AppetitePortland

Celebrating the culinary wonders of Maine's foodie hub

Rolling in the Lobstah’

Aug 8

Posted by dawn in Informal Dining, Outside Portland, Snacks & Street Food, Stores & Purveyors | 8 Comments

Not being a native Mainer, I’d never truly cottoned to the appeal of the lobster roll. Just seemed like a waste of crustacean on a glorified hot dog bun.

The awesome roll at the Brunswick Diner in Brunswick

Then, about a year ago, I watched Adam choke down a far-from-perfect specimen in a place whose name claimed the opposite.

That didn’t help.

So, I stuffed the idea of this state-sanctioned sandwich onto the far reaches of my mental shelf. And there it sat – until a group blogger assignment dusted it off.

When A. requested that we pick a place – I stalled. Prejudice breeds lethargy in me and I didn’t call “dibs” fast enough. By the time I rallied, the Portland area “biggies” had been snagged. Perennial Phoenix “best of” winner Portland Lobster Company, as well as Cape Elizabeth’s Lobster Shack and the venerable Old Port Sea Grill had slipped through my net.

Stories of stomach upset kept me from sampling another local institution. I did try the lobster sandwich at the Porthole, but, in a last-minute flurry of confusion and missed opportunities, I grudgingly (hey – it was already written!) ceded the review to Kate. I did include my photos of the Porthole below, though, and tend to agree with her review’s sentiments.

So – what was a blogger to do?

I got outta town.

Brunswick Diner - $13 (without sides)

Set on the busy intersection where Route 1 bends north from its journey east from Highway 95, the Brunswick Diner itself is an intersection – of cute and crusty. Opened in 1946, it ain’t no retro throwback. It’s the real deal with naugahyde stools, a classic jukebox and locals milling about.

Once featured on the Today Show for its roll, the diner’s been riding the wave ever since. I’d seen the boastful banner (see photo) on treks to the Midcoast, and, being a skeptical soul, decided to put it to the test.

Billy's large lobster roll and sides.

It truly was a revelation. Adam (who demurred from purchasing his own roll due to “a lack of hunger” – always a dubious claim)  practically arm-wrestled me for it in the end. Heavy on fresh lobster (with a healthy amount of the succulent claw) and light on the mayo, it featured a crisp lettuce leaf and a generously buttered, split-top roll toasted to perfection. A seriously awesome sandwich. Simple. A credit to it’s genre. A roll that tempered my biases and made me hanker for more.

So, we tried another at –

Billy’s Chowder House, Wells – $19 (with sides)

Feeling mighty peckish after a photo shoot in York, we sojourned to Billy’s Chowder House in Wells on the way home. I’d spied the joint on Ricchio’s Maine mag list and determined to “go for two.”  It didn’t hurt that Joe had also lauded the cocktails.

Rolling up to the valet (yes – really – the valet) at 5:30, we were shocked at the crowd of cars – until we strolled into the bar. Just about every hair was blue. Ignoring Adam’s snarky comment about our compatriots “getting liquored up before Dancing with the Stars,” I settled onto a stool and was soon sipping a cold one and enjoying a view of the marsh.

Lobster sandwich at the Porthole.

A communal vibe and a lobster roll as big as my forearm (you can opt for a $13 “junior roll” – but why?) made the evening sing. While I missed the lettuce of the Brunswick version and wasn’t quite as enthralled with the bun, the lobster on Billy’s roll was just as perfectly cooked (no rubber here!) – the mayo as lovingly balanced. A crunchy side of slaw (I swapped out the fries) and a pickle elevated the experience.

And, I admit, it probably didn’t hurt that Billy’s early-evening patrons made me feel quite young for a gal in her mid-forties.

Portland Lobster Roll Search

Now a firm fan, I tried one last time today to sample a lobster roll in Portland. Hearing tell of the sandwich at the new food cart, Lindy’s Lunch, I took a sweaty slog the breadth of Commercial Street just now – narrowly missing a downpour. While I spied Eric’s Pizza Express and Jen’s Hot Dog’s, there was no sign of Lindy’s Lunch (at least on a Monday).  I even popped by Monument Square to no avail. Ah well, another time. . .

Blogger’s note: Visit Portland Food Map for a round-up and links to other blogger reviews of local lobster rolls.

Billy's Chowder House on Urbanspoon

Tags: , , ,

Cupcake Coterie: Take 2

Aug 1

Posted by dawn in Snacks & Street Food, Stores & Purveyors | 1 Comment

Last time it was all about rediscovery and wonder. This time, my hopes and expectations ran high.

