Now here is a deliciously different Korean restaurant in LA. The atmosphere is awesome, modern, yet traditional at the same time. They have some really cool pieces straight from Seoul, Korea. And the food is really delicious.

Located inside the Wilshire Grande on the lobby level, they are far from your average hotel coffee shop.  The barbecue here is critically acclaimed and absolutely habit-forming. Appetizers are two portions per order and I recommend the Crabmeat rolls, thinly wrapped in spinach crepes, the pan-fried beef and pork dumplings or the seafood scallion pancake with calamari, baby shrimp and bell pepper.

Onto the entrees, the coolest thing in Korean cooking is someone preparing food right at your table. Seoul Jung does not disappoint. Their tabletop barbecue includes side dishes, rice, soup and dipping sauce, and yes, they really do make it right at your table. Some noteworthy dishes are; tender, marinated boneless short ribs, prime rib-eye steak, and marinated filet mignon and lobster tail.

Another cool thing about Korean cuisine is their hot pot specialties, these are also cooked at your table but you must order for 2 or more. My favorite is the seafood and vegetable casserole of whole lobster, prawns, squid, Manila clams and rock cod in a spicy broth. Deliciously different.

They have an extensive wine list and also serve soju and sake, as well as Korean, Japanese, European and Domestic beers. And their dessert menu doesn’t disappoint. They offer fresh fruit, ice cream, strawberry sabayon and even crème brulee.

Seoul Jung is located at 930 Wilshire Blvd., in Los Angeles, 90017. They are open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner seven days a week from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Seats 130 people (including 3 private rooms for seating up to 35 guests for special occasions or events). Direct Line: (213) 688-7880 or visit them online at http://www.wilshiregrand.com/restaurants&bars/seoul_jung.htm.

I’m always interested in trying new cuisine and Korean was one I hadn’t checked off my list. I’d highly suggest ChoSun Galbee for anyone who is a rookie in regards to this wonderfully different food.

First of all the ambience is great. Clean, open, friendly, and spacious. Dive right into the barbecue, some must try dishes are the short ribs, pork and black tiger shrimp. If you are a noodle lover try the Mul NengMyun; cold buckwheat noodle soup with special beef, it is delicious. Or try the Geh Chigae; crab and vegetable spicy stew served in a casserole. 

If you are a vegetarian, they have some really great dishes and you can just ask them to remove the meat. My favorite dish in the place is the Hwae Dup Bap; assorted sashimi and vegetables served over steamed rice with spicy sauce, simply beautiful.

To visit ChoSun Galbee find them at 3330 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, 90019. They are open 11am to 11pm daily and serve lunch Mon-Fri from 11am to 3pm. They offer a full bar and complimentary valet parking behind the restaurant. You may also visit them online at www.chosungalbee.com.