Food Review Series: Balling on a Budget
Korean bb.q Chicken
Overall Rating: ★★★★ ½
Cost: $
Taste: ★★★★
It’s 9:30 p.m. on a cold night, you’ve valiantly conquered your latest midterm, and for once in your life that empty feeling in your stomach isn’t because of an unfinished pset: it’s hunger. Maseeh D is great and all, but you want something different. Something savory and warm to sink your teeth into; you deserve it. But what can fill the void? A burger? Too basic. Tacos? Too tedious. No, you deserve more. What if I told you there’s a perfect place for food that’ll satisfy your inner carnivore and won’t break the bank? Sold? Well, follow me to a spot that’s only a hop, skip, and jump away (ok maybe it’s a little farther than that) as we venture into the wonderful world of bb.q Chicken. Offering a variety of Korean staples, this national chain claims to have “the best Korean fried chicken in the world.” And while I cannot confirm or deny this statement, I will say that they rarely disappoint. Established in Seoul, South Korea, founder Yoon Hong-guen's principles were simple: “serve great tasting …fried chicken to the world.” Now that’s a man after my own heart. Suffice to say I think he succeeded.
Now as someone hailing from the great state of Texas, I take my barbeque very seriously. So when some of my friends from New York first introduced me to this so-called barbeque, I was more than a little skeptical. But my openness to new experiences — coupled with my motto of never turning down an opportunity for free food — led me to give the place a chance.
Suffice to say, I’m glad I did.
Recommendations
· The Golden Original Chicken with Secret Spicy sauce is a great choice if you're in the mood for something with a kick. Crispy. Crunchy. And full of flavor. What more can you ask for? Don’t forget to pair it with their pickled radish and sweet potato fries for a perfectly balanced meal.
· Hands down, the Signature Rice Bowl is my favorite item on the menu. There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of tender rice topped with eggs, chicken (“over seasoned to perfection,” as we say in the South), tangy onions, scallions, and toasted sesame seeds drizzled with spicy mayo. And coming in at 15 bucks, this is a steal, especially in this economy!