Cham Sut Gol -- Garden Grove, CA

Last visited on: 08/23/2009

Cuisine: Korean BBQ

Sets you back: $16.99 for dinner

Where's it at: 9252 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA

The verdict: Get on it ASAP

Let me start off by saying that I am so excited about sharing this place with you that I can barely sit and type this. This is how good Cham Sut Gol is.
I was introduced to Cham a little over two years ago, when I was still studying in New York. But like a true fatty, no distance could stop me from devouring the best Korean BBQ I have ever had. This place completely changed my view/experience of Korean BBQ. Before Cham, I was naive in thinking that this cuisine only offered bulgolgi and galbi, both delicious in their own ways. But after Cham... well, let's just put it this way: I don't even bother with either of those (ie: not worth your belly space). And trust, no LA trip is complete without a meal at this Korean BBQ haven.

I tried looking through my pictures to find one of the food, but realize that there isn't one simply because each time I wanted to eat more than document. Alas, I borrowed this picture from a Yelp user. As nice as the picture is though, I can't say that it does justice to the food in question. So this is how it goes down. It's AYCE (all you can eat) for $16.99 during dinner ($12.99 for lunch). This includes refillable small plates, tofu soup, steamed egg, salad and, most importantly, the meat! There is a huge serving of brisket (the BEST), bulgogi, marinated chicken, spicy pork and pork soaked in a soy sauce.

I think what really sets this place apart is the freshness of their meat. I never thought that mere brisket could taste so good! Now, here are a couple tips, which may not be news to you but better to be safe (and satisfied!) rather than sorry. Start with the brisket first since the other meats will cause the grill to become sticky and therefore need to be changed quicker. Throw in the onion and garlic to grill with the meat too. While the meat is being cooking, get the rest of your feast ready. I usually start with the rice paper, but on my last visit (this past weekend) I grew more fond of the wasabi flavored raddish wrap. Either is fine so long as you load it correctly. I first pile on the greens, which already has a little heat mixed into it. Then dip (or DOUSE that shizz, like me) your meat into their special sauce. I've had numerous failed attempts at recreating this sauce at home. So I don't know how to make it or even what's in it, but all you need to know is that is d.licious. Add some hot sauce if you like extra heat, and you can also add that sesame oil concoction if you like that too. Roll it into an eggroll/burrito form and give your taste buds the best party of their lives.

I'm practically begging you to give this place a try. People who don't even like meat love this place! You won't regret it, promise. The only things you need to worry about are the "meat sweats" (haha) and the ice cream for dessert, because you most likely won't have room for it!

Happy eating.

--fatty regina