Duh Kuh Bee: A Taste Of The 38th Parallel

A border fence runs between the two Koreas at the 38th parallel. This politically inspired structure permanently separated families and caused a lot of pain in different communities in the two respective Koreas. We have seen images of Korean people standing at the 38th parallel tearfully looking through the fence at the other side. Perhaps they are wondering about the fate of a long lost love, or maybe they are just home sick. Sadly, their misery does not end there. In North Korea, the citizens are forced into compulsory worship of a successive bloodline of tyrannical leaders. People are slaughtered at the slightest murmur of dissent the atmosphere of governmental intimidation is so thick, you can barely manage to cut it open with a machete. If you are anything short of absolutely reverent to the "Dear Leader" you are guaranteed to be snuffed out like a flickering candle.

The South does not have it much better, largely thanks to the North. The South Koreans have obnoxious neighbors who play with missiles like they are tinker toys.

Despite all of their hardships, Koreans on both sides of the 38th parallel have one escape from their problems, no matter how temporary it is- their delicious barbecue. (Mostly on the south side, since a lot of them in the North are starving) I would not recommend going to North Korea, because it will likely take nothing less than a former President of the United States to get you out. I would not recommend going to South Korea either, because it is so close to North Korea.

Instead, why not go to Duh Kuh Bee. It is a tiny hole in the wall restaurant that is so unassuming, that you might need a map to find it if you are standing right in front of it. When you walk in for the first time, you will be astonished by the atmosphere. Aside from the color Television set at the end of the restaurant playing American television, you will think you were magically transported to Korea. The place looks just divey enough to have a cute "slumming" quality about it, but it isn't dirty, and it does not look unsanitary. When you walk in, a barrage of random aromas immediately hit you in the face. Your hunger is brought to a peak when teased by the pleasing scents. If you look directly to your left, you will see a display with photos of random customers. That already gives you a sense that they appreciate your business. When you look inside of the building, you might feel astonished by the small size of it. On the first immediate glance, you might feel like you are in a Korean themed semi truck trailer. You can rest assured, this is an illusion. When you walk in a bit further, you will see to your right, a little bar you can sit at, replete with soy sauces and other garnishments, that has a direct, full view into the kitchen.

When you are seated, you are presented with what looks like little square pieces of Honeydew, and a salad that was churned in a garbage disposal. Again, the Koreans triumph with their illusions. The "honeydew" tastes like cole slaw, and the garbage disposal salad is delicious. Unfortunately, I forget what both of these are called. You are brought a jug of water with a close-able lid, and two smallish glasses. The menu tends to have the items pictured. They have the expected items of noodles and rice. If you have a direct view of the kitchen, you can see them make the noodles right there, so you know you are getting quality food. I recommend the shrimp rice, and the medium vegetable noodle. Aso, get a side of meat. They have Korean beef ribs, and other delectables.

The service is usually perfect. The only time when it wasn't, was when a remiss young waiter actually came chasing us down the street asking for a tip. (We usually pay tips, but were running a bit short that day.) But, if you go there more than once, you can count on them recognizing you, and welcoming you back like an old friend. Maybe my friend Ben and I are easy to recognize because we seem to be the only non-Asians who ever show up. Who knows? Either way, when an Asian food restaurant is full of Asians, you can almost bet on it's authenticity.

This place is open quite late usually, so if you feel like a midnight snack, Duh Kuh Bee is your hook up.

Ultimately, I have to recommend this place to anybody who likes to eat wholesome, authentic Asian food. It is worth every penny, and you do get your money's worth. It is like being at the 38th parallel, except without the isolation from family members, or fear of getting killed. It is just a happier place to be than the 38th parallel.

Service A

Food A+

Environment A

Recommendation- Go there. NOW