Nuri Village marks my latest, and potentially last, effort to amplify my spice tolerance.
Hancook was the first attempt, followed by Joons. I had strived to improve, but felt discouraged each time when the lack of mildness cast my mouth ablaze.
Hancook was the first attempt, followed by Joons. I had strived to improve, but felt discouraged each time when the lack of mildness cast my mouth ablaze.
When Spicy Cheese Chicken was introduced to the Mississauga market, it felt necessary to test the waters again, especially since it was so close to home.
Gathering my fellow victims post-Playdium run (since karaoke rooms had hit max capacity during happy hour), I took my first step into the somewhat recent Korean restaurant opening, with firmly pointing towards the $35.99 dish being my sole purpose.
Gathering my fellow victims post-Playdium run (since karaoke rooms had hit max capacity during happy hour), I took my first step into the somewhat recent Korean restaurant opening, with firmly pointing towards the $35.99 dish being my sole purpose.
With a bit of waving, one of the middle-aged ladies caught sight of us and gestured towards a table at the corner of the upper level.
The dining hall was fairly spacious and featured tables of all sizes, and given that it wasn't particularly busy, my claustrophobic self was, indeed, a bit surprised that we were situated in such an odd spot.
I later learned that this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, for the bathroom was in close proximity, the clock was in clear view, and both first-line staff members could easily see our raised hands.
The dining hall was fairly spacious and featured tables of all sizes, and given that it wasn't particularly busy, my claustrophobic self was, indeed, a bit surprised that we were situated in such an odd spot.
I later learned that this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, for the bathroom was in close proximity, the clock was in clear view, and both first-line staff members could easily see our raised hands.
 |  |
Steaming cups of tea were provided, followed by side dishes of kimchi, wakame, marinated aburaage strips, and bean sprouts.
The Spicy Cheese Chicken also included two Stainless steel bowls filled to the brim with plump, starchy grains.
Next came the tabletop griddle, which was admittedly spotty for a device that is to be cleaned on a regular basis.
The Spicy Cheese Chicken also included two Stainless steel bowls filled to the brim with plump, starchy grains.
Next came the tabletop griddle, which was admittedly spotty for a device that is to be cleaned on a regular basis.
 |  |
A small bottle of Grapefruit Makgeoli occupied the table at one point, though I cannot comment on its taste.
< Pictured above and below: Grapefruit Makgeoli, Spicy Cheese Chicken, Jjajangmyeon >
 |  |
Not long had passed when a boxy pan filled with a bright, bubbling mixture made its way over. Its contents were positively vivid - an ominous shade of gochujang red glowed from within.
It is essential, at this point, to draw attention to the title of this recount: Death by Spicy Chicken is a painful, and undoubtedly accurate, representation of this visit. With even the teeniest amount of the spicy sauce leaking into my small spoonful of rice, tears were summoned. Urgent gasps for water and a runny nose followed. To be frank, I couldn't quite taste anything besides hotness.
It is essential, at this point, to draw attention to the title of this recount: Death by Spicy Chicken is a painful, and undoubtedly accurate, representation of this visit. With even the teeniest amount of the spicy sauce leaking into my small spoonful of rice, tears were summoned. Urgent gasps for water and a runny nose followed. To be frank, I couldn't quite taste anything besides hotness.
Desperate bites of banchan were used to soothe this gustatory shock, but all munching attempts of the sodium-laden seaweed and garlic bean sprouts were in vain. Not even a sweet, milky cup of Thai Iced Tea succeeded in providing much relief either.
 |  |
To prevent going home on a stomach fed little else besides fluids, a Jjajangmyeon was requested following the suggestion of a fellow party member.
The bowl was, without a doubt, my favourite dish of the evening. From its substantial size to boundless flavour, from the soft, chewy noodles to the stellar sauce-to-noodle ratio, it was everything I could have longed for in casual Korean comfort food. Another winning element was its seriously economic price: at $7.99, it was not only tastier but more satisfactory than the likes of Song Cook's and Wow.
The bowl was, without a doubt, my favourite dish of the evening. From its substantial size to boundless flavour, from the soft, chewy noodles to the stellar sauce-to-noodle ratio, it was everything I could have longed for in casual Korean comfort food. Another winning element was its seriously economic price: at $7.99, it was not only tastier but more satisfactory than the likes of Song Cook's and Wow.
A plentiful portion of danmuji accompanied it, enhancing its existing profile even further.
 |  |
My first Nuri experience may have been more pleasant had a milder variation of the Spicy Cheese Chicken been requested, for all other aspects of the restaurant were well above expectations.
Service was prompt and friendly, despite the minimum number of waitstaff. The middle-aged lady that served us also had no issues with conducting a thorough scrub of the area before me when I pointed out sticky remnants from previous diners.
Washrooms were also relatively clean, albeit a bit chilly, and stocked with sufficient toiletries.
Service was prompt and friendly, despite the minimum number of waitstaff. The middle-aged lady that served us also had no issues with conducting a thorough scrub of the area before me when I pointed out sticky remnants from previous diners.
Washrooms were also relatively clean, albeit a bit chilly, and stocked with sufficient toiletries.
An impressive selection of traditional Korean dishes had been observed in the laminated menu, though gamjatang is the supposed trademark dish of the restaurant.
Maybe I should tack that to the end of my to-try list - a spice-less version, of course. Surrendering sleep due to a lurching stomach and raised metabolism levels is not an ordeal I'd like to undergo on a regular basis.
Maybe I should tack that to the end of my to-try list - a spice-less version, of course. Surrendering sleep due to a lurching stomach and raised metabolism levels is not an ordeal I'd like to undergo on a regular basis.
RSS Feed