Diner: Accessible Ethnicity

Sung Korean Bistro serves up approachable ethnic food in a chic downtown space

BY LORA ARDUSER | CITY BEAT

December 5, 2007

 

DOWNTOWN - An out-of-town foodie friend asked me to recommend some downtown ethnic dining choices that wouldn't break the bank. As I thumbed through the files in my head, I realized there really weren't too many options. One of the few that did come to mind was Sung Korean Bistro.

 

See link above for article.

^ That's a damn well written review.  Equal praise and honest criticism, a nice change of pace from the overly complimentary enquirer reviews (aside from Polly Campbell) and the ridiculously ignorant reviews of cin weakly.  that said, I look forward to checking out Sung next week.

 

btw, it's Potbelly, not Potbelly's.  making a restaurant's name posessive when it isn't is a huuuuuuuuge pet peeve of mine.

^ Kind of like me with "Kroger's".

Atleast Kroger is a last name. It's not like some dude named Potbelly owns the restaurant. Potbelly isn't that great anyway. I'll be looking forward to the Chipotle.

agreed, potbelly never did it for me.  chipotle is much better.  although i want different stuff on the square but thats another issue.

agreed, potbelly never did it for me.  chipotle is much better.  although i want different stuff on the square but thats another issue.

 

False...Potbelly is FANTASTIC.  Good/cheap sandwiches, best sugar cookie I've ever had, live music during the lunch hours, nice atmosphere, etc.  I can't wait for that place to open up on the square...what a great addition for the currently high-priced dining scene Downtown.

Big Potbelly fan here. Tasty sandwiches, much cheaper and better than most of the competition.

 

I'll eat there more than anywhere else on the square.

agreed, potbelly never did it for me.  chipotle is much better.  although i want different stuff on the square but thats another issue.

 

False...Potbelly is FANTASTIC.  Good/cheap sandwiches, best sugar cookie I've ever had, live music during the lunch hours, nice atmosphere, etc.  I can't wait for that place to open up on the square...what a great addition for the currently high-priced dining scene Downtown.

 

They opened yesterday. They served over 400 sandwiches within a 2 hour period on Tuesday for their test day!

Big Potbelly fan here. Tasty sandwiches, much cheaper and better than most of the competition.

 

I'll eat there more than anywhere else on the square.

 

That is dinner tonight for the hubby and me....we love the spicy peppers, and of course their sugar cookies are out of this world.  I am so glad I don't have to drive to  Clifton or Hyde Park for a Potbelly fix.

Had dinner last night at Nada with RiverViewer et al.  The place is gorgeous, the service was outstanding, the food marvelous, the crowd was trendy to a T, the prices are extremely reasonable, and Chef Falk was running around greeting all as if they were long lost friends!

 

One item in particular to order are the sliders off the appetizer menu.  They were so damn good that we had to order a second serving!  White Castle execs need to take a lesson from Chef Falk! 

if I want to go to Via Vite tomorrow night, should I make a reservation?

They opened yesterday. They served over 400 sandwiches within a 2 hour period on Tuesday for their test day!

 

That is very strong...typically a $1,000 hour is a great hour of sales (for Panera).  If they averaged $5 tickets, then they were hitting $1,000 for two straight hours...that is impressive.  If that holds up I'm sure that location will be their busiest in the region.  BTW, I'm sure they're averaging more than $5 tickets during lunch time hours.  If you have a drink, sandwich and throw in a cookie or bag of chips then you're looking at more like $6 maybe even $7.  Considering their prices are lower than Panera that is quite impressive that they can match us in hourly sales...volume is through the roof.

 

3 sandwiches per minute by those standards.

 

[/nerdy breakdown of sandwich sales]

if I want to go to Via Vite tomorrow night, should I make a reservation?

 

I would.  I ate there with a group of friends a few Fridays ago, and we were lucky to get seats. 

if I want to go to Via Vite tomorrow night, should I make a reservation?

 

Hell yes. There's always a lot on the books for Friday.

 

Tel. (513) 721-8483

 

 

cool. i will. I'm taking me roommate out to dinner for his birthday. Thought that would be a cool place to check out. Tonight my girlfriend and I are going to McFadden's and then ice skating. Should be a fun couple of nights out.

reservation made- tomorrow 7:30pm. I'm looking forward to trying the food. Any recommendations?

The seared cod with peperonata is delicious. 

Oops, I meant to mention that Potbelly(s) gave out free sandwich tickets. ;)

Atleast Kroger is a last name. It's not like some dude named Potbelly owns the restaurant. Potbelly isn't that great anyway. I'll be looking forward to the Chipotle.

Is a Chipotle opening on the square?

Tried to make a reservation for Via Vite on Saturday night and they were all booked :(.

^ btw, it's Potbelly, not Potbelly's.  making a restaurant's name posessive when it isn't is a huuuuuuuuge pet peeve of mine.

