Imonae, Flushing's Best BBQ

Alright, so it's been quite a while since I've had Korean BBQ (e.g. samkyopsal, kalbi) at a restaurant, because quite frankly, it's damn expensive. Doing it up at home is a far more affordable alternative. But the other night, we got invited, which is a totally different thing altogether (because it means I'm not paying)! So our gracious host--my friend's boss--took us out to Imonae Gui 이모네 구이, a small restaurant without an English sign on Union St. south of Northern Blvd. It was my first time there, and man was I surprised. This is exactly the kind of place you don't want to try, because if you do, you'll be hooked. Honestly, I thought I knew delicious Korean BBQ, but this place reminded me how much I'd forgotten--after all, doing it up perfectly at home doesn't compete with what this place was offering--nor do many of the nearby restaurants. Thick slabs of juicy samkyopsal cooking up on the grill along with mushrooms and small pieces of pumpkin squash was making my mouth water. Among the banchun (sidedishes), was a fantastic dish of chotcal--probably some of the best chotcal I've had (and I don't usually like the stuff!). I ate and ate and I would have eaten more if I could have physically. I don't remember BBQ being so delicious even in Korea--and it's damn good in Korea! Go with the thick samkyopsal (one order per person; with a group of four you could get by with three orders, but don't order less than that). atmosphere: A- (pretty authentic -- soju flowing generously)
prices: average for BBQ (~$15-$20/person)
service: A (fast)
food: A+ (Dynomite!)
Check it out:
Imonae Gui between 37th Ave and Northern on Union St.
36-26 Union St.
Flushing, NY 11354
718-353-3444
*again, no English sign.




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San Soo Kap San (산수갑산 )

This truly is one of the greatest Korean restaurants outside of Korea. Before yesterday evening, it had been quite a while, but once again, as always, I was extremely satisfied with the high quality food and service. Whatever you order here, you can be sure that it is of the highest quality. It's 24 hours and my favorite part about it is the banchun (반천), or side-dishes, that compliment each and every meal (at no extra cost).

Banchun are probably one of the cooler features that sets Korean culinary fair apart from other Asian cuisine. Some form of banchun is included with virtually all Korean dishes, regardless of the retaurant, but Sam Soo Gap San has one of the biggest, best and most delicious spreads. The banchun at San Soo Gap San could easily stand on their own as a meal, but they're just the sides that have to make way for the main dish.

As far as I know, there are two branches of this famed Korean restaurant, possibly even three: one on Union St and 39th Ave. in Flushing and one further out towards Bayside on Northern Blvd. (there might be one in Midtown but I'm not sure about that). I prefer the one on Union.
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Here's the menu posted at New York Magazine.
Good food, a little pricey, but a bit more affordable than the reknowned Kum Gang San.