We got to Suji's restaurant during the lunch hour madness. There was a long queue from the 2nd floor waiting area down the steps to the first floor. That was a good sign since if people were willing to line up for a long wait, the food must really be special. I talked with the manager, Ian Kim and made arrangements for lunch. Sure enough, we were already reserved a table. Too bad Ian wasn't there (I later learned he was down with the flu) but he left us in the very capable hands of his 2nd right-hand man, Kyu.
We were seated by the window and it was nice and cozy. The seats were really comfy as we sank down really low when we sat. Looking out of the window, I could see the former building of the Philippine Embassy (it has moved somewhere else in Itaewon now).
The paper table mats had whimsical designs on it. Almost made me want to ask for crayons to color the animals with but I resisted the urge. :)
Looking around the restaurant, it had a pleasant atmosphere with cozy ambiance. I noticed a lot of couples holding hands and families sharing each others meals together.
Servers were very pleasant and very articulate in English. I would commend our personal server Kyu who was very gracious and so efficient throughout our meal. Suji's waitstaff frequently scan the room for half-filled glasses and raised hands for more orders/questions. Although there was one time there that we had to wait a minute or two to find a server but then like I said it was the rush hour lunch.
But we were fine. We had the whole day to ourselves and the next thing we knew, our starters had arrived. This was hubby's house salad. It had ample greens in it and I was so glad it had a variety of veggies (not like your run-of-the-mill korean restos with just a bunch of iceberg lettuce in the bowl and a few measly strands of carrot or purple cabbage).
Now this starter, the Home Fries were AWESOME. This represents truth in advertising because it is as good as Hubby's home fries. The potatoes were done and expertly seasoned while the onions were sweet and tender, a perfect foil for the starchy cubes.
Here's hubby with his second bite of the Home Fries.
And us attacking the plate with glee.
Our entrees have finally arrived! Here's my Steak & Eggs. This is not a weekly brunch item (it is really a weekend special). I happen to mention to Kyu that I was considering the fish and chips because I knew that the Steak & Eggs won't be available. He told me that I could have it. I was blown away.
Now this is Hubby's Rib-eye plate. Like my steak, it was cooked perfectly. And it was awesome with Worcestershire sauce (ask the restaurant for this, instead of the regular Dijon steak sauce - you won't regret it!). Hubby's sides for his steak, grilled beans and stir-fried onions. This was pretty tasty, too.
And you get to see me really enjoy the food. Hubby kept asking me to smile for the camera, how can I? I was busy shoveling the food into my mouth. Suji's made my mouth very happy.
The remnants of our sumptious meal. Shall we say this is testament on how the food is so good?
Here is the wonderful Kyu who made our visit to Suji's so memorable.
Kyu offered us dessert but we were so full and satiated. The service was warm and prompt. The food was superb. As we were preparing to leave, Kyu handed us a couple of complimentary sandwich coupons for our future visits. We were floored. Not to mention handing us a package of Honey Cured Ham made in house to try at home. Bless them, we were awed. Hubby and I decided we were definitely coming back with our boys for brunch.
