조선말한국어

Despite just chugging a glass of milk and taking over the normal amount of Tums suggested according to the label, I learned this evening that much of the District's treasures aren't even actually in the District itself. After learning that a close friend of mine, Lianna Lake, who had recently moved to Los Angeles was back in DC and ready to party tonight, a group of us decided to take her out for a night on the town. Where did we go, you ask? I thought perhaps a nice dinner at Mate followed by a night of drinking at all of the Georgetown bars or maybe even just a little after work party at the Clydes in Chinatown. Nope, I should have known that hanging out with my sushi bar employees that we would have broken the mold and done something entirely differently and out of the box (and regardless, that my hoop earrings and patent leather boots would escort me to like it or not). Lianna requested that we all head out to Annandale, Virginia (Or KOREANdale as I've often heard it referred to, seeing as it has one of the largest Korean populations outside of Korea itself) and have some Korean barbecue.

While it did give the white girl indigestion (AKA me), I had a fabulous time and explored a locale that I was unaware of; Honey Pig, a 24-hour Korean barbecue hotspot located in downtown Annandale with providing some of the most interesting flavors that I've had in a while for a super cheap price. Known as Gooldagee in its native tongue, Honey Pig offers a unique and authentic Korean menu providing a wok in the middle of each table for each of its guests along with complimentary sides including rices, moromisos, wakame, kimchee, and other great Asian delicacies that will make you feel like you're in Seoul. We tried the lean beef bul goki and the charred pork belly (which was too fatty for me, but I'm picky, and everyone else liked it so I'm a poor judge), and I insisted on getting the spicy potato soup which was excellent (but gave me heartburn within one spoonful so my friend Sara took it away from me). There are also a variety of small dishes, known as Panchan, that will broaden your horizons (and cholestrol levels). But don't forget the boozin' at Honey Pig- be sure to check out the Soju, a sake-like liquer derived from Sweet Potato that will definitely get you feeling good by the end of the meal- and if you're feeling wild, stop by the Honey Lounge, the restaurant's Korean-American disco located next door that's opened until 2 a.m. nightly. Although I received many stares upon entrance at first, the crowd was fun and I never realized how freaky you could get dancing to Korean hip hop. Just remember to say "Bo-bo" to ask for a kiss from the first Korean stud you see and your life will become like one of those Korean soap operas that you see while you're getting acrylic fills every other week...

Skip Georgetown Cafe and hit up Honey Pig (7220 C- Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA) next time you need a drunken eatery late at night. Just make sure you have a sober driver to get you to and from Annandale. And a hot Korean buddy wouldn't hurt, either. 

xo, 

Angela