Bam Bam bakery's gluten-free, dairy free cupcakes

Unfortunately, my hopes were dashed on the craggy shores of my expectations.

The second Portland Cupcake Throwdown featured another batch of our fair city’s bakers and cupcake purveyors (seven to be exact) – and twice as many bloggers. Joining Kate, Uke and I were Jillian, Rebecca and Vrylena.

In the mix were Scratch Baking Co. (last round’s winner) East End Cupcakes, European Bakery, Aurora Provisions, Sugar Hill and Bam Bam.

Promising entries from Y-Limes Gourmet were ditched due to a tragic meltdown. We held this event a few weeks ago  – when temps crept up into the 90’s – and the heat caused an awful buttercream explosion. By the time we rescued the bakery’s Pink Lemonade cupcake from it’s box, it resembled a vat of boiling Pepto Bismol. Quite a shame. Uke captured the result in her post. For an accurate visual of what the cupcake SHOULD look like, visit Y-Limes’ website.

Overall: While I enjoyed a frosting here and a cake consistency there, I left the event rather saddened. Perhaps it was the humidity. Perhaps the nostalgia had worn off after the first throwdown last November. Or, perhaps I simply expected too much. Whatever the cause, a scan through my notes revealed the phrases  “simply flavorless,” “pasty, plastic film,” and “like a stale devil dog.”

Not a great experience.

East End's bright pink box and spiffy logo.

Sticking with grandma’s old adage about saying nice things, I’m focusing here on the glimmers of positive. For more complete reviews read the other blogger’s posts by clicking on the links above.

Visual Appeal: Both entries from East End were lovely to gaze upon. A thick hat of coconut shavings topped a lime cake and a sexy swirl of milk chocolate capped the vanilla. Presented in a bright pink box with thoughtful cardboard separators, East End wins hands-down for packaging and prettiness.

Cake Appeal: Although the frosting was a tad weak -flavored, European Bakery’s Carrot Cake offered the moistest crumb – with chunks of pure carrot, walnuts and an even grain. Pump the cream-cheesiness up a few notches and this petite pastry would be stellar.

Frosting Appeal: Creamy and buttery – with a dark chocolate wallop and a pistachio whisper – the frosting on Scratch’s entry was a sensual dream. While the cake lacked the sheer perfection of the bakery’s entries last round  (Black Forest Chocolate and Banana Cream Pie), the frosting alone secured Scratch’s spot in my personal Bakery Hall of Fame.

Dietary Restriction Appeal: The gluten-free, dairy-free entries from Bam Bam – while not as fragrant and intense as the offerings from Cakeface last round – were quite pleasant.  We sampled three chocolate cakes with varied frosting – vanilla, chocolate and peanut butter – and I felt all three were solid. While I still struggle with the texture of these cakes, I’m glad a few talented bakers (Bevin at Bam Bam and Jenn at Cakeface ) are providing Portland with vegan choices.

Full Disclosure: The cupcakes from East End were donated.

A Delightful Bistro

Jul 12

Posted by dawn in Dining Events, Fine Dining, Informal Dining | 2 Comments

While Petite Jacqueline doesn’t offer the most mind-blowing French food on the planet – I adore the place none-the-less.

The wide from window of Petite Jacqueline

Granted, it’s no Au Pied du Cochon (Montreal) or Au Vieux Comptior (Paris) – two places embroiled in my brain and heart (not to mention my thighs) for all-time top French dishes (guinea hen liver mousse and sweet breads with morels, asparagus and a river of cream – respectively).

But, I’m just delighted to have a solid French bistro in Portland. One that makes a tasty Nicoise Salad, an appealing Steak Frites and a lovely Fluke Meuniere.

Consistently. In authentic style. Wrapped in a bright, boisterous package that transports you straight to Boulevard Saint-Germain.

It also doesn’t hurt that the bubbly, dimpled Gwendolyn – who always seems to get stuck with us – is one of the most enthusiastic and appealing servers in town.

And – this is vital to my post-vacation budget – the house red is surprisingly stellar and comes in a huge carafe. A pinot noir-syrah blend, it’s a steal for $20.

Nicoise Salad: A sizable Nicoise approaches “Parisian” with chunks of tuna, bright, al dente haricot vert, slighly runny hard-boiled eggs, nicoise olives and fingerlings. See if you can pick out which salad photo (below) is from Petite Jacqueline – and which is from a café in Montmarte. (Okay – the anchovies probably give this away. That’s one key component PJ needs to improve upon).

