Yee Hwa, Washington, D.C.......Korea and Japan at One Table.....(or Possibly Three)
Written: Mar 14 '05 (Updated Nov 06 '05)
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Pros: Caring, thoughtful service, excellent food, Fun
Cons: Honestly, not too many cons here...just don't expect it to look like the Four Seasons
The Bottom Line: For Korean dining in downtown Washington, look no further than Yee Hwa. The food is good and the service is enthusiastic.
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| tombarnes's Full Review: Yee Hwa |
Downtown Washington doesn't have a wide selection of Korean restaurants. The few that are here mostly hibernate in strip malls in the suburbs. Not that you'd find Yee Hwa too easily either. It sits on 21st Street, perfectly visible to all, but still manages to be overlooked, except possibly be its troops of loyal regular visitors. The Doc and I made the trek on a snowy night last month. Was it worth the trek through the snow? Read on...
The Interior
The room almost looks like it came out of a hotel in the 1950's, and not necessarily in a bad way. You will pass the sushi bar as the friendly host escorts you to your table. The look is functional, rather than luxurious. If the lighting is on the bright side, just bring your shades next time. You aren't here to eat the walls are you?
The Menu
As if to hedge their bets, the owners have Korean-Japanese emblazoned on their awning and menus. Perhaps they assume than most Washington diners would be more familiar with Japanese cuisine than with the subtleties of Korean cooking.
First Course
The menu is extensive, so it did take a while to make our selection. Eventually, we settled upon the Agedashi Tofu ($6.95). We were smart to have chosen only one appetizer for the two of us. The portions are quite large. What we got was about six large cubes of fried tofu with a salty scallion broth for immersion. Once past the crunchy exterior, the creamy tofu within is exceptionally good. Be careful here, as it is very hot. The crunchy crust had a hint of sesame.
Following this, we were brought steaming bowls of Miyuk Gook ($2.95), basically just beef broth with seaweed. To any doubters out there, this was quite good. Seaweed is only unpleasant if you stop to think about it too much. Go ahead and enjoy.
Main Course
Spying on or neighbors, we noticed that they were seated at a table with a cooking surface in the middle. Seeing that this would be much more fun, we asked to be moved to one of these tables. The cheerful staff promptly moved us to another table and had set up everything for the main course, only to discover that the cooking apparatus underneath our table didn't work. Our game of musical chairs continued and we were sent to a third and final table in the corner. This one worked.
I ordered the Bool Go Ki ($18.95), basically just thin slices of beef marinated in spices. The Doc ordered the Kal Bi ($19.95), basically the same thing, except hers were boneless short rib cubes. Upon reflection, her beef was far superior to mine.
The real fun here is the preparation of your dinner. Like any number of Japanese restaurants, the preparation is worth watching. Our servers were all business, but they still managed to put a bit of flair into what they were doing. One did not get the sense that this was merely a show. The servings don't look all that big until you have had a bit and they just keep bringing you more...and more. They also trot out a parade of side dishes. Little dishes of kim chee, pepper paste, shredded vegetables and so on. A big bowl of fluffy white rice was served to go with the vegetables. Have no fear of going hungry here.
The menu is extensive and there's a sushi bar at the entrance as well. Lunch specials range from about $9.00 to $12.00. One of the house specialties I'd like to try is the Dae Goo Meoon Tang ($15.95 at dinner), a spicy codfish stew served in a stone pot.
Service
The staff here manage a difficult balance of being friendly as well as deferential. One really gets the sense that they care whether or not you enjoy your dinner. The bowing is deferential, but not obsequious. The staff maintain their dignity as well as enhancing yours.
Cost
Dinner for two (without alcohol) cost just over $50.00 before the tip. This is exceptionally reasonable for a restaurant in downtown Washington. Lunch prices are even lower, but be aware that drinks will send your bill skyward. Overall, this is definitely one of the better values in the city. The atmosphere is more friendly than formal. We saw a large family enjoying dinner together. Their children were literally crawling all over the floor. Under most circumstances, this would annoy me to no end. Here, it just seemed natural. I wouldn't worry too much about a dress code, but you will probably see more suits at lunch, simply due to the location.
As for getting there, take the Metro to Farragut West on the Orange or Blue Lines and walk about two blocks. Parking is available in nearby garages, but they are expensive. Forget valet parking. All credit cards are taken happily here. They are open as follows:
Monday- Friday 11:30 AM- 10:00 PM
Saturday- Sunday 12:00 PM- 9:00 PM
Yee Hwa
1009 21st Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel. 202-833-1244
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Reservations are advised--especially at lunch
Best Suited For: Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
tombarnes
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 - Top 100 |
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Member: Thomas Barnes
Location: Fort Lauderdale & Washington, DC
Reviews written: 684
Trusted by: 441 members
About Me:
With Barbara in Miami, 2004
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