So excited and grateful to get to try this new KBBQ place in the Heights.
Excited because I love KBBQ. Grateful because I got to spend time with my friend and catch up, talk and just enjoying the company.
We started with Grape Soju - I have to say, I'm not a typical soju girl. If it's in front of me, I'll drink it, but the alcohol content is not high, the taste is fresh and sweet and definitely enjoy it cold.
Let's talk about the place. They took over the old Ritual's location. But there are bits and pieces of it left behind. Not only the Meat Locker which obviously has not changed. There are plates, napkins and even the way they current serve is like the old Ritual.
As we sit down, the server already bring over the grill. It has little compartments as starter. Closest is Corn with Cheese, veggies (which we forgot and left for burnt), and last compartment they pour over egg custard mix which will cook as we progress.
Another 'fast serve' is the salad. It is mixed with spicy kimchi dressing, not truly spicy but definitely give it some taste.
Next to the bar is an oyster bar and water bar of sort.
I do recall seeing that plate when it was Ritual. But they give you some salad to start as you look over the menu.
Of course we have to talk about banchan. There is game here but not as strong as some of the traditional KBBQ places. Here are (from top): fish cake, kimchi tofu, kimchi veggie, bean sprouts, sweet potato, and pickled radish (the grapefruit looking slices).
Two more little ones: soybean paste and sliced daikon.
For appetizer, we got the KFC Bites, it comes with a queso dipping sauce. It's more dipping sauce than queso, it does have cheese flavor. The thing about the chicken is more like Crispy General Tso chicken, but more batter than meat. Flavor is there, but meat is lacking a bit.
Another item we got to share was the Bulgogi Tteobokki. It is prime rib beef with the tteobokki rice cake. Flavor is not as strong as I had hoped but the quality is not bad.
Let's talk meat: We got the House Special Galbi (L), it's is more marinated and have more flavor than the Seasoned Prime Galbi per our server. But I would agree that the meat pack punch. Definitely worth doing. Then we got Pork Belly because I've been watching KDrama and is craving it.
One thing our server did not tell us was that it is a full service, where they cook it for you. We didn't know and went ahead and started. The fire was strong and poor little pork belly was burnt to crisp. But they have one grill for pork and one grill for beef, the beef one is more like a net, so fire can get thru direct. Versus, the pork ones the fully covered one to cook the pork faster.
That said, both Mama and co-owner had stopped by to greet us, made sure we're doing well and help cook our food. You definitely feel that they want you to feel like you're at their home, despite the high end food they're offering.
I did complaint that they did not have my Pear Soju and they explained that they use fruit and nitrogen to infuse, but they sold out before the new batch got ready. And since they felt bad, they bought us a shot of the Strawberry Soju, which was nice and fresh. We decided that in order to enjoy their Soju - grilled meat is needed; also highly recommended.
They are still in soft opening phrase, as they want to make sure all the staff are up to nuff so they are not seating at 100% capacity. That said, they are only doing dinner service and reservation is strongly recommended. Currently, they only offer up about 70% and do time your dining experience. After all, they have someone cook the food for you, unlike a traditional KBBQ place where you cook yourself and it takes a bit as you eat and talk. At any rate, they basically gave us about 1hr and 45 mins to turn around the table. We happened to order more food and they bug someone else instead, but if you were to walk in, prepare to drink a bit at the bar because the wait time was about 45 mins at 7pm on a Saturday night.
Another interesting bit, they also do not have check-out with the server. As you sit, they make sure you have the Roovy app downloaded, you basically start a tab right there and then. As you order, it'll start it for you, obviously they need a card on the app. As you order, it will tally. When you're ready to leave, do your tip and what not and close out the tab. You don't have to see your server if you don't need anything. Mama saw us packing up, she came back to say bye. Super sweet lady.
Mapojeong
602 Studewood
Houston, Tx 77007
https://www.mapojeong.com
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