Steak Frites: I recommend you order this richly marinated flat iron steak rare or on the “rare side” of medium rare. To cook it longer defeats the dish and toughens the meat to (from a French – and my – perspective) a perverse level of doneness. Seriously. Hand cut fries come skinny, crackling and drizzled with mayo and a dash of parsley. Expertly fried and made from what I presume to be local Maine potatoes, they offer not just crunch but complex flavor. Marvelous.

Fluke Meuniere: Pan seared with capers and loads of butter, this local fish gets a light flour coating before its crisped to a perfect golden brown and draped over spinach. Delicate simplicity on a plate.

Timely note: In honor of Bastille Day, this Thursday, July 14, Petite Jacqueline is offering a traditional celebratory meal – a three-course dinner with wine pairings for $50. Check out the menu.

Which Nicoise is Petite Jacqueline's?

Petite Jacqueline on Urbanspoon

Not Strawberries!!

Jul 11

Posted by dawn in Stores & Purveyors | 1 Comment

I grew up with a strawberry-loving mom. She would just shake her head and say, “well, more for me then” while popping a plump red berry in her mouth. It’s not that I hate strawberries. To quote my never-admit-to-not-liking-anything, farm-raised Dad, “I just really don’t prefer them.”

Give me blueberries any ‘ole day.

Now, I do enjoy some strawberry-ish things. My Nebraska mom-in-law makes a mean strawberry-rhubarb jam (she grows both in her garden) and a snappy strawberry salsa once surprised me at a BBQ. But, when the dictate came down for this month’s blogger theme, I groaned inwardly (and, Adam tells me, also outwardly) and struggled valiantly (yes, really) to overcome my, um, “preferences.”

I marched to the farmer’s market, determined to buy some berries and bite the bullet.

I even took this picture:

Lovely Maine strawberries from the Farmer's Market

But, I couldn’t do it. I just couldn’t.

Instead, when this sign caught my eye, I got thoroughly distracted:

Simple recipe for a wonderful summer salad.

I purchased a beautiful batch of curly kale and crisp bok choi, marched back home and made what has fast become a favorite simple summer salad.

Give it a try!

Fearless Flavor

Jun 13

Posted by dawn in Snacks & Street Food, Stores & Purveyors | 2 Comments

A cone of Mexican Chocolate and Salt Caramel obscures MDI's "Fearless Flavor" tagline on the sign.

Being in the branding biz myself, I am a tad wary of taglines. Too often they grossly overstate – or prove mismatched to the product. So when I first gazed at the sign bedecked with a fierce, spoon-clutching fist and read the claim, “Fearless Flavor” – I raised an eyebrow and muttered “we’ll see.” But Mt Desert Island Ice Cream (51 Exchange Street) didn’t – and continues to not – disappoint.

Many flavors are flat-out fierce (Thai chili, anyone? Chocolate wasabi, maybe?) and some are fearlessly funky.  And I mean that in a good way – not in a “what’s that funky smell” kinda way.

Case in point – The Dude. How often do you find a White Russian-flavored mound of creamy goodness named after cinema’s most famous aging slacker?

Others bring out the fierce in brave combinations of earthy sweet and herb (try the stellar Blueberry Basil sorbet) or simply elegant (the maple and corn meal heartiness of Indian Pudding).

To a scoop, MDI ice cream’s best feature is that it’s not overly saccharine. Sweet yes, but not sugary. The company creates new flavors often – I hear tell of a Danish Blue Cheese Blackberry about to hit town – and avoids the “throw in the kitchen sink” fadiness of that mass-marketed chain from Vermont.

Some flavors celebrate childhood (Nutella), and others rejoice in the pleasures of growing up (Stout with Fudge, Jack Daniels).

My favorite MDI flavors even push boundaries closer to all-out savory. Salt Caramel for instance blends the tang of sea salt with a long-lasting umami richness of a dense cream caramel. I can’t get enough of it.

Much has been made about President Obama’s visit to MDI’s flagship in Bar Harbor last summer, but his choice of scoop (Coconut) is where MDI – for me – misses the mark. It’s pleasant, but lacks a certain lushness and flavor punch.

For the perfect Coconut, stroll around the corner onto Fore Street and enter Gorgeous Gelato.

Blogger’s Note: Visit Portland Food Map for a round-up and links to other reviews of ice cream and gelato joints from bloggers around town.

