mary eats

My review of Buddha’s Belly ran in the Korea Times over the weekend, and wow, did I almost fail you.

It is a general rule of mine (and most restaurant reviewers) to eat at a restaurant at least twice before writing it up (or down as the case may be). This way we can be sure that dishes that were amazing the first time are just as good the next, or that inconsistent service once was just an anomaly (or not).

I have eaten at the tiny Buddha’s Belly many times and liked it fine, but my first meal at the new location was enough to wish I’d never set foot in the joint. Of the three dishes we ordered only the chicken and cashews rose above mediocrity. The other two, simply weren’t worth my hard earned cash.

The service staff, though somewhat helpful, lazily answered my questions, mis-identified ingredients, and met every query with an accusatory, “Why?”

With an acrid review forming in my head I couldn’t, in good conscience give a favorable write up.

I almost didn’t go back to try it again (I’m not reimbursed for my meals, only paid for the review). But I did, and man, what a difference a week made.

Not only were the staff incredibly more professional, but the menu had grown twice in size. Questions concerning recommendations and ingredients were thoughtfully answered, and we were warned that our appetizer would take a “long time to prepare.”

I had a great meal, which I hope translates to my first visit being a glitch. The Panang curry is the “cat’s pajamas,” as some like to say, as is the chicken satay, and the chicken with cashews.

So, readers, go to Buddha’s belly and eat in good faith, because, it is simply good.