*** Kim's has closed
Located in the Jumbo Strip mall, at the corner of Plaza Boulevard and Highland Avenue, next to a Hometown Buffet and Chuck E Cheese in National City….yep, National City, is Kim's Restaurant. A Korean BBQ in the most unlikely of all places.
I'd been in the area several times, but always thought the doorway to the restaurant seemed a bit uninviting.
But today, I took a walk down the dark hallway lined with a few doors, and past a "private" BBQ room, to the front desk, and met with a slightly surprised look. Perhaps I looked like a refugee from Chuck E Cheese's next door. After the surprised look faded, a smile appeared, and I was guided to a table, and brought a menu. The interior of the restaurant is fairly large, and really contrasted with the slightly run down exterior.
As I read through the menu, full of the usual suspects, BiBimBap, Dofu Jigae, and various meat both marinated and unmarinated for BBQ, I was told that a minimum of 2 orders of meat was required in order to use table top cooking. I really didn't feel like smelling like a piece of grilled meat myself, so I had no problem with not cooking my own. I placed my order, and proceeded to get hooked on the Korean Soap Opera playing on the plasma television.
I know it's cheesy, silly, and predictable, but I kept watching the show.
Soon enough my panchan arrived, 8 little dishes all told, along with a plate of sliced romaine, and thinly sliced radish.
The panchan was consistently unremarkable, and nothing stood out. The Baechu(Napa Cabbage), and Oi(Cucumber) Kimchi were very mild, and one dimensional, lacking any any sweet, slightly sour, fishy, or spicy flavor that would make it memorable. The same for the pieces of Gochu Pajun(green onion pancake), Namul(Ban Sprouts), Sliced Mushroom, etc. If I had to select one that was the best, it would be the spinach with garlic.
I had ordered the "full order" of Bulgogi($16.95). There is a "smaller" order of Bulgogi for $10.95 on the menu as well. And soon enough a large sizzling plate of Bulgogi was brought to my table. Along with the usual metal bowl of rice, and a small bowl of watered down Miso Soup(!).
Once the Bulgogi had settled, it was time to get to work with the greens and sliced radish.
Never having read the "manual" on eating in this manner; I was once shown the correct way to eat, by placing a small piece(s) of Bulgogi on my plate, place some of the greens on top, cover with the slice of radish, and ta-da!!!!
You got yourself some "insta-dumpling" action going on. I enjoyed the slightly pickled flavor of the crisp radish, the greens were drenched in a dressing that was way too sour, and covered with chili powder, the Bulgogi was very soft and tender, though coming up short in the flavor department. Still the Bulgogi was light years better than the version at another restaurant that I had eaten recently. After eating about 6 of these, I started on just the Bulgogi and Rice, and in the end had quite a bit to take home. Overall the Bulgogi and the Panchan were nothing to write home about, and gave me no reason to make the a trip out to National City in the future. If in the neighborhood during lunch, I may give one of those $5.99 lunch specials a try.
But then again, they must show that Korean Soap Opera every night, right??? Hmmmm……not that I'm hooked mind you; just an interested spectator.
The prices at Kim's BBQ, is about par with most Korean BBQ's. Galbi runs about $19-21, and most items range from $10.99 to $20. I thought the plates of panchan were on the small side, but there were 8 different types. The portion of Bulgogi was more than satisfactory. The service was adequate, and once the Young Lady realized that I wasn't a wayward Hometown Buffet customer she was very nice. I'd say the food is several notches below Seoul BBQ in flavor, but just as tender. And I don't think there are too many other Korean restaurants in the area. If you know of one, please let me know!
Kim's Restaurant
1141 Highland Ave
National City, CA 91950