As a true sinophile (or I should say
all-Asian-cultures-phile), I was thrilled to move to Duluth a little over a year
ago. For those of you who don’t know, Duluth is overwhelmingly Korean, with a
sprinkling of other Asian influences as well. While I have yet to find one spot
in my hood that melts my soul, I have tried quite a few good, and not-so-good
ones, so I thought I would outline them all below.
Please note that in a year, I have barely scratched the
surface in terms of the Asian eateries available to me. I am sure there are
some great ones out there that I have not yet discovered. So far, though, my
top pick goes to the ramen-noodle-slinging, Haru Ichiban. (In fact, if it were
less cumbersome to order soup to go, it might very well melt my soul.)
3646 Satellite Blvd.
First, I have to give a shout out to this place for treating
my sister and I with nothing but warmth and kindness when we decided to go in
there after a Zumba class looking and smelling less than rosy. Our cups of hot
tea and noodle soup were surprisingly welcome after sweating our spandex-clad
rumps off for an hour. As for the soup, there are a number of broths, noodle
types and floatables (meats/veg) to choose from. Based on the taste of both
mine and my sister’s soup, I’d guess that it’s hard to go wrong here. They also
serve sushi and other Japanese dishes. (Note: It was very easy to get a table
on a Saturday afternoon, but I once walked in there during lunch on a weekday
and walked right back out due to the overwhelming crowd waiting to be seated.)
3473 Old Norcross Rd.
If you’re in the area, this is definitely a place you should
try, mostly for the experience. A Korean barbecue joint, your food is served to
you raw and is cooked at your table. They offer a delectable selection of meats
and seafood to choose from, served with many traditional Korean side dishes
(known as Banchan), flavorful sauces, as well as some vegetables including
mushrooms and bean sprouts. Once your food is cooked, you go to town creating
your own masterpieces with just the right mix of meat, veg and sauce – wrapped
in either a lettuce leaf or a doughy wrap made of rice. The best part, though,
is at the end when the scraps of meat and veg left on the grill are made into a
fried rice by one of the servers – trust me, it’s good stuff.
If you want to try a decent selection of meats, I would
definitely go with at least a group of three. Also note that it’s not a cheap
place – it typically works out to about $50/person once it’s all said and done.
(This could be because they also serve some fun drinks like sake and Asian
beers. Personally I would recommend the plum wine. Just be sure to share it
with others, as it comes in a small bottle and is quite potent.)
Also, do not go here expecting remarkable service. There is
never really one person assigned to a table. Instead, they all just sort of
wander around and help whoever needs to be helped (if they feel like it). Some
of the servers there are friendly and helpful, while others could care less,
and unfortunately you may get help from a good person for a few minutes and
never see him again. Last but not least, if you order the signature honey pig,
just note that it does not taste sweet like a honey-baked ham (which I had
pictured it tasting like). It’s basically like thick slabs of bacon – not that
there’s anything wrong with that…
3473 Old Norcross Rd. (next to Honey Pig)
I had a chicken sandwich and some waffle fries here that
reminded me a lot of Chick-fil-A, only a lot more expensive. The only
differences were that it was less greasy
(due to their
obsessive use of only olive oil – you’ll see signs about it all around), and it
had the hint of a spicy kick to it. It’s not a bad option if you’re craving a
quick, no-nonsense meal without the guilt. Just be prepared to pay the price
for it – it was well over $20 for two of us to get chicken sandwiches with
fries and soft drinks. Since the first time I was there, they have added some
seasoning to their waffle fries which gives me more incentive to return.
2550 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Where do I start? This is another place that is more of an
experience than anything else. In this one place, you can do your groceries,
stop for a coffee and pastry, or get some Korean fried chicken to go. I am
proud to say I have done all of those things there.
First off, the groceries. If you are like me and enjoy
cooking cuisines from all over the world, then you know that trying to find
somewhat exotic ingredients like lemongrass and jicama can be a real pain at
your local grocer. This is where Super H Mart comes in. The produce section is
to die for – and everything seems waaaay more fresh than at my go-to chain
establishment. Chances are if you are looking for a vegetable, root or herb and
can’t find it at your usual spot, you will find it at Super H.
In addition, it’s just a super fun place to go and try
something new. On my first trip there, I didn’t really need anything, but I
just strolled through the aisles and picked up things that sounded interesting.
Some were good (lychee sorbet and cucumber kimchi), while others, not so much
(durian ice pops). But, nonetheless, now I know, and knowing is half the
battle!