Post Vacation Let-Down Cure: Part I – Authentic Italian

May 26

Posted by dawn in Informal Dining, Stores & Purveyors | 3 Comments

Post vacation let-down is a bitch. I yearn for the the languid days, the sense of discovery, and – of course – the food.

Paciarino's sign and Adam's photo of the stunning Amalfi Coast

When we lived in the mid-south I was mostly out of luck. Post vacation culinary cravings were never satisfied. Returns from Vietnam and Turkey were particularly harsh. There ain’t no street Pho in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, folks.

But Portland has proven a salve – easing my re-entry from a recent trip to France and Italy. Three places in particular have helped me over the hump: Paciarino, Gorgeous Gelato and Petite Jacqueline.

Just sitting at Paciarino’s bare, blonde wood tables makes me wistful. Shades of creamy gold and robin’s egg blue evoke a crisp Mediterranean morning. A rich, doughy odor wafts from the open kitchen as pasta ribbons curl into existence. Set in front of me, a hearty plate of Tagliatelle alla Bolognese steams with meaty, tomato goodness tinged with garlic, rosemary and cloves. Made from owner Fabiana de Savino’s trusted family recipe, the sauce is pure heaven atop a generous pile of thick, al dente strands.

Next to me, Adam’s “oh man-ing” over fat ravioli pillows stuffed with goat cheese and Vidalia onions caramelized with a touch of fresh sage. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil glistens on his fork as he stabs chunks of the tender pockets slathered in traditional Pomodoro sauce speckled with fresh ground parmigiano. 

A few days before I’d sampled the Ravioli di Pesce al Pomodoro – packed with local shrimp and haddock. Also stellar. (In fact, everything I’ve ever eaten at Paciarino rings with authentic flavor and fresh ingredients. Try the olivey Maccheroni Paesani or the Spaghetti aglio olio e Peperoncino if you spy these house specialties featured on the restaurant’s signature blackboard.)

We could sit here all afternoon sipping Falanghina (a lemony, crisp Campania white that won over two, seriously committed red addicts), remembering lazy days on the Amalfi Coast, but we have a self-imposed date a few doors up Fore Street.

I’ve written about Gorgeous Gelato before. It was blessing in January – and a Godsend now. It’s astounding how addicted Adam and I became to traditional Italian gelato in just a few weeks. The creamy and fierce dark chocolate is exactly like the glorious scoops I ate all over Venice and it harkens me back. Bitter sweet – both the taste and the memories.

Sigh.

Up next: Petite Jacqueline.

Paciarino on Urbanspoon

Filling up at Fuel

Mar 10

Posted by dawn in Fine Dining, Outside Portland | No Comments

Honoring the fact that this is Maine Restaurant Week (and not simply Portland Restaurant Week), Kate of The Blueberry Files and I decided to drag the men out of town and fill up at Fuel.

Adam's stellar Nicoise Salad at Fuel in Lewisto

Intrigued by the Lewiston restaurant’s reputation – not to mention its mouth-watering $30 special menu previewed on the MRW website – our hopes and expectations were high.

Were they met? Well, yes. . . and no. It was a night of highs and lows.

Adam loved his Nicoise Salad. Our shared Duck Rilettes appetizer was a revelation. My dessert a dream. But, Adam’s entree bitterly disappointed and M felt his side dish was – well – simply bitter.

Here’s the story.

The night veered a tad sideways early on when we discovered that instead of a “choose one from every course” structure, the chef had paired the promoted dishes into concrete threesomes. So, if you wanted the Pork Belly Cassoulet, you also got the Nicoise Salad and a silly “jellies and truffles” dessert. Faced with that restriction, Kate, M and I decided the only valid choice was to fully commit to the chocolate torte with Maine sea salted caramel, malt powder and Guinness ice cream. I mean, come on!

It proved wise.

Our first course was white asparagus cooked sous vide then grilled. French for “under vacuum,” sous vide basically means sealed in a baggy and slowly simmered in a water bath.  An accompanying egg also was prepared sous vide. Sprinkled on top – a lovely crumble of brown butter bread crumbs. While tasty and rich, the asparagus inevitably got old after three spears, and we three soon jealously eyed Adam’s stellar Nicoise. Crunchy little bread crumbs couldn’t make up for the juicy Ahi slabs being devoured to my right. Adam was in heaven and M accurately declared,”Adam won this round!”

Fuel's amazing chocolate torte.

Luckily, M also ordered extra appetizers, which included the afore-mentioned, super-fabulous Duck Rilettes (is braised duck ever really bad?) and a briny charcuterie plate. Both top notch.

