We had ordered a minor feast, after all there was much to celebrate. My attorney friend had confirmation that she'd been hired, we'd discovered a new Korean market (synonymous in my book with good cheap Asian food stuffs), and after months of going without, decent home-style Korean food was only a few finger points away (they've got one of those helpful picture menus up on the wall.
Formerly "Umma's" but now called "Spring Restaurant" this is my not-so-secret spot for getting my Korean fix. From the 26, take 217 South, get off at Canyon road hang a right, then a quick right on 114th and shazzam you'll see Pal-do Market (Spring Restaurant is in the loft space up the stairs).
Coming up the stairs, I knew I'd like this place before having a single bite. Is this possible? Why wouldn't it be? Why ask why?
The thoughts that lead me to this unusually positive predisposition:
One - Catherine K. (http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=pSHeWpBuZH8tAw64UAgXgw) had given this place her blessing.
Two - Even though I was hardly the first to discover this place it had that new discovery feel
Three - Not a word of English was being spoken before we arrived
Four - I started to salivate when I looked at the photo wall menu
We ordered the Kal bi (grilled marinated short rib) and Mul Naeng Myun (cold noodle soup) combination, Dol Sot Bi bim bap (vegetables, rice, beef, and egg in a stone pot), and a platter of steamed Mandoo.
It was beautiful. First the banchan (side dishes) parade marched across our table...Kim Chee, Tae-gu, Potato, Beat Sprout, Sausage. Then came the entrees. The sizzling Kal bi platter, the glorious stone pot with its spicy beef, gooey egg, and crispy rice, then finally the cold stainless steel bowl of sweet and sourness.
It is at this point where we received assistance, after cutting our soup noodles the friendly lady who seemingly does it all here ( and who came across like an aunt, though I'm not Korean) provided helpful guidance on how best to eat our dishes. A mix or two here. A sprinkle of this sauce there. And we were all set.
Great food. Great service. I've no complaints (other than why can't this be in Sellwood?), and can't wait to go back for some Omrice and Mae-oon dak kalbi. In this town where there's a dearth of even good Korean joints, a "great" one like this may as well be considered down right amazing.
Spring Restaurant
3975 SW 114th Ave
Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 626-7819
Great post!
ReplyDeleteQuestion--my brother is coming back from South Korea soon and I'd love to take him to a local Korean restaurant--did they have any vegan options there?
I'm drooling and heading over there on my next day off!
ReplyDeleteHere's a link to a great list of other Korean spots to check out (I still haven't made it to all of them myself. http://www.yelp.com/list/pdxs-got-seoul-beavorton
ReplyDelete@Janessa Thanks! I'm sure they probably could prepare a few of the dishes with veggies and no egg. I wouldn't know how to ask though, or which ones they're called. If you click the link in the post to fellow leet yeep Catherine K. she'd be a great person to ask.
@Deb Look forward to hearing your thoughts.
perfect post...i've been craving kalbi for a while!
ReplyDelete