Incredible BBQ at Hanjoo in Murray Hill

Alright, so you already know that my favorite spot to get Korean BBQ in Flushing--or NYC for that matter--probably would have been Imonae Gui. Unfortunately, I just learned that the business has been taken over by new management--and I have yet to try it since.

However, I was happily introduced to an extremely scrumptious and high quality alternative, one that really compares to the old Imonae, perhaps even takes the crown. This place is located in the small, but bustling commercial neighborhood surrounding the MurrayHill LIRR station, east of downtown Flushing. There's no shortage of Korean restaurants around here, but this BBQ joint is a true gem.

It's called Hanjoo Chik Naengmyun & BBQ (or simply Hanjoo by the English signage) and is located on 149th Place, bet. 41st and Barclay Aves. Originally specializing only in naengmyun (cold noodle dishes), Hanjoo has taken to barbecuing with impressive confidence. The first thing that caught my eye was the grill: a slab of crystal placed over the fire. Hanjoo's is the only place I've ever seen with this. Next, the meat. It was thick and juicy and satisfying. We got Samkyopsal and the slabs of meat were well looked after by our waitress as they simmered on the crystal plate. Finally, what really caught my attention (and palette) was the rice on squash--dark blue chakokbap ("mixed grain" rice) on top of a slightly sweet cut of orange squash. The contrasting colors complimented nicely and the sweetness of the squash melted subtly into the rice.

prices: comprable for Korean BBQ (~$15-$20/person)
service: A (fast)
food: A+

Check it out:
Hanjoo 41-06 149 Pl. Flushing, NY 11355
718-359-6888

Best way to get here:
Take the LIRR Port Washington Line to Murray Hill Station ($3.25 City Ticket on weekends--app. 25 mins from Midtown).

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Learn more about NYC's other Murray Hill in this interesting Times article about the neighborhood's changing demographics (written in 2003).

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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Pho Hoang: Vietnamese Cuisine & BBQ on Kissena

I veered from my usual Vietnamese favorite, Pho Bang, to eat at Pho Hoang, the other Vietnamese spot right next door (on Kissena Blvd across from the Flushing Library).

I never really liked Pho Hoang all that much, despite the cleaner and more spacious interior than Pho Bang. The food has always taken way too long and the wait-staff has always been curt and unfriendly. Additionally, I get the impression that Pho Hoang is Chinese-owned, where as I'm sure Pho Bang is authentically Vietnamese (just a hunch).

But, as I love to continuously update my knowledge of the surrounding environs, I said "what the hey," and gave it another shot. And this time, the waiter was way friendlier making all the difference in the world!

After looking at the menu for a while, since I hadn't been in probably a year, I finally ordered what I thought was my Vietnamese favorite: vermicelli noodles with greens, topped with your choice of meat (I don't know the Vietnamese name, but Vietnamese Cold Noodle Salad works).

But when the order arrived (albeit, after a good,long wait), I realized that I goofed. In this case, the goof turned out quite nice in the form of greens on one plate and marinated, barbecue pork on top of "rice stick," which was like thinner, stringier vermicelli noodles stuck together in sheets, on the other. Then there's a side of pickled radish. The greens are used to wrap up the barbecue/rice stick in, much like Korean BBQ (Samkyopsal or Kalbi). This dish is #163 on the menu, under the heading "Vietnamese Cuisine."

As an aside, I must confess that above all else, I love Vietnamese iced tea and coffee. Unfortunately, it seems like I'm always eating Vietnamese for dinner, and since I'm sensitive to caffeine, I try to avoid these treats that late in the day. Instead, I just enjoy the quintessential, complimentary pot of hot jasmine tea found in just about all Vietnamese places.

All in all, my dining experience at Pho Hoang left a far superior impression on me than that of times past. I'll try it again sooner than later.

Pho Hoang
41-01 Kissena Blvd
Flushing, NY 11355
(718) 762-6151

Price: $5-10 / person
Service: C+
Interior: B-
Food: B+
Recommended: Yes

*notice* Vietnamese dishes often make plenty of use of cilantro. If you don't like cilantro, make sure to let the watier know before hand, when placing your order. Otherwise, check out Pho 32 & Shabu, which I reviewed here, where they always put the cilantro on the side for you to use if you please.


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