We had such a great time an ANJU in October, that one of our guests decided to invite us back for another feat on her birthday as well as her and her husband's anniversary. The repast was remarkable, and we all had the greatest time indeed.
Soy Humo! is my go-to drink here now made with Chacho Jalapeno Aguardiente, Bahnez Mezcal, soy/agave syrup and lime juice. This smokey miracle is great on a cold winter day or anytime. Our wines included a Provence Rose that one of the guests brought as well as a 2020 Pinot Noir Rose from Domaine Pelle-Menetou-Salon, "Morogues" in the Loire that was a wonderful fruity yet full-bodied choice with the spicy food. Our red was a 2016 Easton Zinfandel from Amador Country that easily stood up to the spice.
We shared starters and all were terrific One of our favorite tartares around is the Yukhoe which is a luscious beef tartare made with palm sugar, chili basil seeds, pine nuts, and served with lotus crisps to scoop it up. All agreed this is a signature star dish that can never leave the menu! The Mandu are yummy dumplings of pork and kimchi that are pan fried and the Chickin is another divine dish that is fried to perfection with spicy gochujang glaze & white bbq drizzle.
There are many main dishes to choose from, but Will & I headed right for the "Mama Lee's Classics" section and chose the Kimchi Jjigae, a pork rib meat stew, soft tofu with aged kimchi that packs a kick, but the tofu totally matches the spice. If you seek a spicy thick soup to warm you up on a winter evening, choose the Jjappong made with thick noodles in a spicy seafood broth with wok roasted shellfish filling the bowl.
Gamjatang is a braised pork shank with potato, napa, perilla & radish and then there is the Dak Jjim or Korean braised chicken thighs with potatoes and onions, another one of Mama Lee's specialty, as is the Dolsot Bibim Bap the hot stone bowl of rice, assorted vegetables, and choice of bulgogi (or tofu). All the fotos are on FB of course.
We split two desserts and chose the Ginger Funnel Cake we loved so much last time which comes with caramel, apple & pear compote, soybean powder & sesame cream.
The Jujube Flan De Queso is another winner which comes with honey, granola, black pepper whipped cream & lemon. Of course there was a birthday cake and we all left fuller than full and with lots of doggie bags as Anju is a great place to over-order and have leftovers for several days!
Our server Abby did an amazing job keeping us all more than happy!
