Bibimbab Cafe
Have you tasted Kimchi? You can meet so nice Korean restaurant in London. Steve interviews Mr Mog who is successful Korean restaurants owner.
Mr Mog(46) is come from Korea. He operated two Korean restaurants: One is ‘Bibimbab café’,a convineient food shop, located in Russel square in front of British Museum, the other is ‘Ijo’ formal restaurant, in Finchley Central. Also, recently he established Kim-chi factory. It’s been 14 years since he started food business. He is known for famous businessman among Korean society.
Q: HOW DO YOU SETTLE DOWN IN LONDON?
I settled down in London relatively easily because I made many good friends. In that point,I am very lucky. Before I started the business I was a student for many years. I studied Sanskrit literature in London University. Until now I like studying.
Q: PLEASE SPEAK TO YOUR CLIENTS? ARE THEY ALL BRITISH?
When we started the business, we mainly served Japanese clients because of the location of the restaurant. As you may guess,Japanese like Korean foods.
Over many years this has been changed to serving more locals (British or Europeans) and some other nationalities such as Chinese, Russians and Indians etc. All are attracted by Korean foods.
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK OF BRITAIN’S ADVANTAGE?
I can hardly think of any advantage in being in the U.K. and running a restaurant.
There are many more restrictions and regulations here, plus more complicated taxation and higher expenditures. If someone want s to live in London, he or she should know many knowledge and information.
Q: COULD YOU TELL ME YOUR MEMORY IN DIFFICULTY IN THE PAST?
During the period of The Mad Cow Disease in 1996, I had a great difficulty in keeping the restaurant solvent. I was nearly bankrupted.
But I overcame after many twists and turns.
Q: WHAT’S THE CHRACTERISTICS OF KOREAN FOODS?
Over many years experience, one common question that is asked is " What is the difference between Korean food and Chinese, or Japanese food and Korean?" I think Korean food could be spicy or bland and is certainly healthier (less fatty).Because so many side dishes was made by the process of fermentation. In particular, Bibimbab is made of so many kinda of vegetables,it is very healthiful. But it sometimes is regarded as being very smelly.
Q: MANY FOREIGNERS SAY KOREAN FOODS ARE EXCELLENT ESPECIALLY KIMCHI,BUT TOO HOT TO EAT. DO YOU HAVE ANY SECRET OF COOKERY FOR THE FOREIGNERS?
There is no secret, but we made our foods less spicy and hot than the ones served in Korea. This was done in order to satisfy more foreigners. Very occasionally a few customers complain about this.Because they prefer original taste.
Q: WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT BRITISH FOODS OR RESTAURANTS?
Opinion really depends on what you are looking for and willing to pay for. But ordinary restaurants are not really that attractive.
Q: COULD YOU SPEAK SOMETHING USEFUL ADVICE FOR THE FIRST STARTING LONDONERS COME FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES??
If I say for Koreans, we have to try to serve more locals than Koreans, as this provides a more secure business and better future. Once you live in London,you should behave like Londoners.That’s why your base will be London,UK.
EASY AND SIMPLE RECIPE THAT MR.MOG RECOMMENDS:
Material
Beef 600g,Sugar 2 spoons,liquor 2 spoons,pear juice 2 spoons,soy sauce 5 spoons,water 1/2 cup,salt,pepper,sesami oil
1.Slice beef meat thinly.
2.Add sugar,distilled liquor and juice from pear.
3.Make condiments(Mix water with soy-sauce,garlic,salt,pepper,sesami oil)
4.Mix beef and condiments,then keep them until the spice is absorbed at least 10 minutes.
5.Put up the meats on frying fan and roast it properly.
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