Korean BBQ, for those who have not had the pleasure of having it, is not a typical dinner night out. It's an interactive dining experience. The basic idea is that every table comes equipped with a pit that gets filled with charcoal and topped with a grilling grate. You order your selection of meats, which can include thin cuts of beef, pork and chicken, or seafood such as octopus or squid. Along with the meat comes about twenty (yes twenty) small "condiment" plates, which are basically flavorful bits to accompany the meat. The atmosphere is fast and communal, with members of your party constantly engaged, either in cooking the meat with the tongs provided, or trying an assortment of the condiments.
I went to San Soo Gab San on the north side of Chicago with my brother and sister for our dad's birthday a couple of weeks ago. My sister was the only one who was not a Korean BBQ newbie. We ordered beef and baby octopus, not knowing how much to realistically order for four people. Probably my only major criticism of the restaurant is that the waiting staff did not seem especially welcoming of new people. It is basically assumed that you know how Korean BBQ works. I understand that for many people who go there it is not their first time, but I think that it is polite for waiters/waitresses to ask if you need any help looking over the menu, especially at a style restaurant that most Americans are not familiar with. We didn't have too much trouble with it, but it would have been nice to know what we had gotten ourselves into, and to generally feel a bit more welcomed.
Overcoming this initial awkwardness was not difficult, however, as the food and atmosphere were exciting and delicious. Immediately when you walk in San Soo Gab San, you smell the cooking of food (and you can smell it on your clothes later too!). The booths are cozy, making it a fun place to go with good friends (probably not a good choice for a first date). It actually seems like any less than four people would be a bit silly.
Shortly after we ordered, the staff set up our grill, and brought the condiments and meat. Since the meat is so thin, it only takes a few minutes to cook. The grill adds a nice smokiness to the beef. Cooking the baby octopus was fun, because they curled from the heat, as if alive! They were quite tasty as well. We honestly didn't know what many of the condiments were, but they were all flavorful and complementary to the meat. Some of the recognizable ones were lettuce, kimchi (fermented cabbage), tiny dried fish, sweet black beans, broccoli, and miso. Each order also came with a bowl of rice and a soup that reminded me of miso soup. Although the condiments make the meal seem complicated, the meat itself is simple and simply cooked--and simply delicious! Using good quality ingredients goes a long way here.
As a first time experience, it was definitely a lot to take in, so I look forward to my next visit! As the Chairman would say on Iron Chef America, when you go, just make sure to have an open heart and an empty stomach!
San Soo Gab San
5247 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 334-1589
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