For mains, the triad received generous lamb sirloins paired with grilled radicchio, endive and grapes in a red wine sauce. Tender, robust and not the least bit gamey, the lamb came with a nice red center. It pleased, but lit no spark. No overtones of rosemary or soft, smoky haze.  Perfectly cooked, yet also ordinary. Curious.

While I love bitter and bold, M just couldn’t abide the (admittedly) biting flavor of the grilled radicchio and endive. He choose instead to dive into the cheddar-laced polenta cake that served as cheesy lamb cushion. Underwhelmed, Kate and I left ours mostly untouched.

Meanwhile, Adam stewed over his bowl of ham and beans. Pork Belly Cassoulet it was not. Salty, thoroughly cooked through and lacking even a remote jiggle of fat, it was a stretch to label it “belly” and Adam wasn’t pleased. He brought most of it home to be re-heated with eggs and toast “where it belongs.”

Adam was equally underwhelmed with his mini plate of odd jellied cubes and truffles — abandoning them to a full-on campaign to snag bites of my marvelous torte.

I thwarted him. Save Bresca’s buttermilk pannacotta, it was the best dessert I’ve eaten east of the Mississippi and I finished every bite.

So, what was my impression of Fuel?  I saw enough brilliance to go back – and order off the regular menu.

Fuel on Urbanspoon

Tags: , , ,

Portland Burgers Round 2: Fine Dining Burgers

Mar 7

Posted by dawn in Fine Dining | 5 Comments

With it’s chic drum lighting, lacquered wood bar and influx of business lunchers, Walters was the last place I expected to find an “I’ll start my diet tomorrow” burger. But in this trendy, urban enclave – so seemingly suited to hunks of halibut topped with micro-greens – that’s exactly what I got.

Juicy, awesome fine-dining burger at Walter's

A burger that was decadent and luscious but didn’t over reach. A burger that avoided the extremes of both mundanity and gastronomic group-think. No melting wad of foie gras or oozing egg. Just the right mix of ingredients – each item prepared with thought to the whole.

Called the 2P2 Burger (no, I didn’t ask why and I’m apparently not clever enough to figure it out), this joyously constructed and luxuriously generous sandwich filled me up fast and left me happily humming. I jotted a few notes before I collapsed into a blissed-out fugue state. Here’s what I tasted:

The Meat: Billed as “Kobe beef wagyu style” the meat came dead-on medium rare with a slight run of blood and smoky, kissed-the-fire flavor. Juicy and tender with mouthfuls of blended fat and flesh – I could just picture the marbled slab that was ground for the patty.

The Toppings: Applewood smoked bacon arched over the meat in a perfectly cooked wedge of salty, pliant crunchiness. Carmelized onions slid down the sides in a river of melted Vermont cheddar – adding a tang and creamy sweetness.

The Sauce: Frothy, yet somehow also wonderfully pungent, a “special sauce” reminded me of Thousand Island or Russian, only both wispier AND richer. Go figure. Zesty dribbles mixed with oil ran onto my hands and plate – making it a five-napkin endeavor.

The Bun: A thick, buttery brioche crowned the patty like a puffy winter hat. Soft and rich – it’s crust golden and flaky from the egg wash – I couldn’t dream of a better container for the meaty, moist innards.

The Frites: Classic frites added more artery-clogging goodness to the meaty main course – soaking up the burger juices with their skinny, crispy selves. Not the best I’ve ever had, but certainly satisfying, and far better than most.

Bottom Line: A bonzo, fine-dining burger and frites – well worth the $12.00 price tag.

Blogger’s Note: Visit Portland Food Map for a round-up and links to other fine-dining burger reviews from around town.

Walter's on Urbanspoon

Love Letter to a Brew

Feb 26

Posted by dawn in Stores & Purveyors | No Comments

Dear Peak Organic,

Bless you. You’ve successfully married two of my favorite things in life – beer and coffee – in a union that’s nothing short of brilliant.

Peak Organic Brewing Company's Espresso Amber Ale

I smile when I spy a bottle peeking out from behind the milk. Flush with excitement when I pull it from the fridge. Espresso Amber Ale. It’s my latest crush. Can you tell?

I know it’s been around for awhile, so excuse my “late to the party” gushing. I purchased my first bottle just a few weeks ago and it was a revelation.

When I first popped the cap, a whoosh of coffee aroma set me back on my heels. A deep sniff confirmed it would be intense, and yet the veracity of the roasted espresso still sent me reeling. Sure, I’ve had my share of coffee stouts and porters (and enjoyed them plenty). But, they ain’t nothing like this mahogany gem. How DID you create something so clear and fresh – with a light mouth feel – yet steeped in frothy, malty “latte-like” goodness?

