CLOSED.
Let me start off by saying that I am in no way a Korean food expert. I like Korean food. I have had it a few times, and I see a serious addiction on the rise here. Having said that, my review of this newest restaurant is only a reflection of my tastes.
Let me start off by saying that I am in no way a Korean food expert. I like Korean food. I have had it a few times, and I see a serious addiction on the rise here. Having said that, my review of this newest restaurant is only a reflection of my tastes.
I stumbled into Ga Go Pa on a rainy Monday evening.
Understandably there were not many other patrons there, but a couple of Korean
families gave me hope that the food may, indeed, be the real deal. Ga Go Pa is
a Korean buffet for Korean BBQ and sushi. This means there are individual
burners on each table for the grilling of wonderfully marinated meats and vegetables;
this includes the illustriously famous Kimchi.
On one side of the four sided buffet bar was a variety of
sushi, the next a small collection of Korean foods, including sautéed sweet
potato noodles (more on that in a moment). The last two sides pertain mainly to
the BBQ portion of the itinerary. You select your combination of raw meats and
take them back to your table for some sizzling good fun.
The staff was especially friendly and attentive, which is
always a big gold star in my book. If the service is bad, it makes little
difference how wonderful the food tastes.
For our performance this evening I selected the Bulgoggi and
pork belly (It is a lot like unsmoked bacon). The accompaniments included a big
helping of kimchi and fresh garlic (I did not want to talk too much to other
people this week anyway). A little tip from me to you, do not try and frizzle
your meat on your own…the servers really do not like that. They hide it quite
well with their understanding smiles, but trust me, I am doing you a favor
here.
As promised I am returning to the delicious sweet potato
noodles or Chapchae. If you have
never tried cellophane noodles or bean threads, these little lovelies will be
new territory for you. When cooked they are translucent. Chapchae is one of the most popular
noodle dishes in Korea.* These noodles DO NOT taste like sweet potatoes. They
absorb the flavors of the dish beautifully, and this is why I love this kind of
noodle over any other. The Chapchae is a must at Ga Go Pa.
What I can say is, if you are like me and enjoy the variety
of a buffet, and have a craving for Korean food…this is a good stop for you.
* Chapchae information on About.com
Contact Information
14015 Lee Jackson Hwy
Chantilly, VA 20151
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 631-3400
