i am a half breed korean, and i was surprised to find a korean restaurant in this city, and was even more surprised that it didn't disappoint. it helps that it is run by koreans, but it is obvious that they have catered to a city that has no big interest in korean food. traditional korean food consists of many, many small free dishes served alongside your food. this place doesn't even give you kimchee unless you specifically ask, and i took her by surprise when i scarfed it down immediately and asked for more. she has to go all the way to chicago every week for the ingredients, so the food isn't as good as i'm used to. since racine isn't really an asian food friendly place, let alone korean food, they have incorporated more acceptable menu items that people would probably recognize that are japanese and chinese items. the korean food menu items are definitely chosen for the town, to introduce them as easily and painlessly to korean tastes, and they do not have some of the items i was hoping for, and missing, since i moved here. the decor is very cute, and i fell in love with the fact that she was watching a korean soap opera when i walked in. it reminded me of home, and the cute little figurines and decor made me want to take a picture and send it to my mom. the korean owner was polite and attentive to our table, when we ran out of beer, or rice, or kimchee, despite being busy (with 3 men at the bar obviously trying hard to keep her attention with constant flirting.) the bul go gi is great. it is just marinated thin strips of beef (i always introduced friends back home to this first, and no one has ever not liked it). the spicy pork was loved by my husband, but varies slightly from the less saucy version i am used to back home. still, it also is going to be very easy for someone (who loves spice) to accept, even if they aren't sure about korean food as a whole. the kim-bop is a good appetizer for newcomers too. i hope korean food catches on in this town, and recommend everyone try it at least once.
more