2.053

27 (Sun) February 2011

Crispy Chicken in Sweet Chili Sauce

1.0

at Dongcheonhong

-Sinsa, Gangnam, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with DJ

As noted in a post featuring the Samseong branch of the restaurant chain (see 1.257 Tofu with Crab), the original location is in Sinsa.

Returning for the first time since 2007, when W was staying at the post partum recovery center nearby, W and I were extremely disappointed.  First, the oryong haesam was oily, flavorless, and needlessly spicy, just barely edible.  Even worse, the dish cost 60,000 won, a ridiculous but typical price for seafood dishes at Chinese restaurants here.

Incidentally, the decision to order something expensive tonight was influenced by W’s birthday yesterday.  Not wanting to pass on the opportunity to eat something special, she turned to the pricey portion of the menu as soon as we’d sat down.

From tonight’s experience, I vow henceforth never again to pay more than 25,000 won for a single dish at any local Chinese restaurant.

Furthermore, I’m placing the entire Dongcheonhong chain on probation (which should have them quivering in their boots).  Having already banned the Samseong branch (see 1.305 Shrimp in Chili Sauce), I’m willing to give the original location a final chance out of respect for its history of excellence, but only if the opportunity were to arise out of unforeseen and/or unavoidable circumstances.

(See also FOODS)

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