307 Meats - Korea

Special Available April 16-20

307 Meat Company

Address: 253 N. 3rd St.

Website: https://www.307meat.com/

Country Represented: Korea

Special: Korean Ribs

 

Euna Go

UW International Student, Computer Science

When I was a child, my eldest aunt's family moved to the small hometown where my family lived, turning family gatherings into a weekly ritual. My aunts prepared various dishes, and one of my favorites was galbi, the Korean BBQ. I fondly recall gathering around the table with a portable gas burner, watching the galbi sizzle in the center. Our conversations weren't about breaking news but rather the simple joys of everyday life: the weather, the garden, the cats, and school. Yet, our conversations flowed endlessly.

In Korea, there's a saying—'bap-do-duk' (rice thief)—for delicious food that makes rice disappear because you keep eating it. In my aunt's house, galbi was the 'rice thief.' While some may settle for a few hours of marination, my aunts always marinated overnight. Well-marinated galbi, infused with sweetness and ginger and garlic, creates a delightful harmony when paired with rice.

Among the many dishes my aunt cooked, her galbi stood out as a symbol of love for a reason. When I was young, I asked my mom if we could have galbi at home. She responded, "That takes too much time and effort. We could go to a restaurant, but making it at home is too much. You need to know that homemade galbi is a labor of love from your aunt. She makes those time-consuming dishes to see how much you enjoy them." From that moment, galbi held a special place in my heart.