Honey Pig - A first look

*** Update: Honey Pig has closed and is now Old Village ***

So why have I posted a photo of Korean Meat Market, when my post is titled "Honey Pig?" Well, a couple of days ago, FOY "YY" informed me that the owner of KMM had taken over the Arirang House space, and opened a Korean BBQ. So of course, the Missus and I had to try it out.

It turns out that Frank, has renamed the place "Honey Pig", which I sorta recalled is the name of a Korean BBQ in Koreatown.

The interior looks pretty much the same; though the buffet area has been boarded up.

We walked in, and almost scared the daylights out of the nice young man busy waiting for food to come out of the kitchen. He regrouped quickly, and sat us at a table. As fast as lightning, even before ordering, dishes hit the table.

You could tell by what was brought out that this was a "Bossam" style Korean BBQ, as rice paper sheets and thin slices of radish, along with some really great tasting greens were quickly provided. In other words, you'll be wrapping your BBQ with rice paper and radish. Sesame Oil and Salt, along with raw garlic and sliced jalapenos were also provided. 

There wasn't much panchan, only some great tasting tofu, and pretty bland radish.

A simple menu card was handed to me........  just eleven meat items.....

Knowing that the owner runs a meat market, where I've purchased some pretty good quality beef before, I was expecting something good. And the menu clearly states that the beef here is "CAB", no not that CAB (and don't even think about Carne Asada Burrito), but Certified Angus Beef. As to whether he's able to make, or has hired someone who could do good Korean BBQ.... well that remained to be seen. The woman and two young men working the front of house were obviously a bit disorganized. After I placed my order with one of the young men, the other came over a few minutes later to take my order. After I explained to him that I'd placed my order, about two minutes later the woman came over to take our order. This made me a bit nervous..... but the young man who originally took my order assured me that my order had been placed. You can tell they were really trying hard, and need to work the kinks out. 

First out was the CAB Chuck Flat Meat, something "YY" recommended ($11.99), which the woman brought out and immediately placed on the cast iron griddle.

Quite soft for chuck, just be sure not to overcook it..... rare is the way to go. On item that worked to our disadvantage was that the rice paper and daikon wrappers were placed in single bowls which meant much reaching over and passing around. Hopefully, in the future, they'll give each individual their own bowls of each. This was mildly beefy, and not bad.

We contemplated ordering the pork belly, but the Missus was just not in the mood for pork. So we went with the Bulgogi (portion for 2 - $15.99). All items on the menu are portioned to about .45 lbs. So three orders for two sound about right. Since the Bulgogi is a double portion things worked out right.

I think the marinade needs some tweaking as it is way too mild, but the meat was very tender.

As you can see, these aren't AYCE meatfests, but along with the greens, eating Bossam(wrapped in the rice paper and daikon) style, and the bowl of rice, we were pretty full. Total bill came out to about $30 for two.

Overall, I'd say a notch below Buga, but above places like Seoul BBQ, so it'll be interesting to see what happens. As we were eating, Frank happened by, and recognized me because I've shopped in his store a few times. I was told that they won't be doing a grand opening quite yet, since they are still working things out. He has minimized the panchan to keep prices low, though we were given refills, and were even offered more.

The meal was good enough that we'll return to see how things are progressing. Plus, since it's named Honey Pig, I'll have to try the pork.....

Honey Pig
4681 Convoy St Ste B
San Diego, CA 92111

Comments

[kat]

looks delicious!

[bill]

Talk about anemic dishes panchan, but then again it's all about the meat otherwise the panchan must disguise the disappointment.

[Kirk]

Hi Kat - I think they have some work to do.... but overall it was pretty good.

Hi Bill - It'll be interesting to see how that goes over.

[Lynnea]

yum! and with a name like honey pig, how cute!

[Natalie]

Oh my god. I think I might cry. That was my favorite place to eat. Nothing is going to compare to that menu: RIP epic dolsot bimibap, the seafood pancake & the sweet potato noodles. If we'd known they were going, we would have eaten there every day for the last week.

Gah :(

[Rosa]

Arirang is gone, huh? We'd go there on occasion for the buffet but I was never really enamored with it...

I'm in SD so I'll be heading to Dae Jeung Keum for lunch today for some mandoo guk...feeding the cold!

[kamisama]

Ashai Beer? Love the misspelling on their menu.

[Kirk]

Hi Lynnea - It is a cute name, isn't it.....

Hi Natalie - I didn't know the place had changed hands until YY let me know this past weekend. I was a bit surprised as well. I'm sorry that you lost one of your favorites. It does give you an opportunity to check out new places though!

Hi Rosa - I hope DJK is the perfect remedy for you!

Hi Kamisama - I didn't even notice that! Good catch. I must be getting immune to all the "Engrish".....

[Carol]

Hey Kirk! You know I have to try this place for all the obvious reasons, hehe! I'm always up for "CAB" BBQ, especially Bossam style! $30 is pretty good for 2 people.

[Kirk]

Cab does CAB!!! ;o)

[thatssoron]

yummo!

[Natalie]

Kirk - ugh, but nothing compared to Arirang's dolsot bibimibap's cheapness + plentiful bowls. Sad to see the hostesses gone too, they were always bewildered/friendly. I guess Suzuya BBQ will get our business more often now, even though their bowls are smaller, their food is just as good.

:( still though. I shall wear black for a week in mourning.

[Honey pig staff]

thank you for coming. we are trying to do our best.Please keep monitoring how we improve our services, thanks again. We hope to see you agian.^^