Sahn Maru Korean BBQ

I am finally back from my trip to the Bay Area. When I looked from the airplane window and saw the multitude of tiny lights glittering beneath wispy clouds, I felt glad that New York knows how to be a city and understands the associated concept of population density.

When I went to visit my friend in Oakland, I screeched that he was living in suburbia. He chuckled and informed me that Oakland qualifies as a bona fide urban location. I guess so.


We had lunch at Sahn Maru Korean B.B.Q., and I insisted on ordering kim chee chigae. It was good, but I prefer a chigae that is so spicy it makes me ears ring and so seasoned that a spoonful of soup has a slightly gritty texture from all of the spices mingling in the broth.

We also ordered a plate of bulgolgi and jap chae. Sahn Maru was good, and we ate everything before waddling out the door, but I don't think the experience will induce serious cravings. Apparently their specialty is pa jun, the Korean pancake, which they cook on a blisteringly hot iron plate.

Sahn Maru Korean B.B.Q., 4315 Telegraph Ave. (b/n 43rd and 44th), Oakland, CA 94609, 510-653-3366