October 4, 2005

Korean Lunch Counter

Ethnic enclaves thrive in unexpected urban corners. Latest example tucked into a tiny patio of Belltown's Harbour Heights condo: Young Lim's Belle Harbour Cafe. Ms. Lim came to the US from Korea 25 years ago carrying her guitar and a talent for show biz; she's now in real estate. "Restaurants are my hobby," she explains.

Belle Harbour Cafe exterior.jpg Young Lim.jpg Goyza w spicy noodles.JPG

The cafe, open for two months now, serves the expected range of takeout sandwiches, but comes into its own with home-style Korean favorites like bi bim bop (stir-fried spinach and beef topped with a fried egg), kalbi (beef shortribs)and bulgoki (marinated beef, rather like teriyaki).

Ms. Lim also stuffs a mean gyoza, serving them atop rice or in a bowl of spicy ramen. (I'll pretend they were my Rosh Hashana kreplach.) All this in a corner of the building directly across the street from mine!

Belle Harbour Cafe, 113 Cedar St., 206-728-2219

Posted by Ronald Holden at October 4, 2005 4:50 PM