There are also a half-dozen or so eateries in Super H to
grab a quick snack or an entire meal. Box Chicken (Korean fried chicken) is
particularly tasty, but again, not so cheap ($20 or so for a box, but it easily
serves two). They also sweeten the deal by throwing in a free can of soda, and
a few Korean sides such as pickled veg. Definitely try their sweet sauce option
(I think they call it soy) – it’s delish.
My mom and I were tickled to find Super H open one Sunday
morning at the crack of dawn when she was visiting (she typically wakes up at
5am and had started to do dishes near my sister’s head while she slept, so I
suggested a walk). The coffee and green tea cake we got at Café Mozart in the
front of the store hit the spot – and it also provided us a nice spot to sit
and chat while waiting for the others in my house to wake.
The only negative I will say is that the floors of Super H
are not kept as meticulously clean as those at your typical grocer. Note to
self (and others): Do not where precarious shoes in there. I once wore some
boots without good traction and went flying while trying to carry all of my
loot out of the store – it was both embarrassing and physically painful.
2570 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Right next to Super H is the shaved ice establishment, SunO
Dessert. They offer a wide range of toppings including syrups, fruits and
candies. Unfortunately, only the top half inch or so of my dessert had any
flavor, then I was left with a big bowl of ice, so this place is not really for
me.
Lee’s Pho
1630 Pleasant Hill Rd.
One thing that annoys me about the particular area where I
lived is that there is a fairly good representation of Vietnamese places, but
none of them serve banh mi (aka crack in sandwich form). This is probably like
walking into an American fine dining restaurant and expecting to find hot dogs,
but come on peeps, throw the ignorant white girl a bone!
So for banh mi, I have to travel fairly far down Pleasant
Hill Road to Lee’s Pho inside the
Assi Plaza.
If you don’t know, banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich served on
crusty-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside French bread, filled with your meat
of choice (go with the barbecue pork), pickled vegetables, cilantro, jalapeno
and a dreamy, buttery spread. While Quoc Huong on Buford Highway has the best
banh mi in the Atlanta area hands down, Lee’s Pho will certainly do if you’re
in Duluth. However, you may want to ask for the jalapeno on the side. I don’t
typically have an issue when I go there, but last time my tongue was almost
singed off.
Golden House
1600 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Just past Assi on Pleasant Hill you’ll find Golden House,
which is a pretty decent dim sum establishment. I went on a weekday, so I
cannot appropriately judge the peak time crowd situation, but I can say that
the place is very clean, the food is delicious and the servers are friendly and
attentive (at least on weekdays).
If you don’t know, dim sum is another “experience” to which
you want to bring a few friends (preferably at least one who has had dim sum
before). A family-style dining experience, servers rove around the room with
carts of various small plates (dumplings, buns, etc., kind of like Chinese
tapas). You pay based on what you select, but dim sum is always very affordable
(usually less than $10 per person for a boatload of good, filling eats).
I was lucky enough to get invited to go during lunch with my
boss (who is Chinese) and her parents. I usually play it safe when I go to dim
sum, sticking to dishes with which I am familiar like pork buns and spare ribs.
This time I was able to try some of the more daring selections ordered by my
dining companions – namely, chicken feet and tripe. The chicken feet were good,
pretty much tasting like spare ribs with a lot more bones. The tripe, well, I
assume it’s an acquired taste.
3780 Old Norcross Rd.
Heading back towards the center of Duluth, you’ll find an
unassuming treasure chest of treats right in the Kroger shopping center on the
corner of Steve Reynolds and Old Norcross. The best place there is called
Amazing Burger. Much like Chicken & Beer (slash BBQ Chicken), this place is
a hybrid of American fast food and Asian flavors. I always get the Asian
Chicken Sub, which never disappoints. Prices here are also a bit higher than
your typical fast food (about $7 for a sandwich or $8 if you add fries), but it
is of better quality. Someone was kind enough to post the
whole menu online
for your viewing pleasure.
Quickly
3780 Old Norcross Rd.
Right next to Amazing Burger, there’s a small place called
Quickly which serves smoothies, tea, ramen and other light bites. I surely
picked the wrong thing when I went in there. My avocado milk shake literally
tasted like nothing. I will try the place again, though, because it’s very cute
and has a bevy of bevies to choose from (including bubble tea). If you think
about it, avocado does not have much taste on its own, so what was I really
thinking ordering that? If the next drink I order is also flavorless, well
then, I will steer clear for good.
