Profile: HamJiPark
By Ryan - Sunday September 11th 2005 |
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If HamJiPark ye truly seek, HamJiPark ye shall indeed find yet be advised: ye may need seek alternate HamJiPark afore supping on grisled neck of pork.
Saturday’s mission: Try the Jonathan Gold-approved gamjatang at HamJiPark.
Gamjatang: Tender pork neck (still attached to bone), whole boiled potatoes, fresh scallions, a few scattered unidentified organs/tendons and seasonings in a rich red broth served bubbling and steaming in a cauldron large enough to perform serious tummy magic.
HamJiPark #1: 4135 W. Pico
- Is this a restaurant? I spot a dodgy-looking fellow peering into parked cars, but nothing that says ‘restaurant’ at this address.
- The sign says ‘Open’ and the exterior glass door is indeed open.
- Alas. Padlocked iron bars do not allow me inside.
- Smoking, disinterested people inside do not appear to be dining on porkneck. Attempt second location.
HamJiPark #2: 3407 W. 6th
- This place is clean. A little too clean? Nay: Just clean enough.
- Comforting thought: Requisite Ktown glass smokepatio subdivider and “B” health rating both appear to be in place. We’re in business.
The Gamjatang Review
A grizzly meal not for the fainthearted, yet nonetheless delicious. More than filling. Sloppy. Even with various spoons and utensils, hundreds of soup flecks managed to splatter my jeans, Jackson-Pollock-style.
Splatters aside, holy porkneck monstrosities. If you have a friend on the fence considering vegetarianism, bring them to this restaurant and order up a bowl of gamjatang immediately, as this meal requires enough bone manipulation to put anybody over the edge for good.
Photos
[ Tea for the Tillerman ]
[ Summer's Cauldron of Earthly Delights ]
[ Meat is Murder ]
[ Nary Save Bones Remain ]
u like taking pics of food and beer. awesome.
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[...] It’s no secret that in my youth I’ve made some questionable choices when it comes time for dinner. It takes a strong stomach to bring you the hard, cold facts regarding porkneck soup, sizzling pork bellies, steaming oki-dogs, philly cheesesteak shacks, all-pudding diets and armenian-salvadorian booze binges. As much as it pains me to say it, I’ve got to look in the mirror and recognize that I’m a man getting on in years. Just recently the doctor advised me to watch the diet, but good. Make no bones about it: my days are numbered in the chilicheese circuit. [...]
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[...] Jgold has a Koreatown flush: Han Bat, HamJiPark, Ma Dang, Toad, Ham Kyung Do. Nothing cohesive, same family. Ktown flush. Strong hand but it doesn’t beat my full house. [...]
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