If you’ve stayed in California for extended periods of time, BCD Tofu House is probably as popular and familiar to you as Yoshinoya.
“Wait….. what is Yoshinoya?” you might ask.
Poor use of subjective metaphor that was not. I actually wanted to make a point about the abysmal state of Asian fast food in New York. I chose to draw parallel to Yoshinoya because despite its success around the world, all the Yoshinoya’s in New York have closed. The same way at the end of 2011, BCD Tofu House in Korean Town shuttered. Which makes you wonder, are the success of these businesses tied closely to the existence of a parking lot?
Add a parking lot in the suburbs (Bayside to be exact), and BCD is once again a hit.
BCD in Bayside.
Where the Manhattan location struggled against fancy competition, BCD in Queens is the glitzy new comer, complete with a miniature rock wall for the kids. A large screen broadcasts activities inside the play room so that parents can enjoy their jjigae in peace.
Whatever you order, start with an assortment of small plates, and BCD’s famous fried yellow fish. This always makes Korean food feel like a great deal, though the fish isn’t particularly exciting or tasty.
Free snacks and a fishy.
BCD redeems itself with the sundubu jjigae, soft tofu stews served with your choice of meat or seafood ingredient. The stew comes boiling in a stone bowl, where you’re promptly told to crack an egg and stir. The flavor isn’t overwhelmingly spicy (you’re given a choice), and you could taste contribution of the core ingredient chosen. The stew is also served with rice, which also comes in a stone bowl and is scooped table side into individual bowls. If you’ve never had Korean food, this process is pretty interesting to observe. Though this also makes all of the waitresses very busy, which was evident come time to request a check.
The house tofu.
No frills, solid sundubu jjigae with free and convenient parking. I can see how this is popular in California.
CS
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From the Notebook: I’m still stunned how there’s no Yoshinoya in NYC. We don’t need it in Times Square, but at least put one near St. Marks? BCD Manhattan will return December 2012 according to the website, better luck the second time around.
BCD Tofu House
22005 Northern Blvd
(718) 224-8889
Bayside, NY 11361
http://www.bcdtofu.com
