9 on the Plate
Tofu Kimchi, Fish Cake in Peppers, Mushrooms and Onions
Honey Chicken Wings – Soy Sauce, Roasted Nuts, Honey
Bossam – Braised Pork Belly, Pickled Radish and Zucchini
Crab Pancake – Scallion, Calamari, Pepper, Soy
Deep Fried Rice Cake – Macadamia Nut, Sweet Tomato Pepper Puree
Barley Water
Having mentioned to a local chef/friend a week prior that I’d been wanting to further investigate the local Korean dining market without being forced to rely on K-Town BBQ as a ‘reference standard’ I was admittedly a bit surprised to hear him suggest 9 on the Plate – a restaurant I’d driven by daily without paying second thought while stationed in temporary housing, but one whose low priced tapas-style menu seemed perfect…a restaurant.com certificate further sweetening the deal to the tune of four impressive plates and a complimentary trio of condiments for less than $30 after tax and tip. A large, modern space with terrible music but superlative service and a well culled menu as yet lacking desserts it was just after 6:30pm when I arrived and finding the space devoid of other patrons for the first fifteen minutes I spent some time picking my servers brain prior to placing an order and deferring on suggested bugoli in place of personal favorites from his long list of suggestions it would not be long before dinner began; a welcoming trio spanning flavors sharp, spicy, saline, and umami awakening the palate for things to come. Moving on to plates ordered as more guests arrived and having requested dishes arrive in logical progression it was the fluffy crab pancake that arrived first and laced with peppers the sweetness of the crab proved an adequate foil, a touch of soy bringing flavors to a point and transitioning well into the sweet, sticky wings – undoubtedly the plate of the evening and something I’d love to see the restaurant adopt in whole bird form once business picks up, though a subsequent course of crispy pork belly served with simply pickled vegetables was nearly as impressive…particularly with crispy glutenous rice cakes in thick, smoky ‘ketchup’ riding shotgun.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/9-on-the-Plate/441396489262765