Spice it up at OB Chicken Town
There are two things that I secretly wished for when I went to this Korean fried chicken joint in North Oakland: a better camera to take picture in the dark and a better tolerance for chili powder. [UPDATE: better camera obtained] I mean, just look at the jumping chickie on their menu, isn’t he all fired up?
Late February, at 7pm. The moment we stepped in from the cold damp parking lot outback, I fell enamored with the ambiance. Dim light, warm air, seats divided up into small sections with straw thatched roofs overhead and modest curtains to ensure privacy and a sense of lonesomeness amidst the crowd. The fire post watched over quiet customers, most of whom are Korean. I’m saying this because it feels oddly heartwarming to listen to conversations that I don’t understand, and if you’re like me, then OB Town is the place to go when you’re in the mood for nostalgia.
And fried chicken too, of course. A plate of garlic and soy sauce fried chicken (gan jang chicken) is more than enough for one, maybe two if neither is too hungry. The sweetness was addictive. I don’t know how many things were added to the mixing bowl, but no single flavor was too blatant, everything blended together to make a perfect package. The crispy coating was great, but what’s inside was so much better. Juicy, tender, flavorful strips of meat, and yes, even the white meat was great. I savored every bite.
Which is not something I could do with the ddeok bokki (spelled “dduck bog i” on the menu), at least with the first few bites. I learned about the “spicy rice cakes” from Korean movies, and was prepared for the fiery blunder. What I wasn’t prepared for, and blame no one but my imagination, is the lack of a sweet taste. Chili powder, gochu jang, jalapeno, whatever it was, was on full strike with no masking flavor. Was it because I ordered seafood ddeok bokki? Are all ddeok bokki this spicy?
Wimpy as I am though, I like the dish. The smooth and chewy texture of garaeddeok (rice cake) hooked me, and I dug in. The mussels, shrimps, and squids were definitely for good change of texture, but those oversize noodle tubes fare best with the thinly sliced carrots and sauce soaked cabbage. Burning outside, soft and plain inside, the garaeddeok was pure pleasure. And although the sauce was quite strong, its scorching touch faded quickly with a sip of water and a few nibbles of cole slaw, allowing us to sample every visible piece of ingredient: rubbery sleeves of eomuk (fish cake), bitter herbs, mushy onions, gummy mushroom. The plate was a textural party. One tiny mismatch: the pungent jalapeno doesn’t belong there (just as it doesn’t belong in bánh mì and phở).
We washed the spice down with two awesome skewers of bacon wrapped asparagus kebob. It’s cute how they made the asparagus look like bones, and they were actually crunchy like cartilage too. (I’m suddenly reminded of pig feet, cooked and uncooked.) A savory high note to end the night.
Was my tongue dead because of the chili? Yes, I made a funeral for it with lots of milk chocolate. Will I go back to OB Town? You bet. The chicken feet are calling me.
Wallet thinning: 1 gan jang chicken (15.50) + 1 seafood ddeokbokki + 1 kebob (<3.00)+ tax = $34.35
Address: Oriental BBQ Chicken Town
6101 Telegraph Ave.
(across the street from KFC)
Oakland, CA 94609
(510) 595-5338
It looks a bit shady outside, but that’s just another indication of how tempting the food is inside.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually suppose this web site wants rather more consideration. I’ll most likely be again to read far more, thanks for that info.
1I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
2I have learn several just right stuff here. Definitely price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much attempt you put to make the sort of fantastic informative web site.
3Along with everything that appears to be developing within this specific subject matter, many of your opinions are rather refreshing. Even so, I beg your pardon, because I do not give credence to your whole theory, all be it radical none the less. It seems to me that your commentary are generally not totally justified and in reality you are generally yourself not fully confident of the point. In any event I did enjoy examining it.
4Great wordpress blog here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! take care
5I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my problem. You’re amazing! Thanks!
6Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was looking for!
7My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find nearly all of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. can you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome site!
8My spouse and I stumbled over here by a different web address and thought I may as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking at your web page yet again.
9We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your site offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done an impressive job and our entire community will be grateful to you.
10I’m not certain where you are getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I used to be searching for this info for my mission.
11Hmm it appears like your blog ate my first comment (it was super long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to the whole thing. Do you have any points for rookie blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
12I like what you guys are up also. Such smart work and reporting! Carry on the excellent works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site 🙂
13Generally I don’t read post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to try and do it! Your writing style has been amazed me. Thanks, quite nice post.
14Hey There. I discovered your weblog the usage of msn. That is an extremely well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and come back to read extra of your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly comeback.
15I will immediately grab your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription link or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
16Great post, you have pointed out some wonderful points, I besides believe this s a very good website.
17Awesome blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you recommend starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any recommendations? Thanks!
18Heya this is kind of of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
19Excellent read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing some research on that. And he actually bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Therefore let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch! “Love is made in heaven and consummated on earth.” by John Lyly.
20Would you be involved in exchanging hyperlinks?
21Woh I like your content, saved to bookmarks! .
22You should take part in a contest for one of the best blogs on the web. I will recommend this site!
23I love it when people come together and share opinions, great blog, keep it up.
24Hello! I’ve been reading your site for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic work!
25I am no longer positive the place you’re getting your information, however good topic. I needs to spend a while learning more or figuring out more. Thanks for magnificent information I used to be looking for this information for my mission.
26I conceive this internet site holds some really good information for everyone :D. “Morality, like art, means a drawing a line someplace.” by Oscar Wilde.
27Hey very cool website!! Man .. Beautiful .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your web site and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
28Greetings from Colorado! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to check out your blog on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, amazing site!
29Hi there just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with web browser compatibility but I figured I’d post to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the issue solved soon. Cheers
30You can certainly see your expertise within the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times go after your heart.
31It’s really a great and helpful piece of info. I am glad that you simply shared this useful information with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
32you have got an ideal weblog right here! would you like to make some invite posts on my blog?
33Very excellent information can be found on website.
34Good write-up, I’m regular visitor of one’s website, maintain up the excellent operate, and It is going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
35Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your site by chance, and I am stunned why this coincidence didn’t took place earlier! I bookmarked it.
36Hello there, simply became aware of your blog through Google, and located that it’s truly informative. I am going to be careful for brussels. I will be grateful for those who continue this in future. Lots of other people will likely be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!
37You have brought up a very excellent points, appreciate it for the post.
38It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I am happy that you shared this useful information with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
39Everything is very open and very clear explanation of issues. was truly information. Your website is very useful. Thanks for sharing.
40Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
41I think other website proprietors should take this site as an example , very clean and fantastic user friendly pattern.
42I think you have noted some very interesting details , thanks for the post.
43Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually know what you’re talking about! Bookmarked. Please also visit my web site =). We could have a link exchange arrangement between us!
44Normally I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been amazed me. Thanks, very nice post.
45Excellent post. I was checking constantly this weblog and I am inspired! Very useful information particularly the final phase 🙂 I take care of such info a lot. I was seeking this particular information for a long time. Thanks and good luck.
46Well I definitely enjoyed reading it. This information provided by you is very helpful for accurate planning.
47Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly return.
48After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.
49You have brought up a very excellent points, thanks for the post.
50