It's time to talk about the one restaurant on Virgin Voyages that requires the sharing of tables. Unless you are traveling with a large group of your own, you will most likely be sharing a table with strangers. Think Hibachi with a round table and drinking games. Each table has a dedicated member of the wait staff/chef who leads the drinking games and handles cooking the food in the center pit. The pits are removable to clean. This is also the way that they control cooking for someone with food allergies providing a clean pan to prevent any cross contamination.
The name Gunbae means Empty Glass in the Korean language and is used in the same manner as saying Cheers for a toast. The drinking games played are simple in nature, perhaps less so when you've lost a few rounds. Our server had us play the game where you go around the table with each person saying the next number in a sequence. However, if your number has a 3, 6, or 9 in it on your turn, then you must clap for each of those numbers instead of saying it. One clap for the number 3, two claps for the number 33. If you mess up, your "punishment" is to down the contents of a small cylindrical shot glass while everyone chants Gunbae! Gunbae! Gunbae! While Virgin Voyages does offer a small bottle of clear liquor to pour for everyone's shot glass, you can request something non alcoholic. Our server whisked our two glasses away upon our request and returned with them full of Sprite. Since us and one other tablemate chose not to imbibe, we had about 1/3rd of the liquor bottle left over. A gentleman at our table accepted the server's offer to take the rest of the bottle but still offered to share with everyone else who was drinking.
The menu is divided into several categories. Each item on the menu shows whether it is vegetarian (v), vegan (vv), or gluten free (gf). Our server explained that we were welcome to pick and choose specific things or trust him to just bring a little of everything. As always, allergies were asked about and the server brought Dad a couple items to make up for when the rest of us were trying something with seafood. Our chanted cheer may have meant Empty Glass but our stomachs were certainly full with multiple plates of food presented.
Everyone started off with a sampler platter giving us a taste of all the flavor profiles and textures soon to come our way.
First dish under the Small Bites section of the menu was the Dakgang Jeong - Forever Crispy Chicken, Pickled Daikon, and Chili Sauce. The sauce was mild enough that you really only noticed it if you ate several pieces in a row or went back to it after eating something not spicy. The taste itself was good and the chicken was tender underneath the crispy fried coating. This one passed both our taste tests.
Next up also from the Small Bites section of the menu is Haemul Pajeon - Mixed Seafood and Scallion Pancake. The sauce reminded me of a thicker version of sweet and sour sauce or plum sauce. Normally, this is a dish you would share between 2-3 people given how many were brought to the table. I ate more of it than I probably should have since Dad refused and my other table neighbor was too full to take me up on the offer. The taste was good and fairly mild. The light crunch reminded me of a tempura batter.
Continuing with the Small Bites section is Bindae-Tteok - Kimchi and Mung Bean Pancake. This one was okay but not much flavor. I could only remember the "bean pancake" part of what our server said when Dad asked me what it was. He agreed to try it and liked it.
We were also served the "Hot Bar" - Mixed Seafood "Corn Dog" - the Corn Dog part is in quotations because that is how the menu lists it. To me, it was like a mini shishkabob of small bites of milder seafood like shrimp and scallops that was rolled in the same tempura batter and fried. There was a drizzle on each one of a slightly spicy sauce similar to what you'd find drizzled on prepared sushi rolls. I liked these a little better than the Haemul Pajeon and once again ate more than I should have.
Then we moved on to the Rice/Noodles/Stews section of the menu and were brought individual bowls of Bibimbap - Short Grain Rice, Egg, and Mixed Vegetables. Reminded me of a sort of enhanced fried rice with a flavorful sauce. I didn't have the room to eat more than a couple bites. Dad thought that this was one of his favorite dishes of the meal.
As if our stomachs could take anymore, we finally got to the portion of the menu known simply as BBQ Grill. This is where our server used the hot pan in the center of the table to cook a variety of meats and seafood which he then dished out to our plates as each group of items finished. They did not have any octopus available but the server said they were offering scallops instead.
While our food comas were beginning to take hold, our server grilled the ingredients from two options on the BBQ Grill menu. Ojingeo, Nakji, and Saewoo - Squid, Scallops masquerading as Octopus, and Shrimp. Kalbi Samgyeopsal Saewoo Modum - Chef's Combo of Marinated Short Ribs, Pork Belly, and Shrimp. We were also given a tray with three dipping options to pair with the meat. I really liked how the server took the time to explain what each item was and answered questions as he cooked.
The shrimp and the marinated short ribs were the best of the bunch. The grilling method made them very juicy and tender. There was one upcharge option for this restaurant called the Wagyu Beef Platter - Miyazaki Ribeye and Tenderloin in case you wanted to shell out $45. I didn't have any room left for dessert. Can only imagine the iron stomach someone must have to eat all we did and get the upcharge option!
The dessert options were simply a couple flavor choices of soft serve ice cream - Sikhye, Black Sesame, or a twist of both flavors. You could have chosen to top it with black sesame granola, mini mochi, and/or miso caramel. Dad did indulge in dessert and enjoyed it. He didn't have a belly full of seafood and you know he wasn't going to pass up a chance at ice cream. He told me about halfway through the cruise "I haven't had my daily round of ice cream from Lick Me Till I Scream yet today." This guy never fails to take advantage of ice cream or gelato, especially when it's included on a cruise!
We were put together at the table by chance but the conversation and the laughs flowed as easily as the liquor in everyone else's shot glasses. Good food plus good conversation equals a great meal and in this case a great experience as well. Make sure to try this restaurant at least once on your cruise and come hungry!
No comments:
Post a Comment