Out & About #537 | Mapo Korean BBQ

​The last time I purchased an album without pre-order benefits likely dates back to DAY6's Sunrise. The online ordering system far exceeds physical trips to music stores in terms of convenience and efficiency. However, there are times when one cannot justify EMS shipping, and times where patience is a virtue that is wholeheartedly embraced.

Seldom it is that I'd embark on a journey purely for the sake of obtaining an album - a previous trip centred around a single task was much too time-consuming. That said, I opted to incorporate supper with friends; prior to that was a short-lived visit at Rustle & Still.

​I remain on the hunt for the perfect Matcha White Chocolate Chip Cookie, for the void in my heart - er, stomach - remains unfilled with Put A Cone On It's unexpected departure from Koreatown.
​
It's highly regrettable to say that the succulent-filled cafe did not fulfill such a yearning: their rendition was not only satiating, but also crumbly to the point where it was impossible to consume without the specimen shattering in countless tiny shards. Inelegant nibbling process aside, I was particularly unfond of the green-tinged grease dissipating from the mound. Commonly a consequence of an insufficient amount of dry ingredients, the one-year-old cafe ought to have taken the appropriate remedial measures the ensure the delivery of tried-and-true recipes.

​This was possibly the most depressing cookie I've tasted to date. The remaining half was stuffed back into its splotchy, oil-stained paper bag; I simply could not bring myself to devour it in its entirety.

​While waiting for a particular Thai ahgase to make her appearance, I conducted a thorough review of my newest acquisition: JUS2's "FOCUS" EP. Sleek and groovy was the vibe being emitted from the photoshoot. The concept images fell in step with the general sound of the SENSES-filled selection of tracks.

​JB's album message was one that stuck with me, for he noted that enjoyment would be doubled by listening with earbuds. Guess I shall have to try that.

​Our departure from the cafe was succeeded by a visit to Starbucks, then an impromptu coin karaoke session to pass time. I was mindblown that this activity had existed in the city all this time.

​A different friend led us towards Echo, a spot that neither of us fangirls had ever stepped foot into, then up the stairs to the main desk. Five dollars earned us ten minutes of singing time in a private room. This equated to approximately five or six songs.

Albeit a tad cramped (and warm) for three participants, the room was quite cozy and ideal for an intimate belting session. By the time we had reached the last tune, a call was received from Mapo. Our table was ready.

​An estimated twenty-minute wait passed in the blink of an eye, and we were immediately ushered into a roomy booth near the cashier.

​As Yelpers had noted, the interior was comparable to that of Daldongnae, given the seating layout and heavy dependence of wooden elements. However, the comprehensive experience was beyond the likes of my uptown ordeal.

​Instead of being confined into a tiny, dimly-lit wooden booth, we were offered a properly illuminated table with ample space to move and set down our belongings. An abundance of decorative elements filled the space, reminiscent of Sikgaek's 40's style poster art (think Rosie the Riveter's 'We Can Do It!'). A handful of tables with backless Stainless steel stools were distributed throughout the restaurant; amusing signage such as "여자 말을 잘 듣자" (translation: "Listen carefully/well to the words of women") was hoisted above the stairwell to the downstairs bathroom. According to our native Korean member of the party, this was, by far, the most authentic setup he was familiar with.

< Pictured above and below: TB3 별집삼겹살 (Honey Pork Belly), TB4 생목살 (Pork Neck), 바베큐 된장찌게 (Doenjang Jjigae), Rice, TB1 돼지갈비 (Pork Kalbi) >

Service was also significantly more attentive, with a greater degree of correspondence. Multiple staff members circulated the area, all of which were very prompt in tending to our requests for water, lettuce, and pickled radish refills. One swiftly provided us with a fresh grill when burnt bits began to accumulate. Their bilingual capabilities, observed in their speedy channel swaps between English and Korean, was another noteworthy point.​

I, along with my fellow ahgase, took no part in the ordering procedure, and left these specifics in the hands of our trusty comrade.

​​The meal commenced with side dishes such as sweet potato stems (고구마순나물), bean sprouts, pickled peppers and onions, and kimchi. Thin slices of floral-shaped pickled white radish and a duo of dipping sauces were also laid down as part of the ssam components. I wasn't completely certain of the ingredients of either sauce, but vividly recall one being tangy and of a thicker consistency and the other an emulsion with coarse dark specks. Both were mild, much to my relief.

​Samgyeopsal, otherwise known as pork belly, isn't my usual dish of preference. That said, I was pleasantly surprised to discover its crispy, post-grilling transformation. Contrary to the limp, fatty pieces that would leave one feeling slovenly, the result was entirely enjoyable, especially when paired with radish in a lettuce wrap.
The more familiar pick of the two was Pork Neck, which, admittedly, was more to my liking due to its sensible flesh-to-fat ratio.

The group also ordered Pork Kalbi towards the second half of the meal. This platter arrived seared and smelling absolutely divine. Its insides were still rare though, so efforts were still required on our end.

​Surrounding the grill was steamed egg, bean sprouts coated lightly with gochu flakes, and corn cheese. "These are mandatory!" exclaimed the native. Clearly, we've been wrongfully cheated this entire time.
​
The steamed egg was ridiculously fluffy, and didn't adhere to the grill despite its prolonged cooking time. One of the members of staff came by midway into our meal to torch the surface of the egg, as one did not have the option of flipping for uniform cooking. He also torched the corn cheese medley; it didn't display the stringy properties we desired, but the contrast of cheese and extra-sweet kernels was more than satisfactory.

View the full album HERE !

​Included in the meal was a small Soybean Paste Stew. This version was more pungent than that of other eateries, and also a tad spicier. It wasn't as fiery as Ondal in LA, but did impose a strong kick towards the top of the throat.

​Bathrooms were located at the bottom of a rather slippery staircase. A wooden railing was affixed to the side, though it was imperative to exercise caution while ascending and descending at non-uniform intervals.

The single stall was clean, however, and free of the generic slickness exhibited on the stairs.

A complimentary, password-secured Wi-Fi network was also available for customer usage. That said, I did not spot this until our time of departure, and thus cannot atest its strength.

We also learned of past visits at Mapo by Amber and AOMG artists, as displayed in the framed polaroids/signatures behind the cashier.

​Value-wise, the quality and components of the meal were definitely justified. Our total averaged thirty dollars per person, yet there was still more than enough to take home for late-night munching.

It sufficed to say that the experience at Mapo was well worth the commute (and very minimal wait time). Of course, the fact that our party consisted of an experienced meat handler was another critical aspect. Although known as a human with meager meat cravings, Mapo is a destination that I wouldn't mind revisiting in the near future. (Nominal lingering odours was a huge bonus!)

---