Put a lovely couple on either side of the table, so they are facing each other, and then let the food and fun begin! Most foodies know this, but in case you don't, Korean BBQ has a grill in the middle of the table - you get to cook your own food. Don't for a second think this is going to be 'work' - it gives your table something to do - like being on a camping trip, except this time you are the friggin' King of the World! (because everything is clean and prepared and made easy for you) - trust me, this is the perfect way to combine eating with an 'activity' - you will all remember this for a long time to come.
The Food: Quality all the way. Try the GALBEE beef - nice strips of perfectly marbled grilling splendour - and try the spicey chicken & pork. They also bring you all these little dishes as part of the experience (i.e. dim sum). Half the menu is BBQ that you grill yourself, and the other half is food they cook in their kitchen and bring out to you - so either way you are covered.
Atmosphere: Hip and casual. You don't have to dress up, but you can... Exposed ceiling with metal air ducts, lots of wood, water, colorful lighting, a yellow wall lit up to show Gyendari flower prints. You get the feeling that this place was designed by some famous designer - who knows? And this gem is located amid all the Culver City action, so you can walk around and people watch. The movies are a few doors down. And Free Parking abounds! Easy in and out.
Pricing: This is not an 'expensive' restaurant - middle of the road pricing. Just high enough that you trust the quality, but low enough that you will go back. Perfect for special occasions but also affordable enough for regular visits. Your bill will of course depend on whether or not you drink, but I would say the average cost to each person is about $30-$40 when all is said and done - so a couple can get in and our for well under a hundred bucks with tip.
The owner and head Chef can be seen walking around greeting customers, making suggestions - Chef Robert is the star of the show. You can tell he really loves what he does - and the menu was clearly the result of a lot hard work and creativity. I am going back just for the odd chance that we might get to bump in to him again. And is there anything better than a head chef that also owns the place? And as you would expect, he has assembled a staff that is welcoming and professional - they are 'on it'.
Regarding those few reviews that try to compare this place to Korean Town restaurants - they are entitled to their own opinions. I would guess though that they are looking more at their wallets than their palettes. Ain't no nervy meat served here folks!
Pros: parking, food, ambience, quality, price
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