Haewoondae Korean Restaurant

After a truly bizarre afternoon watching gangly-legged college kids bash into each other at the Quidditch World Cup, our trip courtesy of the Pesky Pescatarian's obsession with all things Harry Potter, the Bastard Consultant and I abandoned the PP and headed to Queens in search of some meat.

Soon before departing however, we did see a spectacular sunset from our vantage point on Randall's Island.

We landed in Haewoondae, drawn by a quick web search that promised ox tongue BBQ, and chigae with tripe. We opted to just go with the ox tongue as the Bastard Consultant had been craving some Al Chigae, or spicy cod roe stew. Even if dining companions claim you can order whatever you want, it's really not that east to order pig's feet, tripe, sweetbreads, and cod roe stew amongst those of the more traditionally-inclined palate. I love a good bubbling pot of Al Chigae and was happy to oblige.

The ox tongue had a surprisingly meaty flavor and was quite nice dipped in an addictive salt, pepper, and sesame oil sauce. The roe in the chigae wasn't the best we have had, nor the worst, but the overall flavor of the stew was quite nice.

We saw other diners order big bubbling pans filled with noodles, kimchee, tofu and other tantalizing items. I hope I can come back soon with a large group to try them.

Haewoondae, 7532 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY