Kum Gang San makes me laugh. It is a sprawling Korean restaurant featuring Korean Barbecue and Japanese food (um, sure) in Korea Town, and it is delightfully overwhelming. I have only been here once, but I am eager to return.
Upon entering the restaurant for dinner with a friend one night, I was surprised to find it was a two-story establishment with a mezzanine. A mezzanine juxtaposed with a faux rock wall. A faux rock wall that contained a faux rock ledge. A faux rock ledge on which was perched a pianist at a white baby grand piano and a guy playing a bass. Kum Gang San, what is happening? I think I love everything about you.
My friend and I stood in amazement just inside the rock cave entrance until we were beckoned up the stairs by the grand sweeping arm gesture of the hostess at the top. From our table by the railing, we could see the white-on-white 3-dimensional landscape mural spanning one wall, the golden garment bags on a stand-alone rack on the ground floor, what appeared to be a take-out station laden with refrigerated kimchi, and a mounted television airing "Seinfeld." Obviously.
We ordered our meal, and as we waited for the appetizers to arrive, many complimentary dishes were set out before us, completely covering the table. Not one was explained, but all were tasty - or at the very least, interesting, like everything else about the restaurant. My friend and I realized that although we had only ordered two appetizers and one entree to share, we now had too much food. Given that the miscellaneous pre-appetizers (which may or may not be called "banchan") are somewhat standard at Korean restaurants, we should have expected this.
Speaking of the unexpected, we perused the condiment options on our table to discover we had in our possession salt, pepper, and strawberry. Though it was probably a good move in the end, we regrettably did not sample whatever was in that last labeled jar. If the rest of the meal was any indication, I'm sure it would have been delicious, but I didn't think the already flavorful beef we had ordered required a fruity addition.
We ultimately enjoyed our meal, the live music, our OB beers, and everything about the experience. In our sated states, we passed on ordering dessert but were served complimentary cups of creamy ice chips anyway. This too was unexplained, but it tasted like shards of frozen strawberry yogurt. I guess we got our fruity fix after all.
I would recommend this restaurant for a fun night out with friends or family, with our without children. In addition to the standard service of receiving dishes from the kitchen, some entrees may be cooked in the center of the table, lending even more excitement to the already entertaining atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly, and considering all that was complimentary, prices were reasonable overall. Bonus? It's open 24 hours, so you can enjoy your Kum Gang San experience any time it strikes your fancy.
Kum Gang San - 49 West 32nd Street, between 5th & Broadway
Upon entering the restaurant for dinner with a friend one night, I was surprised to find it was a two-story establishment with a mezzanine. A mezzanine juxtaposed with a faux rock wall. A faux rock wall that contained a faux rock ledge. A faux rock ledge on which was perched a pianist at a white baby grand piano and a guy playing a bass. Kum Gang San, what is happening? I think I love everything about you.
My friend and I stood in amazement just inside the rock cave entrance until we were beckoned up the stairs by the grand sweeping arm gesture of the hostess at the top. From our table by the railing, we could see the white-on-white 3-dimensional landscape mural spanning one wall, the golden garment bags on a stand-alone rack on the ground floor, what appeared to be a take-out station laden with refrigerated kimchi, and a mounted television airing "Seinfeld." Obviously.
We ordered our meal, and as we waited for the appetizers to arrive, many complimentary dishes were set out before us, completely covering the table. Not one was explained, but all were tasty - or at the very least, interesting, like everything else about the restaurant. My friend and I realized that although we had only ordered two appetizers and one entree to share, we now had too much food. Given that the miscellaneous pre-appetizers (which may or may not be called "banchan") are somewhat standard at Korean restaurants, we should have expected this.
Speaking of the unexpected, we perused the condiment options on our table to discover we had in our possession salt, pepper, and strawberry. Though it was probably a good move in the end, we regrettably did not sample whatever was in that last labeled jar. If the rest of the meal was any indication, I'm sure it would have been delicious, but I didn't think the already flavorful beef we had ordered required a fruity addition.
We ultimately enjoyed our meal, the live music, our OB beers, and everything about the experience. In our sated states, we passed on ordering dessert but were served complimentary cups of creamy ice chips anyway. This too was unexplained, but it tasted like shards of frozen strawberry yogurt. I guess we got our fruity fix after all.
I would recommend this restaurant for a fun night out with friends or family, with our without children. In addition to the standard service of receiving dishes from the kitchen, some entrees may be cooked in the center of the table, lending even more excitement to the already entertaining atmosphere. Service was prompt and friendly, and considering all that was complimentary, prices were reasonable overall. Bonus? It's open 24 hours, so you can enjoy your Kum Gang San experience any time it strikes your fancy.
Kum Gang San - 49 West 32nd Street, between 5th & Broadway
I walked passed this place a few days ago and thought of this entry. Had I not been rushing off to the dentist, I would have definitely checked this place out for what you describe to be a very interesting experience. Nice to have a go-to Korean option in the city!!
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