Cycle 4 – Item 153

7 (Fri) June 2013

Spaghetti Napoliana

3.5

at The Corner Kitchen

-Oksu, Seongdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with W and DJ, Mom + Dad

While I’ve posted on many pizzas from this restaurant, my favorite pizzeria in the city, this is the first time featuring a pasta.  Frankly, the pastas weren’t particularly notable until they recently revamped the menu and added this item: the Napoliana.  When I inquired about the sauce, amazingly rich in flavor, the owner confirmed that it didn’t come from just the ingredients in the dish but involved a concentrated stock, though he wouldn’t elaborate – I’m thinking bottled clam juice.  In any case, it’s excellent, ideal for dipping pizza crusts.  15,500 won.  About the name, I’m unaware of any eponymous seafood pasta dish associated with Napoli, but the port city’s cuisine does embrace a lot of seafood in general, so the attribution here seems fair enough.

According to Oksu-related internet bulletin boards – yes, they exist, and W is a frequent reader – the restaurant’s suddenly begun giving away freebies to the regulars, like this off-menu salad.  Roasted and fresh veggies topped with cheeses and balsamic vinaigrette.  Probably a move in response to the competition from several new Italian restaurants in the area.  This is why competition is a good thing, at least for the customers.

(See also GLOBAL FOOD GLOSSARY)

(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)