I’m sure the locally roasted beans from Coffee By Design had something to do with it.

Paired with a baguette and the sweet, smooth funk of Jasper Hill Farm’s Winnimere (described in loving detail here), the beer reaches even greater heights. Yeast meets yeast in creamy celebration – and it’s a glorious thing.

So, again. Thank you. I love this beer. I truly do.

- Appetite Portland

Tags: , , ,

Killer Korean

Feb 20

Posted by dawn in Informal Dining | No Comments

Perhaps scarred from the long haul that was Thai-o-rama (and one too many underwhelming Korean hot pots over the years), my expectations for Little Seoul weren’t high when I first strolled in the door last November.

Little Seoul's sweet and creamy pumpkin soup.

More than half-dozen visits later, however, the Exchange Street restaurant has slowly wormed it’s way onto my “regular” list with solid offerings, fair prices and fast, friendly service.

The menu is varied – in my mind, a bit too varied – offering a host of Japanese staples as well as Korean fare. It’s when I stray too far toward The Land of the Rising Sun that Little Seoul veers off-course for me.

Durp-Bop and Kimchi? Awesome. Sushi and Teriyaki? Not so much.

That’s not to say these items are bad. I’d certainly score them “above-average” – with some inching toward “good.” (Adam’s fav – scallop sashimi – is a delicious standout, for example).  But my tastebuds tell me it’s home country cuisine where this restaurant really shines.

Hence, my Six Favorite Little Seoul Dishes to Date:

Kimchi
Technically a “side” not a “dish,” I’d be remiss if I didn’t list the spectacular Kimchi. Served in sets of three, the little bowls of crunchy, fermented veg both spark the appetite and cleanse the palate.  Tangy, vinegary cucumber slices edge out the snappy bean sprout and classic spicy cabbage in my stomach’s race to condiment delight. But, they’re all tartly wonderful. Occasionally a salty fish cake version joins its siblings during lunch – adding an air of the ocean.

Korean-Style Pumpkin Soup
At first slurp, I was shocked by its sweetness – remarking to Adam, “this belongs on the dessert menu.” But subsequent spoonfuls revealed a coarse and nutty creaminess reminiscent of roasted sunchoke. Thickened with rice flour, it’s more dense porridge than soup – both richer and more toothsome than in other culinary traditions.

Bi-Bim-Bop
Served in a hot stone tureen, the solid Bi-Bim-Bop is a filling favorite on a winter’s night. It’s crisped white rice, mushrooms, bean sprouts, shredded seaweed, sesame seed and loads of beef chunks topped with a fried egg. Sounds like fried rice, no? Well, yes. But, somehow it transcends the Americanized Chinese favorite with an determined Asian authenticity. Maybe it’s the sesame and the delicate seaweed strips? I also recommend ratcheting up the roar with sprinkles from the side serving of chili sauce.

Pork On Fire
Melt-in-your-mouth braised pork redefines the word “tender.” Fat practically oozes between your teeth (and I mean that in a good way). Billed as an appetizer, it also serves as a perfect power lunch in this “belly crazed” town. The “on fire” part is a misnomer, however. While the pig is audaciously flavorful and a side salad adds a slight punch, it’s far from the sinus slayer the name suggests.

Gop-Chang Bokum is a killer dish featuring beef tripas (or tripe).

Gop-Chang Bokum
What Pork On Fire lacks in heat, you’ll discover in this striking stir fry. It’s a miracle I ever ordered it, frankly. And, no, it wasn’t the beef intestine that turned me off – it was “GOP” in the name. The velvety tripas pops with a intense offal flavor even while slathered in sweat-inducing chili sauce. Crisp onions and earthy vegetables add “liver and onions” overtones – conjuring visions of Korean grandmas slaving over sizzling stovetops.

Seafood Udon
My “no Japanese” rule goes out the window for this steaming crock of love. I crave the kelp broth when feeling blue or simply worn down by a morning at my laptop. Chucks of salmon, scallops, Maine shrimp, fresh veggies and thick, meaty noodles float in this simply prepared stew, which practically screams “health!”

Next up on my list to try: Nak-Ji Bokum (stir fired octopus with vegetables) and Jeon-Ju Bi-Bim-Bop (broiled eel with ginger, shredded seaweed, sesame seed and housemade eel sauce — whatever that is!).

Little Seoul on Urbanspoon

Tags: , ,