Minsok -Korean and Japanese Restaurant
92 Harvard Street, Brookline, MA (intersection of Harvard Street with Aspinwall/School Streets)
Open for little over two weeks, I went and ate at Minsok. I was very excited to have a potential new restaurant in the area. Formerly a Kosher Chinese Restaurant and last incarnation was Zoe's, Minsok is a welcome addition.
The waitstaff is dressed in colorful Korean outfits. The menu is extensive and since it was the first time for my friend BM to try Korean food I figured I would keep it simple. I ordered the seafood pancake, seafood chapchae (veggies, seafood stir fried with clear noodles), steamed mandu (Korean dumplings), and bulgoki (Korean BBQ beef).
First we were treated with an amuse bouche of rice porridge. My friend found it refreshing and I found it different from the regular Chinese style porridge due to the type of rice being used. Next came out the seafood pancake which was a big healthy portion. It was airy and crispy with bits of seafood and scallion in this eggy batter. The dipping sauce was not too spicy but nice accent. We got over 8 little side dishes too (one of my favorite things at a Korean restaurant). I have found this to be a generous selection, some other Korean places around town give you four side dishes and then charge you if you want more. I have been spoiled at other Korean restaurants outside of Massachusetts (ie Los Angeles Ktown or even Korean Food in NYC). They consisted of two types of kimchee (bok choy and cucumber), a black bean, fish cake, blanched bean sprouts, to name a few.
Next came our mandu-dumplings, very pretty and delicious with a lovely healthy mixture of meat and veggies inside (you can get them steamed or pan fried) with the dipping sauce. Next was the seafood chapchae which was a heaping portion and the same for the bulgoki with lots of onions. The chapchae was good (we ended up having to take it home) with the nice amount of veggies, generous helping of seafood-mussels, shrimp, squid. The bulgoki (I tend to like to cook my own as it is drier) but it was still good though prepared in the kitchen.
Service was good. The waitstaff was very attentive making sure our water glasses were always filled and they always asked before taking away our dishes. At the end of our meal, we were asked for dessert, they only have mochi ice cream. But some fresh fruit orange and pineapple slices were served with our bill. On our way out, we were given a small present. We thought it a nice touch.
Next time you are in Brookline Village area, check out Minsok Restaurant! I have told a few friends already!
8 forks out of 10 forks