Hansel &
Gretel
2605 Pleasant Hill Rd.
 |
| Pizza toast |
If you’re near the WalMart on Pleasant Hill, the Korean
bakery Hansel & Gretel is worth a visit. I went in there one day and
grabbed a random selection of items to try – some good, others not so much. Oddly
the best thing I tried was called something like “pizza toast.” It had both
cheese and ketchup on it, but was somehow surprisingly satisfying. I also tried
a piece of green tea cake, which was a bit dry and not that flavorful, but I
had tried a slice of the same from a full cake at a party years ago and adored
it. (That cake was from the Suwanee location, so maybe that store is better? Or
maybe slicing the cake steals away some of its moisture? I dunno.)
I also tried some god awful buns with pumpkin in them. I
like pumpkin in general, but not this way. In any case, Hansel & Gretel
also offers coffee and tea, and I am still on the fence about my first
experience, so I owe them at least one more shot. It’s also a really cute place
to relax for awhile – like a Starbucks without all of the annoying people in
it.
Eerecipe Rice Crepes
House
2645 N. Berkeley Lake Rd.
Speaking of annoying people, I encountered a loud group of
them at this place. Serving rice crepes, this is probably the most exotic place
I have eaten in Duluth. If you have been to dim sum, you know that wrapping
various meats in rice dough is common practice. These crepes are similar, but
come in a wider variety of filling choices and are cut small to enjoy more as a
snack than a heavy meal (unless you try a few like I did, then you will feel a
bit heavy after). Overall, it was a fun and affordable place to try, save for
the loud group of youngsters in there. They also have a few dessert crepes,
which is always a good time!
Non-Asian
3780 Old Norcross Rd.
There’s a neighborhood pizza spot in the Kroger plaza called
Rudy’s New York Pizza. It’s a familiar
and comforting type of local joint with your typical selections. Don’t expect
gourmet, but if you have a hankering for pizza in the area and don’t want to
travel too far, it will do.
3108 Main St.
I had been dying to try the Pure Taqueria in Inman Park for
awhile, so I was delighted to find out that one had opened in Downtown Duluth
(yes, there’s a downtown – who knew?). Unfortunately, I ventured in there on a
Friday night, and it was a madhouse. The place is definitely trendy, with an
industrial feel. Stepping in there (or trying to) during the weekend served as
a strong reminder that we are in the ‘burbs here in Duluth, where trendy
bars/restaurants are hard to come by.
Despite the horrific wait, during which we literally had to
throw bows to get to the bar, the overall experience was pretty good. While my
dining compadres all said their food was just okay, mine (carne asada tacos) was
delish. And the virgin drink that the bartender mixed up for me when I asked
for his suggestion – a banana margarita – was one of the best drinks I’ve ever
had. I will definitely head back here, but during the day or on a weeknight, as
we still had to throw bows while we were eating at our table just to avoid
someone sitting on us or hitting us in the head with a purse.
Non-Eats
2750 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Shockingly, one of my favorite places in Duluth does not
involve food at all (unless of course you take a picnic there, which would be
lovely). Shorty Howell Park is massive and quite scenic. Best of all, it has a
paved 1.25 mile track that is perfect for running, as well as a standard round
track on which I plan to do some rollerblading. The park also has a pretty
impressive playground for the kids, as well as grills and a covered picnic
pavilion. Did I mention the pond filled with ducks? Lastly, there’s a rec
center there where I have taken some Zumba classes. I am quite thankful to live
right next to this place.
Health Foot Spa
3780 Old Norcross Rd.
If I was less of a germaphobe and more tolerant of pain, I
would go here more often. For $25, you get a 60-minute foot massage, with some
neck/shoulder work and hot tea thrown in for free. Despite the fact that it is
all done in one room filled with strangers, it was somehow quite a relaxing
atmosphere – save for the substantial amount of chatter back and forth between
the staff.
My sister got a woman masseuse, and had a perfectly fine
experience. Mine could have been a bit better, but I got a man who reeked of
smoke and massaged so hard that I yelled out “ouch!” at one point (and I
typically like a pretty forceful massage). If someone could assure me that
hands were indeed washed in between each customer, I’d be fine. However, I
can’t be sure, so when he stuck his fingers in my ears, I couldn’t help but
wonder if I’d be going home with a rash (glad to say I didn’t though). Despite
all of this, would I go again? Probably. It’s a unique experience unlike what
you’d get at a typical spa, mostly in terms of the bang for your buck.
Future Adventures…
While I have likely experienced way more places in town than
any other non-Asian Duluth resident, I still have a long way to go on my
explorations, so there will definitely be a part two (if not more) to this
post. Some spots I still need to try include one of the Korean buffets (yes,
those exist), the naked Korean spa, JeJu (have been hesitant on this one for
obvious reasons), and the Gwinnett International Farmers Market, to name a few.
Wish me luck on these adventures, fellow foodies/explorers – particularly the
one that requires me to be in my birthday suit.
