A few weeks ago, the Missus and I decided to revisit a couple of our favorite Korean restaurants. The Missus was craving the dolstop bi bim bap and I wanted some bibim naengmyun. Prime Grill has been our favorite stop for these dishes for a while now. So, we decided to stop by for lunch.
Hard to believe that it had been over a year since our last visit. My how time flies.
The place was empty when we arrived, but quickly filled up. The same group of “ajumma” were working…..all business…you don’t mess with them!
Taking a look at prices….I know that my Bibim Naengmyun was the same as on my last visit ($16.99), but I think the Dolsot Bibimbap has gone up a dollar ($19.99). We’re still reeling from the $26 Dolsot BiBimBap at Jeju in Carmel….which didn’t even have meat in it!
Soon after our order the panchan and gyeran jjim (steamed egg) arrived.
The Baechu kimchi was looked kind of mild, but had a nice fermented-acidic-sour flavor. It was the best of the bunch. The Missus didn’t care for the over-mayo’s poatato salad, and She’s never been a fan of Eomuk-bokkeum, the typical stir-fried fishcake panchan – so those ended up being all mine.
She does however, really enjoy the gyeran jjim, which was really fluffy, somewhat savory and “eggy”.
She does enjoy some sesame oil on this, but has learned from our previous experience with the Ajumma here, to not request any for this. She polished off almost all of it Herself.
This was basically enough to fill Her up. Meanwhile, Her BiBimBap was sizzling away in the dolsot.
She has the soup, and then poured the juice from the baechu kimchi on top of things and gave it a good mix. Our baechu kimchi was refilled and the Missus went and poured that into the bibimbap. It developed a nice crust…..but the Missus was pretty full by this time and most of this went home.
As for me….well, this is probably my favorite BiBim Naengmyun.
I enjoy the spicy-sourness of this version the best. There’s a hint of sweetness. Once I’ve had my fill, I can temper things with the cold soup that’s provided on the side. The endless elasticity of the naegmyun can be a challenge; but that’s part of the enjoyment. A “four cut” with shears are a must, unless you want to have that “one” endless noodle that will not break noodle splashing your shirt with sauce as you try to consume it while trying to sever it with your teeth! A good mix coats all the noodles.
I really don’t need the hot mustard nor the vinegar that’s provided.
The Asian pear, cucumbers, and the meat add textural contrast and hints of additional flavor. I find this refreshing and satisfying on a hot day.
We both really enjoyed our lunch. There was a time when I enjoyed this dish at Buga. But sadly, after the change of ownership; things just haven’t been the same. So these days, it’s Prime Grill for these dishes. Though, if you’ve got a fave; please let me know!
Prime Grill
4620 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Daily 11am – 10pm