By Jillian Brewer, Contributing Critic
I have recently discovered a restaurant for the top of my “favorites” list. Arirang is the name, Richmond Road is the location and Korean is the cuisine. This place is difficult for me to resist when I want comfort food. The dish that pulls me in every time is the kimchi stew.
Kimchi is a staple in South Korea. Although it typically refers to cabbage and radish, any vegetables that are specifically seasoned and undergo the process of fermentation can be considered a type of kimchi.
The stew itself begins with browning beef in a soup pot. Once the beef is seared, kimchi and seasonings are added. In goes the water; it is left to boil and then is reduced to simmer. This process of simmering allows the ingredients to marry and produce a vibrant tasting dish. When the soup is nearly finished, tofu and scallions are incorporated. The stew is packed with full, earthy flavors and delivers the best kind of spice.
Regardless of the fact that this stew has been my kryptonite throughout this semester, the restaurant does offer an assortment of other Korean dishes. During the times I have dined there, I have also sampled the ramyun (ramen) and the soon du bu (silk tofu) stew. The prices here are as cheap as $8 for an appetizer, but the majority of the menu rests around $12, with the exception of the “for the grill” items that range on the higher end of the scale ($17-$19).
Although the flavor of the ramen was fine, there is nothing particularly special about it that sets it apart from the Shin Ramyun you can purchase at your local Kroger. Therefore, I would not recommend paying $9 for this dish.
The silk tofu stew, on the other hand, is delicious. If you are not a fan of seafood, then this dish is not for you. However, if you are game, you’ll find this stew is equal in deliciousness yet opposite in taste of the kimchi stew. Accompanying the silk tofu are clams, oysters, mussels and squid. This stew is an “under the sea” experience. It has the smoothest texture and is accompanied by subtle, sweet, aromatic tones of the ocean. There is no spiciness to this dish but a ton of flavor. In the event that you are not in a soup-er mood, I encourage you to try the duk bok ki (rice cakes in gochujung sauce), bibimbap (a mixed rice and vegetable dish) or the pajeon (Korean pancake).
I am convinced that any of the food you order will not disappoint. Arirang is at the top of my list, and I believe that after your visit here, it will be at the top of yours as well.
