Needing to break a lunch rut?

The offerings were a bit intimidating until we saw the lunch specials on the flip side of the large menu. The lunch special came in a pork, chicken or beef variety. I opted for the beef while my companion chose chicken. The accompanying photos showed the food presented on a tray with compartments. We were not quite sure what would be served alongside our beef and chicken selections, but it did look pretty in the picture.

After a mild panic attack when I realized we only had a large spoon alongside chopsticks with which to eat the meal, we began sampling our lunch. We both tried the meat first. I knew that I would probably like the bulgogi, or barbecued beef, because my retired military father lived in Korea once upon a time and raved about it. The meat was terrific. It was seasoned with what tasted like soy sauce and a trace of something sweet. The pieces were small enough that even I could use my chopsticks. Next, we tried our rices. I chose steamed rice, while my friend chose the fried rice. Both were very tasty and not too soggy or greasy.

OUT ON A LIMB

The remaining three compartments on our tray were where we were taking some shots in the dark. First, I sampled the chapchae, which was cellophane noodles with some shredded carrots and onions. It tasted a little bit like ramen noodles, but so much better. The noodles were very succulent with a light sauciness to them. Next, I tried what looked to be an Asian combination of potato salad and coleslaw. There were a few diced potatoes served atop what appeared to be sliced and diced carrots and cabbage. All three vegetables had a tanginess to them without being overly saturated with any liquid. It tasted fleetingly like the German potato salad kartofel, but with an Asian spice to it.

The last remaining quadrant contained kimchi, and my sense of adventure diminished. Although I do love hot and spicy food, I was not nearly brave enough to try it. My lunch-mate was feeling brave and jumped right into the radish and cabbage salad. She took two bites of it and really liked it.

There were plenty of desserts but we ate the orange slice that our server brought to us for a sweet fix.

The meal was a really fun adventure, and neither one of us left with any regrets. It was not a lunch that was heavy, the portions were just right and the special was a very reasonable $5.99. When needing to get out of a dining rut, Jeon Ju would be a place to break out of it like we did.

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