"Good food, good service, good experience. I had the bi bim bap (cold dish), which I didn't realize included a meat option until our server asked my selection. I went with bulgogi, which came out just right: tender, sweet, and savory. The vegetables on the bi bim bap were all very good: marinated shitake mushrooms, daikon pickle, blanched spinach, chopped green leaf lettuce, mung bean sprouts, yellow corn, and shredded carrots. The side of sticky rice was perfectly cooked. The yolk of an over easy egg and drizzle of gochujang melded into the perfect sauce for the sesame oil accented veggies. Everything in the bowl was perfectly crisp and fresh. A home run. My hubby ordered japchae. This dish is usually one of our favorites; we're such fans, we've even made it at home. There was a good amount of beef and noodles, and this was a decent rendition. I didn't find the bite he shared that yummy and preferred my own order. He said he was satisfied but not blown away. A nice assortment of tangy, tart, and sweet banchan complemented our entrees. Kimchi, a few different daikon pickles, zucchini and onion pickle, potato in barley malt syrup, etc. were all good. My favorite were the large chunks of chili coated fermented daikon their lactic tang and crunch were so delicious. I wish pickled burdock root my other favorite was an option. Drinks were cheap by AVL standards beer and wine for around $3 and $7 respectively. Food prices seemed too high by a couple of dollars per item. The restaurant was nearly empty at 6pm, and we wondered how much affordability had to do with that. We both thought the atmosphere (faux stone, neutrals, glass) and Muzak were vaguely reminiscent of a corporate hotel chain lobby. Kinda weird but whatever. Our server was attentive and quick to deliver the check during toddler meltdown. Maybe not special trip worthy, but we'll be back next time we're in Arden."