 

The Friendly restaurant actually changed their name to Friendly's because everyone called it that anyway. My wife's grandma is a grammatical holdout and calls it The Friendly still.

False...Potbelly is FANTASTIC.  Good/cheap sandwiches, best sugar cookie I've ever had, live music during the lunch hours, nice atmosphere, etc.  I can't wait for that place to open up on the square...what a great addition for the currently high-priced dining scene Downtown.

 

FALSE, Potbelly sucks.  Both Jersey Mike's and Jimmy John's are better by miles.  Potbelly is SLIGHTLY better than Subway.

 

Oh, and FALSE....LaRosa's Montgomery Inn Topper is quite good.

 

You're 0/2.

 

 

Mmm i loved the Montgomery Inn topper at Larosas. Do they still have it?

Folks... you're debating the merits of fast-food sandwich chains, when Cincy has some perfectly respectable locally-owned businesses. Really now.

Tried to get into Nada on Saturday but they are all booked :(

 

http://www.boca-restaurant.com/

 

site suspended.

FALSE, Potbelly sucks.  Both Jersey Mike's and Jimmy John's are better by miles.  Potbelly is SLIGHTLY better than Subway.

 

Apples and oranges.

Folks... you're debating the merits of fast-food sandwich chains, when Cincy has some perfectly respectable locally-owned businesses. Really now.

 

Yeah, I was gonna say...

www.eatdrinknada.com

www.eatdrinknada.com

 

^ 5 bucks for a budweiser, I will definitely be drinking nada. The interior designer for Nada is the same that did Via Vite. From what I hear, Nada has gotten a lot of criticism for their interior but I think it's awesome. I don't understand what people are complaining about.

I haven't been to either Via Vite nor Nada yet, but I think that's where these restaurants\bars are going wrong.  When they have the same interior design company do both interiors for both restaurants.  I think they should have stayed away from using the same interior design company.

Hopefully the banks project is holding true about what they are proposing and that is to use several different architure firms.

I haven't been to either Via Vite nor Nada yet, but I think that's where these restaurants\bars are going wrong.  When they have the same interior design company do both interiors for both restaurants.  I think they should have stayed away from using the same interior design company.

 

I don't think it's a big deal that they both used the same interior design company.  Both places have different looking interiors.  They are not owned by the same person anyways.

Yeah the two are quite different. Nada is much more intense. I hope you like the color red.

My husband and I ate at Nada on Thursday for dinner.  The food was very good.  The sliders were excellent.  We had an order of fajitas for two that were good as well.  We split the key lime cheesecake with berry sauce for dessert.  It was the best cheesecake I've had in a long time.

So Saturday night my wife and I had a date, we attempted to go to Via Vite but they refused walk ins and told us they have 300 reservations.  Mccormick and Schmick's was all booked up and offered the bar, we then headed to Morton's and they didn't have anything open for the next three hours, we then went to Palomino's and they were also all booked and offered us the bar.  We then headed over to Nada and we got the second to last table on the lower level (lower level is reserved for walk-ins).  Food was great.  My wife dropped $17 bucks on two drinks (yikes) and I had a Negra Modelo.  She ordered the Pork Chop and I ordered the Shrimp Tamal.  The food was delicious, the chips and salsa were tasty.  The atmosphere was trendy and well received and the patrons next to us were friendly and we exchanged some small talk.  Our server offered us desert but I declined for some Fountain Square Graeter's.  Over all I recommend it.  Our bill was $69 before tip but you could eat much cheaper if you want. 

 

The Square was absolutely packed.  Especially around the time of fireworks.  I wouldn't think fireworks would be a big hit (except Riverfest type fireworks of course) but it seems to bring the suburbanites to the city in droves.  Bill Donabedian is perfect for that job.  The square seems to have the right mix during the holidays.

 

^this should be a letter to the editor

My wife dropped $17 bucks on two drinks (yikes) and I had a Negra Modelo. 

 

Glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. I have a certain reputation around here for being really cheap  :lol:

Wow thats awesome that these restaurants are doing so well... Hopefully that will bring more for the future... I would love to see some more moderately priced places with a pub type atmosphere or even what Uno's offered. Speaking of new restaurants does anyone know anything about Bootsy Ruby's? I haven't heard anything since the original write up

I spent Saturday night downtown and most of the restaurants around Fountain Square all seems packed.  Good to see.  Plus 7th street was crazy packed with people everywhere.  I just can't believe their isn't more late night after the bars close food to eat around town.

I just can't believe their isn't more late night after the bars close food to eat around town.

 

It is gradually improving...I would prefer it to happen a little quicker, but it is happening nonetheless.

Shanghai Mama's on 6th stays opoen until 3am Friday and Saturday.  Via Vite also has a late night menu until 2am - ish. 

