The Rafu Shimpo - L.A. Japanese Daily News

Fine Korean Dining in Temecula
By JEAN C VILLANUEVA
Rafu Contributor
Saturday, Dec. 2, 2006

Minong Korean Soft Tofu B.B.Q. Village offers barbecue and a variety of traditional dishes.

korean BBQ
Photos by JEAN C. VILLANUEVA
Korean-style barbecues, beef, chiken, pork and seafood are available at Minong Korean
Soft Tofu B.B.Q. Village in Temecula.

Korean BBQ
Waitress Hoseon Lee cooks meat at table.

On the outskirts of the Promenade Mall in Temecula, you will find a small Korean barbecue place named Minong Korean Soft Tofu B.B.Q. Village. You might not expect to find such a restaurant hidden away in an area such as this. In fact it is one of only two Korean barbecue restaurants in the city. But it is a gem that should be sought out for its warm hospitality and excellent cuisine.

Before you enter the double doors to the barbecue restaurant nothing incredibly striking catches the eye. Draped in an earthy orange color and set apart by two large palm trees its design is simple and blends nicely with the surrounding stores.

However upon entering is when the true spirit takes over. Stone tile flooring and granite tabletops fill the one room restaurant. A host(ess) warmly meets you, and you are ushered to a table, for those who only wish to enjoy the freshly prepared dishes, or an indoor grill style table, for those who want the grilling experience as they eat. The warm lighting and the wine bottles on the walls only add to the relaxed, refined atmosphere.

Friendly waiters/waitresses are always on hand to help you cook your meal and to bring you anything you need. Knowledgeable and attentive they bring service up a notch, whether you need a refill or a simply a suggestion about what dish is popular.

korean BBQ
All of the barbecue dinners come witha variety traditional side dishes.
But friendly atmosphere and matching staff is not all that the restaurant has to offer. Admittedly being a bit of a Korean barbecue fanatic, I have been to more than my share of this style of restaurant and have enjoyed everything from bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables and meat in hot stone pot) to kalbi (barbecue short ribs). The food quality at the B.B.Q.Village surpasses that of a lot of similar restaurant that I have been to. If what you are looking for is mass quantities of thinly sliced frozen meats this is not the place for you. The B.B.Q. Village serves only fresh, non-frozen meat cut, seasoned and prepared.

Kalbi, always a popular choice, is served seasoned or unseasoned and still on the bone. All barbecue dishes come with all the traditional sides. Cut and grilled right in front of you, although a bit sweet, kalbi is a dish not to be missed.

Minong Korean Soft Tofu B.B.Q. Village has a wide variety of tofu dishes as well. They have over 10 different dishes that utilize it, including an entire soft tofu section in the menu. The B.B.Q. Village serves all the traditional Korean soups and appetizers as well as a couple Japanese favorites. From bibimbap to shrimp tempura there is sure to be something for everyone.

The B.B.Q. Village is located on Margarita Road just east of the Promenade Mall in Temecula. If you’ve been there before October then it is time to go back. The new management for B.B.Q. Village has kept the standards if quality and taste high while keeping everything moderately priced. At the B.B.Q. Village you can expect to pay what you would at any other restaurant with grilled dishes ranging from $10-$20. So if you’re in the mood for some quality Korean barbecue style dining, stop by Minong Korean Soft Tofu B.B.Q. Village.

Minong Korean Soft Tofu B.B.Q. Village is located at 41269 Margarita Rd. #C-101 in Temecula. (951) 296-5211. Open hours: Monday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 4:30 to 10 p.m., and Saturday 12 to 11 p.m., and Sunday 12 to 9 p.m. Every Tuesday closed.

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