a slice of orange and pineapple for dessert.
It's all quite a good deal for $6 and a very nice, possibly healthier substitute for the greasy gyro rice platters that otherwise dominate the street food scene 'round these parts.
cimui
May 15, 2008 09:41AM
The only bulgogi cart I've seen in that area is off of 6th Ave. Is this another one of these carts?
Permalink | Reply
Oh no, I typed the post too quickly. It is just west of 6th ave. I think the official name is the "bulgogi and kimchee cart". Have you tried it? What do you think? You obviously know Korean food much better than I do.
Permalink | Reply
No, I haven't tried that cart. But I'll try to at one point (sigh -- there's just so many places I want to eat!). I just thought it was odd that there would be two of those carts in the same area. But you never know -- maybe this cart will become the next halal chicken cart in a couple of years.
Permalink | Reply
I actually think there is another cart that sells bulgogi, at least, in the area. I haven't tried, but it's called Kim's Aunt or something like that on 46th near 6th.
I guess I should add a disclaimer so I don't disappoint anyone: the quality of the meat at this cart is fair, but obviously not as high as you'd get in a real restaurant (not unlike the dosai cart at Washington Square park.) Eat at a real bbq restaurant if you can -- nothing like that charcoal grilled flavor -- but if you're a midtown office gnome like me, the galbi is a good bet for lunch.
Re: there being too many places to eat... I love that about NYC! You can never ever try everything... but a great deal fo the fun is in trying. :)
Permalink | Reply
The more I think of it, not sure if I'll get around to trying it. I've given up eating bulgogi (unless I can grill my own) out as Koreans tend to cook their meats too well done for my taste. Come to think of it, I think that's the reason why I don't like cheesesteaks. I believe rib-eyes should be cooked rare. I always take my meat off the BBQ grill at Korean restaurants before the waitresses would consider it done.
Permalink | Reply
I also really like my meat bloody most of the time. But if one must have it cooked, marinated galbi is not a bad way to go. Very tender.
Permalink | Reply
Yeah, if I had to choose to eat beef fully cooked, it would have to be marinated galbi. But nothing beats bloody rare meat. I used to fight with my family to get my meat rare.
Cimui, you should try making bulgogi at home sometime. It's not that hard. You can make it as rare as you'd like. And if you use a bulgogi grill, you can impart a bit of charred taste (provided that you have a gas grill).
http://www3.jetro.go.jp/ttppoas/anken...
Permalink | Reply
I've been lusting after one of those for quite some time, now actually! I notice they have these (or something similar) on sale at Han Ah Reum.
My ultimate dream, though: owning one of those tables with a built-in charcoal holder... In addition to BBQing, I could use it to toast marshmallows... But I might have to experiment with making bulgogi on my SO's George Foreman for now. :)
Thanks for the link!
Permalink | Reply
Oh, I want one those as well. As well as a wood burning stove so I can make wood-fired pizzas. And DH wants a Caja China. Try fitting those in a NYC apartment!
Permalink | Reply