It is tremendous that people seem to be rediscoveing downtown.  I will be moving to Cincy next week from NY and am looking forward to exploring the new scene.  As many here have stated, I think Cincy's biggest problem is the long-time residents who have such a negative attitude regarding their city.  They tell me that "Cincy is unsafe" and "its not what it used to be, don't go down there". Are these people crazy or just unbelievably sheltered?  First of all, its not what it used to be but I guess they are completely oblivious to the positive changes that have gone on down there the last few years.  As for the safety, I guess its not as safe as Mason but geez, its a big city isn't it?   55 murders for the entire year doesn't seem like its that unsafe to me but hey, what do I know.  I am a native NYer and have been around a few times so maybe I have a different perspetive but some Cincinnatians (people that have never left mostly) have to wake up IMO. I will be a downtown regular and I will try and spread the word as much as I can.

I emailed jeff ruby's about Bootsy Ruby's last night and asked if any progress has been made and their reply was -- Not at this time - they are trying to work out some kinks with the City.

 

Pretty much what i expected to hear. I hope they can get it worked out because that is a cool building and the renderings they had looked pretty spectacular as well

 

 

Its tremendous that people seem to be rediscoveing downtown.  I will be moving to Cincy next week from NY and am looking forward to exploring the new scene.  As many here have stated, I think Cincy's biggest problem is the residents who have such a negativer attitude.  They tell me that "Cincy is unsafe" and "its not what it used to be, don't go down there". Are these people crazy or just unbelievably sheltered?  First of all, its not what it used to be but I guiess thaty are completely oblivious to what has gone on down there the last few years.  As for the safety, I guess its not as safe as Mason but geez, its a big city.  55 murders for the entire year doesn't seem like that unsafe.  I am a ntive NYer and have been a round a few times so maybe I have a different perspetive but some Cincinnatians (people that have never left mostly) have to wake up. I will be a downtown regular and I will try and spread the word as much as I can.

 

If you factor in auto accidents and suicides, I would venture a guess that a white male age 30 who doesn't use drugs has the same or higher mortality rate in the suburbs as they would in the city

I emailed jeff ruby's about Bootsy Ruby's last night and asked if any progress has been made and their reply was -- Not at this time - they are trying to work out some kinks with the City.

 

Pretty much what i expected to hear. I hope they can get it worked out because that is a cool building and the renderings they had looked pretty spectacular as well

 

 

 

Can you also email the developers of the Beer Hall of Fame and ask them if any progress has been made ;)

^^

HAHAAH

 

It is unfortunate that not everything that hits the drafting board comes full circle. Fortunately for us there are a lot of things that are coming to the build stage and hopefully this trend will continue and at a faster pace.

Its tremendous that people seem to be rediscoveing downtown.  I will be moving to Cincy next week from NY and am looking forward to exploring the new scene.  As many here have stated, I think Cincy's biggest problem is the residents who have such a negativer attitude.  They tell me that "Cincy is unsafe" and "its not what it used to be, don't go down there". Are these people crazy or just unbelievably sheltered?  First of all, its not what it used to be but I guiess thaty are completely oblivious to what has gone on down there the last few years.  As for the safety, I guess its not as safe as Mason but geez, its a big city.  55 murders for the entire year doesn't seem like that unsafe.  I am a ntive NYer and have been a round a few times so maybe I have a different perspetive but some Cincinnatians (people that have never left mostly) have to wake up. I will be a downtown regular and I will try and spread the word as much as I can.

 

I agree with what you said....it seems most of the native cincinnatians are the ones who are negative.  I'm not orignally from Cincinnati and most of my friends here in Cincinnati are concidently people who have moved to Cincinnati from elsewhere.  Most all of them have positive things to say about Cincinnati.

I emailed jeff ruby's about Bootsy Ruby's last night and asked if any progress has been made and their reply was -- Not at this time - they are trying to work out some kinks with the City.

 

Pretty much what i expected to hear. I hope they can get it worked out because that is a cool building and the renderings they had looked pretty spectacular as well.

 

Yeah, from my understanding there are some zoning/building code issues with some of the things that they wanted to do (ie the patio seating that hung over the sidewalk aka right-of-way, and also the exterior elevator thing that was in the proposal).  I've also heard that the city is looking to do whatever it can to help out these guys, but I guess we'll see just how far they can bend the law.  It's unfortunate that zoning code in this nation is so inflexible that good things like this are slowed down because of it.

I was going past Nada about 40 min ago and the place looked awesome from the outside...they also looked packed.  The same could be said for McCormick & Schmicks and Graeters also looked busy...couldn't really see in the other places, but I would assume pretty similar crowds.  This kind of activity at 9pm on a Monday is solid...Downtown is really making some positive strides.

Yes. I would agree, esp. considering this weather and how crappy it is.  Just image when the spring\summer roll around.  Downtown is going to be off the hook!  Too bad I'll be in Bermuda, but I'll be back in two years and can't wait to see what downtown is like in two years!