Typically, I complain about going to Silicon Valley, especially when I have to go meet someone for lunch. I have to miss my lunchtime workout and, to add insult to injury, my dining companions tend to pick safe, convenient places (Stacks or some bullshit Italian joint in the Silicon ‘burbs).
But today, I totally lucked out. The guy I was meeting made reservations at Tamarine, a nice enough spot in Palo Alto with generally decent upmarket, or as they put it, “contemporary,” Vietnamese cuisine. As it turned out, we got our schedules mixed up. So, this guy scrambled apologetically to pick another spot close by. He asked if I minded Korean food. I said, “sure.” What I was really thinking was: “fuck yeah I’ll eat some Korean food.” I didn’t hint that I’ve been on a Korean food bender for the past 2 months.
Ten minutes later, I pulled into the parking lot at the So Gong Dong Tofu House on El Camino Real. I knew the minute I stepped into the place that it was on – the place was full of, get this, Korean people! The service was great. Within seconds I was staring at little bowls of appetizers (Banchan) comprised of spicy kimchi, pickled cucumber slices, tangy bean sprouts (Kongnamul), sweet jap chae, sesame flavored boiled potatoes, and a raw egg that I was told to save for later. I ordered the house specialty, a piping hot bowl of Soon Du Boo with chicken. Served in a clay pot, the Soon Du Boo, had a spicy broth made rich with soft tofu and the raw egg that I added and mixed in with a bit of sticky rice. This is Korean comfort food and I’m addicted. Soon Du Boo gives a good bowl of pho a run for the money.
You’re so lucky you didn’t end up at Tamarine, a relatively dull restaurant. I believe the old Bong Su in SF was a sister restaurant, so you get the idea…