Korean Food Rookie
The more time I spend exploring Atlanta restaurants in general and Buford Highway food joints in particular, the more I realize how little I know about dining in this town. For instance, I don't have a CLUE about where to go for great Irish food tonight! The List from Creative Loafing last year has opened my eyes to all kind of new appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza spots, meat dishes, and the all important category of sweets. And despite the smattering of Korean food throughout the list (though, surprisingly, none in the "International Snacks" area), there simply isn't enough for my tastes.
I have a Korean friend, Hyunah, who insists that The List isn't steering me to the VERY best spots. When I told her I was going to Honey Pig, she was encouraged and then told me to order the steamed eggs (which aren't on the menu). She gave me this card so that I could be perfectly clear. And, I would have been clear had I actually remembered to bring the card with me!
After enough downloads about my eating adventures on Buford Highway, Hyunah said,
"Enough! I'm taking you (and the family) out for the real experience."
You can imagine my excitement!!!
After coordinating calendars, we ended up at Hae Woon Dae for Korean food adventure night! I LOVED everything I tried - especially, as gross as this sounds, the beef knuckles. (mmm - really chewy!) Half of the fun is cooking your own meat and trying new combinations. The adults jumped into the experience with both feet. The kids liked the steak and chicken, but practically gorged themselves on the steamed eggs (not on the menu here either, but Hyunah worked it out).
In hindsight, the only thing missing was that the entire ordering process was done in Korean by Hyunah, so I don't even know how to advise you what to get. Just shoot for a table that looks like this...
After dinner we made a stop at one of the hippest, most happening bakeries I've ever seen, White Windmill. This place was a cross between Alon's Bakery, Starbucks, and Dean & Deluca. PLUS they sell "bubble tea," so what's not to love? Of course, this was my FIRST experience with bubble tea so my enthusiastic review comes with exactly ZERO comparable experiences! I know, I know - - I'm late to the party! For those of you who are similarly "late," imagine a smoothie with giant balls of tapioca at the bottom (the "bubbles"). Doesn't sound appealing, does it? Trust me, the drink is worth trying no matter the description!
The son went for a chocolate bomb and the rest of us ate assorted cookies.
Definitely worth the drive and a perfect way to top off a great evening. Happy dining!!!
And let me know where to eat to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!