Dae Jang Kum - Restaurant

Corner 9th Avenue & Rivonia Boulevard, Rivonia, Sandton
Open: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm MON-SAT & 3:00pm – 10:00pm SUN

Recently I had the pleasure of experiencing the taste of a Korean BBQ for the first time and I have to admit, it probably won’t be the last time I go looking for it.

The Dae Jang Kum restaurant was indeed an interesting experience, from the full-on Korean menu that ensured you no other option but to dig into some Korean cuisine, to the intriguing table design that had you cooking your own food right there in the centre. I liked it all. 

The atmosphere was pleasant and perfect for a group outing. The quirky tables that were equipped with the mini braai* in the centre were closed off from other tables. So while one could hear the loud chatter that echoed from the other tables, you didn't have any visuals to distract you from your own business.

Frankly I find the table isolation both a pro and a con in such a setting. The pro bordering on the fact that each group is given their privacy to conduct themselves as they wish while enjoying the company of their companions, be it for a quiet experience with family or the loud chatter that is born from friends catching up on their lives. It gives those anxious few a relaxed area in which they are able to just eat in the comfort of knowing no random stranger watches you take every bite while giving a running commentary to their own companions.

The con of it can be drawn from the fact that most groups seem to thrive on watching others enjoy their meals, whether it is for entertainment or simply because they wish to learn how exactly one should eat a specific dish. Sometimes these reactions also tend to direct your menu choices as you are able to observe the least favourite dishes that people are less than keen on finishing and from there make your own selection accordingly. 

Once your choices have been made, a waitress can be summoned by a pretty cool device that once pressed announces to the front reception that your table requires assistance. I find this convenience a nice change to the endless flapping of arms and tired whistles that is such common practice in other places.

As me and my companions had opted for the Korean BBQ, we were treated to the interesting experience of having our meat cooked before our eyes by the very efficient waitress.

The meat was thinly cut and sauced before being brought to the table, but once it was laid across the grill over it wasn't long before it began to sizzle. The waitress then brought the complimentary side dishes that are so common in Korean cuisine and I was finally able to experience the infamous staple of Korea, kimchi.

I loved every minute of it.

~

It’s been in my experience that Korean food is hard to come by [in my part of the world] and after my recent visit to Dae Jang Kum for some Korean BBQ, I have to ask , WHY?

I’ll admit that kimchi is indeed…something special. But surely that shouldn't be the only reason >.<!

Also, interestingly enough, any SA citizen knows that ‘BBQ’ is meant for the flavour of potato chips and maybe that sauce you buy for your Braai to smother all over your meat. But I guarantee this experience to maybe change that thinking just a teeny tiny bit ^o^/

*Braai = BBQ = grilling of meat over open fire/controlled fire

If Not, Why Not!?

Hello people of the interweb~!

Welcome to a little corner of the world I'd like to call South Africa ^-^

I am but a humble peanut in the gigantic world that is earth and I have finally decided to do something other than continually stare at a blank screen in-between watching  tons of stuffs which I shall elaborate upon later.

See I am somewhat of a homebody and despite my seemingly perpetual student status I have far less 'party' time than one would think and do far less 'study' time than one would advise ^.^' and therefore I find myself forever watching, or in some rare case doing, something that I have lots to say about, but sadly not many people to say it too...

So I have come to the solution of sharing it here, because if not, well- why not?

Who will read it?
Frankly I don't think it matters really, but whoever you are feel free to witness my crazy as much as you wish ^o^

I watch a variety of different things, because, well- why not?
From Anime to Korean Drama, the list is endless. Not to mention the latest CW Series The Flash as well as a show I only recently got into, Breaking Bad. And have I mentioned Game of Thrones is returning? ^o^/

I watch old shows because I'm so behind on so many series it's ridiculous and near impossible to keep up. I watch new shows because I can't resist those fancy adverts they show and all the talk that drags your attention to a particular series and then  I watch ancient shows because I randomly came across it on Google one day. Or worse, somebody recommends something to me and I feel obligated to go watch it... I'm naive like such. ^-^"

Anyway, it's easy to see how I've accumulated all the backlog of things to watch, right?
Now imagine all the opinions that I have while watching these things instead of sleeping, it's torture to keep it all in and like my dad says, you've got to let it all out!

So, this is me letting it out! It will be a most random affair, I assure you, mostly because I myself have no idea what to expect in writing here ^-^"

But, anyhow, let the reviewing begin!