The unpredictable Myung Dong
Unpredictability #1: “Are you opened today?”
Before you set your GPS to Myung Dong in Houston, make sure you call and ask that question in the clearest, simplest way possible. Aaron tried different versions, most were a bit too elaborately polite with a perfect American accent, and only succeeded in confusing the poor old man. I tried it once and got the answer “Yes, open.” We hopped en route.
(If you don’t call, there’s a slim chance that your schedule will coincide with the owner couple’s schedule, which depends on the lady’s health, and she’s the only chef. That slim chance didn’t happen for me the first time I set out for Myung Dong.) The limited English conversation is nothing uncommon at Korean and Vietnamese mom-and-pop diners, but I have to mention it because it’s one of those things that make me classify Myung Dong as more “authentic” than the other Korean restaurants in Houston. The second thing is that its name doesn’t contain “Seoul” or “Korean”, they go more local: Myungdong (명동) is a part of Seoul (in Vietnam, its equivalent would be a phường). The third thing is that its name contains its specialty: kalguksu (칼국수). In fact, that’s the only part of the name still visible on the sign, the Myungdong part has faded completely, which explains why we couldn’t find it the first time (aside from the other fact that we couldn’t read Korean at the time)*.
Of course we ordered it. It was the first kalguksu I’ve ever had. It’s a handmade, knife-cut noodle in soup, and this version has only noodle, broth, and vegetables. The broth was sweet and deep, the noodles were wonderfully chewy. But kalguksu is like fireworks, the first two minutes are great, then you ask yourself “just when is it gonna end?”. Now that I’ve had kalguksu, unless I get a two-minute-size bowl, I doubt I will gather enough curiosity for a second kalguksu in my life**.
But kalguksu was still a memorable thing. In my Commis post I went off on the memorability of meals, and here I go again. Myungdong has something worth remembering: the portion (Unpredictability #2). Aaron and I each ordered a dish, him the kimchi duaeji bokkeum (김치 돼지 볶음, stir-fried pork with kimchi) and me the kalguksu, and we decided to share a pajeon (it was a really good pajeon too, thick, crispy, airy, and chewy, oh, and not oily). The usual banchans came. We were both starving like baby goats. Then the big stuff came, covering the whole table. A diligent hour later, in Aaron’s words, “it looks like we hadn’t eaten anything at all”. We looked at the old man with hopeful eyes, for boxes. Many boxes. Also in Aaron’s words, “he’s quietly laughing at us: gotcha, foreigners, didn’t know what you were getting into, did you”. He did laugh with us, a very congenial laugh of old men, as he poured the goods into the containers and loaded the containers into a cardboard box. Aaron had enough food for the next week. And Aaron is no timid diner.
Address: Myung Dong Kalguksu
6415 Bissonnet St
Houston, TX 77074
(713) 779-5530
Dinner for so many more than two: $50. See Menu pages 1 and 2.
(*) It’s a neon green one-story house with no door sign. Very noticeable. If in doubt, ask the people in the same parking lot, they’ll confirm “The Chinese restaurant? Yes, that’s it there!”
(**) This is why I didn’t get kalguksu at To Hyang, although it’s one of their recommended’s. In a few ways, such as the homemade kimchis on the table, Myung Dong is similar to To Hyang. When my Korean is better, I’ll ask them if they grow herbs in the back too.
I think this website holds some really excellent information for everyone :D. “As ill-luck would have it.” by Miguel de Cervantes.
1I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…
2Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
3I was looking through some of your articles on this site and I think this website is very informative ! Continue posting.
4Some truly good articles on this site, thankyou for contribution.
5Great write-up, I am normal visitor of one’s site, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
6Generally I do not 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 surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.
7I consider something genuinely special in this website .
8Outstanding post, you have pointed out some fantastic points, I besides think this s a very excellent website.
9I think this web site holds some really good info for everyone. “In this world second thoughts, it seems, are best.” by Euripides.
10I would like to show my passion for your kindness giving support to men and women who must have help with this particular situation. Your special commitment to passing the message throughout has been exceedingly beneficial and have really permitted girls just like me to attain their pursuits. Your new important advice means a lot to me and a whole lot more to my peers. Best wishes; from all of us.
11It’s really a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.
12You made a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found the majority of folks will go along with with your blog.
13As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
14It’s best to take part in a contest for probably the greatest blogs on the web. I’ll recommend this website!
15I love the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great blog posts.
16My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be exactly what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content available for you? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write with regards to here. Again, awesome web log!
17I don’t even understand how I finished up here, but I thought this publish was good. I do not understand who you might be but definitely you are going to a famous blogger if you are not already 😉 Cheers!
18Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So good to seek out anyone with some original thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is one thing that’s needed on the net, someone with a little bit originality. helpful job for bringing something new to the internet!
19Very interesting points you have mentioned, appreciate it for putting up.
20Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing!
21I do not even know how I stopped up right here, however I believed this submit used to be great. I do not know who you are but certainly you’re going to a famous blogger when you are not already 😉 Cheers!
22Hello, you used to write great, but the last several posts have been kinda boring?K I miss your tremendous writings. Past several posts are just a little out of track! come on!
23