Daniela Jimbo Amacende

01-22-25

 

 

“Adventure” Assignment

Experiencing New 

Experiencing the new can be nerve-wracking at best, but for me, it was very exciting, with the sound of my heart growing louder once we got to the place. One of my dearest friends invited me to eat at a Korean BBQ restaurant for the first time, I got very excited and scared to try new foods because I'm not so used to exploring different types of variety of cultures other than my own. Upon entering the restaurant, I was in awe of the lively atmosphere and the very warm welcome. My nose was filled with different types of meats filling the room, and my ears with the noise of the sizzling. The décor was very outdated, with a Christmas tree still sitting lonely by the corner of the restaurant; I didn’t mind because I love any type of Christmas décor, even if it was nearing the end of January. 

As we were seated, we noticed there were fewer and fewer people arriving, wondering, “Did we maybe get there too late? No, it is still 8’o clock .”  As a very conservative eater, I suggested what we should order to my friend; she was very knowledgeable on what kinds of food were up to par with my likeness. She pointed at the appetizers with sparks in her eyes, knowing we were about to feast and have a full belly. Up first was the shrimp tempura and ramen tteokbokki, to my surprise, it was very delicious, and I couldn’t help but think, “ I should explore my taste pallet.” But knowing myself, I wouldn’t be able to without some type of encouragement. Next up was the meat, definitely our favorite part. 

As I was presented with a myriad of options, my initial feeling was overwhelming, and I found myself unsure of what to order. My friend, noticing my hesitation, suggested chicken for our first main dish. I looked over the menu once again, and I noticed one option I’ve always wanted to try, which was samgyeopsal, which stands for grilled pork belly.  Feeling hesitation, my friend assured me it would be fine, but because she is Muslim, we could just switch out the grill plates and agreed to have our own grill tools so none of the pork remnants get on her food. As the food arrived, the banchan, side dishes, arrived first to accompany the main dishes.  

At last, the main course had reached us, “Finally!” I had excitedly shouted to my friend. The colorful array of both meats and ingredients laid out before me, the beef, chicken, and samgyeopsal, and the banchan, which included pickled vegetables, kimchi, and seasoned sprouts, added an essential contrast to the rich meats. The presentation emphasized the balance in Korean cuisine but also heightened my anticipation of the meal. Cooking on the grill was truly a unique experience. I had to be careful not to burn the meats, but who cares if there’s a little burnt side on the meat it adds a little flavor to it. Cutting up the meats was honestly a little scary I was tasked with cutting them up, but I was afraid the oil of the meat would splash and burn me, which luckily didn’t happen. Scrunching up your face while cutting up the meats is definitely a way to be careful of the cutting up the meats. But in my defense, I was making sure to be super careful.  Anyways, Pairing up the banchan and samgyeopsal was superb, and I would definitely recommend trying them out together, the rich contrasting flavors of both the sweet and salty flavors really stand out and give it a rich flavor. 

The communal aspect of Korean BBQ is one of the most enjoyable features. Dining with friends and taking turns grilling the food and sharing the food created an experience of laughter and long-lasting memories. The tradition of sharing food rooted in Korean culture reinforced the idea that meals are enjoyed in the company of others. This new experience was overwhelmingly positive, but it did have its challenges in navigating the new, relying on my friend to see which banchan would suit each of the meats and create wonderful, rich flavors for one to enjoy. My first experience at Korean BBQ was wonderful, with the vibrant atmosphere, kind staff, and diverse flavors, which created an unforgettable first-time experience. As we left the restaurant, it gave me a newfound appreciation of the cultural experience of food and the joy it brings to others. It will definitely not be my first time, and I eagerly hope to experience this again.