mayo

Been wanting to review this stylishly decorated restaurant for some time. Finally found time & took the plunge. Upon entering, I was greeted by warm & friendly voices from behind the counter & kitchen. A smile & a nod later, I chose my spot for the night which was a nice cosy corner flanked with fresh white painted brick walls next to the kitchen where I could smell the fragrant food being prepared for the existing diners.

I noticed that apart from being a korean themed restaurant, they had a separate menu with their take on western dishes like Fish & Chips & Deli sandwiches which I'm tempted to try if the food passes my taste bud test tonight! As I pondered over my choices, a man walked over with a big smile and introduced himself. He was non other than the boss himself 'Franky'! After some casual banter in his native Korean language, I proceeded to order the Stewed Minced Beef rice while also ordering a plate of his recommended of the Spicy Kimchi Pork Udon. While waiting for my food, the cafe was actually playing current Korean music songs like Rain's "Rainism", Wonder Girls "Nobody" etc. Cool, the man knows his food and songs. Hehe.. While waiting for my food, I flipped through his collection of Korean fashion magazines placed for casual browsing and next thing you know, the food had arrived.

With smoke emitting from the fluffy white rice and shimmering stewed beef, I was impressed. Served with a decent portion of boiled vegetables, I took my first spoonful. As my teeth clamped down on the beef, the flavorsome juices oozed out mixing with the warm rice to good effect. The sauce somewhat a tad sweet was quickly neutralized by the wholesome quality rice. The vegetables was well cooked and didn't lose any of their freshness. Next up was the Spicy Kimchi Pork Udon. To be honest, the dish wasn't the prettiest in appearance but was fast impressing me when I took a whiff of the spicy Kimchi still soaking into the udon noodles. The udon was silky smooth, easy to bite into and had a good firm texture. Every strand of udon was covered in authentic kimchi goodness which led me to the stir fried pork. Still intact with a generous amount of pork fat, the attention to heat made them tender & slightly chewy with no hint of unhealthy gelatin-like fats being consumed. In no time, both dishes were cleaned out & left to be taken back to the kitchen.

Chilled for a while, relaxing and soaking in the laid back decoration of painted walls, Soju toastings from a group of Korean businessmen at the next table, lovers locked in a romantic gaze before taking note of a light projector clock that shone on the wall and reminded me that it was time to leave. Paid Franky my dues and off I went, satisfied and happy. In my mind, I shouted to Franky "I'll be back for sure."

To Franky: 정말 았있어요!

Franky's Kaffe Kitchen
9 Raffles Boulevard #01-55/56, Millenia Walk Mall, Singapore
Tel: 6336 7461
Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 6pm-12am
Fri & Sat: 6pm-2.30am
Sun & Public Holidays: 6pm - 10pm
http://hankookchon.com/franky/

verdict: 3/5