Korean BBQ - Nice to "meat" you! (Thanks for the pun, dad!)

You should have seen Hal's face when I told him I've never been to a Korean BBQ before. It was the same face he would probably get if he found out that the 3rd Reich has returned to power! He couldn't understand how a 26 year old man can miss out on one of the most exceptional culinary experiences known to the human race. And Hal wasn't alone. It seems to me that almost every person I talk to about Korean BBQ looks at me as a caveman, living in the shadows since the day I was born, for not trying the All-you-can-eat experience. A time and date was decided before I could even say, "What's Kimchi?"

The District BBQ & Lounge

On July 10th, I went down with Hal and his friend Barney to "The District" in the artist district of Los Angeles. As we sat down at our table, our waiter began to place little plates of sides around the grill in the middle of the table. "Guys, I'm only going to say this once," I said full of excitement of the meal ahead, "don't fill up on the salad!"

Our first dish, Brisket! The guy comes over and just spills a pile of raw meat in the center of the table. Like so...

Simple and delicious!

Next up - Rib Eye. My Mouth is getting watery as I type...

Mushrooms and Onions are added to the mix

Meet Hal.  He looks sad but he might just be loading...

At this point Barney asks me if I think this could work in Israel. And as I'm sure every Israeli would respond, without extra thought I replied, "No!" We have all thought about the idea of opening an All you can eat in Israel. I explain that the idea of all-you-can-eat in Israel just doesn't fit the Israeli culture. Each person finding a way to get the most out of their meal. "No sir, you can't have a Doggy bag..." "I thought you said you were just sitting with them, why do you have a plate full of food in front of you?!" Even the idea of free refill, a standard in America, was shut down quickly in "Subway" on Ben Yehuda.     Is Papagayo still in business???

Anyway, we all agree on skipping Tongue, and move on to what I'm really excited for... Pork Belly!

An important lesson in life. Pork Belly is Bacon, Bacon is Pork Belly.

Small tip - The crispier, the better

Bring on the Spicy Pork!

(Heavy breathing) That's it...  No more... I thought I could... But no more... That was awesome! At $20 a person, I ate like a king and had a great night. But no more...

Unfortunately, I kinda feel like this now...

 gamsahabnida, Korean... gamsahabnida!