I've been approaching dining out with some trepidation as we enter the post-Omicron period. We're still a bit cautious, preferring to dine outdoors, except when that option is not available and the Missus is craving something. In those cases, we go as early as possible. The Missus was craving the Dolsot Bi Bim Bap from Prime Grill and also the Dak Bulgogi. So, we arrived right around 4pm and while the place was busier than I expected, we were seated all by our lonesome all the way in the far corner.....which was just fine by us.
The Missus ordered the Dolsot Bi Bim Bap and though I would usually order the Bi Bim Naengmyun, it was much too chilly for that, so I went with the combination Gopchang Jigae and Dak Bulgogi (for the Missus).
Soon enough the panchan arrived.
Man, it seemed that the panchan here was on the weaker side during our last visit; you remember when San Diego hit the yellow tier and there seemed to be a light at the end of the tunnel? This was even more bland; especially the baechu kimchi and kkakdugi (radish kimchi) was especially bad; look how pale it is.
And then we had our Prime Grill "moment"; there always seems to be one when we eat here these days. When the gyeran jjim (the steamed egg) arrived, the Missus asked for some sesame oil. The woman's response?
"Why....what do you need that for?"
"For the gyeran jjim"
"Humph....." At which time she walked away.
We did get our sesame oil though.....
You gotta love it! Soon enough our food arrived. The Missus enjoyed the no frills but tasty dak bulgogi. I enjoyed the funky elasticity of the gopchang. The mild spice from the jjigae and the molten temperature of the tofu. It warmed me up nicely.
I also had fun kidding the Missus.....She finally got a taste of what it's like....you, similar to my "Why you buy so many" moment at Zion Market!
And as usual, the Missus enjoyed Her Dolsot Bi Bim Bap.
She always lets the bi bim bap "rest" to develop a nice, nutty, crisp crust. Then mixes the bowl pouring in some cho-jang and even some of that hard fought sesame oil. It's all there, mild spice, salty-savory tones from the bulgogi, slight bitterness, crunchy textures, mild sweetness...aaahh....a "bowl like life".
Prime Grill
4620 Convoy St.
San Diego, CA 92111
I was just thinking as I looked back at our post from June of 2021, how optimistic I felt....and then...well, you know what happened. I've been gone form the islands for over 25 years now; but still believe in bachi (bad karma)......I hope I didn't open up another can of worms with this one!
glad you were able to get your dolsot bi bim bap fix
Posted by: kat | Monday, 14 March 2022 at 12:03 AM
We were too Kat!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 14 March 2022 at 07:25 AM