Midtown Lunch

I am always, always searching for great jajangmyeon, the Korean dish of fermented bean paste, zucchini, onions (and often pork), over fat noodles. There is something about it that makes me go through great lengths to get some. (Coincidentally, Meal Ticket just posted a recipe for the Chinese version, but I’d rather leave it to the pros) Previously, I could begrudgingly get my fix at Pastoral, weird service and all, but they’ve closed. So now I have to travel a little farther from home to seek it out. I found some at Nagwon Garden in West Philly.

But first, their banchan. I enjoyed the kimchee and potatoes, but I would advise to steer clear of the mushy looking cucumbers, they taste like a fish died in them.

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It’s Wednesday, and I am checking out another spot a little more North and East than where I usually dine. Today, its soft tofu for lunch.

Jong Ka Jib is apparently THE place to get hot, bubbly, spicy Korean style soft tofu called soon du boo.  I will admit that generally, I prefer my tofu like I prefer my butts- firm. Could I be swayed otherwise?

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Chinatown has a ton of bakeries selling similar delicious baked good and drinks, plus a few with specialties like Yummy Yummy with their waffles and New Harmony with their “pop” smoothies. Cube Cafe has both, along with a menu of food that is… Pan-Asian inspired? Really though, the photo menu on the counter covers food from Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, and China. Plus breakfast and dessert.

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Coastal Cave is a quirky, mildly Asian influenced,  seafood-centric stand in Reading Terminal. The menu is scattered and strange, and I am totally into that. A lunch here could be decently healthy or really really bad for you, the choice is yours (but I choose both). Coastal Cave has a list of sandwiches whose names are as amusing as their contents are tempting.

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Some friends of mine told me that the little deli on 11th and Spruce called Rana actually made some decent lunch and all-day breakfast sandwiches. In the middle of all the different types of chips, prepackaged dumplings, and many types of teas is  the sandwich counter.

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Back in September, Nick raved about the bulgogi platter at the Koja truck. On a return trip I wanted something less plattery, more portable, and as cheap as possible. My eyes immediately went to the cheapest meal on the menu- a $3 bulgogi cheesesteak. Same great meat, lower price, portable, perfect. Was this going to be kid sized though?

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Today Morgan is reporting on Bossam bar, a fast, affordable Korean fusion spot on 7th and Sansom.  With the recent love for Korean Tacos, Burritos, and Ssam (Korean Wraps), I am shocked this place has not been publicized at all.

Like many Philadelphians, I imagine, I’ve heard a great deal about the Korean taco trend but have not had a chance to try them. I heard the buzz when they hit Ansill (now closed) and have been meaning to try them since chef David Ansill moved over to Ladder 15. From there the trend has spread, Jamie got an early preview of Giwa’s version, but I had still never had the opportunity to cross paths with a Korean taco myself. So I was super excited to hear about Bossam Bar, a Korean/Japanese fusion restaurant that opened in the Jewelers Row location formerly occupied by Tampopo.

I was a little confused when I walked in, but the guy behind the cash register quickly explained the procedure to us. The menu is projected on the wall near the entrance. You’re meant to tell your selection to the man at the register, pay, then seat yourself. They bring your food out to you on cafeteria trays as it’s prepared. Then you bus your own tray to the racks in the back of the room. The set-up reminded me of my college’s dining hall. Besides this new, relaxed method of service, the interior is wholly unchanged from the Tampopo days.

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