Korean bites & BBQ await in Fernandina
| For the Times-Union
On a recent Friday, my husband and I took a scenic mid-morning drive up to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. “Top Chef” contestant Kenny Gilbert’s former restaurant on South Eighth Street had been converted to a new Korean BBQ concept, Area 51 BBQ & Grill.
We stopped in for an early lunch and filled up on bibimbap, a bulgogi burrito and salad, and spicy Korean fried chicken sandwich. After ordering at the counter, we took a seat, and our food was promptly brought out. (It’s a small space with a handful of tables but we quickly made ourselves at home by a window.)
The bibimbap ($15), a traditional Korean staple, is a bowl filled with white rice that’s topped with a plethora of fresh vegetables — julienned carrots, thinly sliced zucchini, mushrooms, bean sprouts — and tangy kimchi (a fermented slaw). The word “bibimbap” itself means mixed rice, and that is just what this dish is! The best part is the addition of a runny-yolk fried egg on top sprinkled with sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness. Break the yolk, add a little hot sauce, and let the ingredients play off one another.
My husband went for the spicy fried chicken sandwich, “dak-galbi,” paired with an Asian-style crunchy slaw comprised of Napa cabbage, shredded green cabbage and carrots tossed in a light dressing. The chicken was marinated and imparted a bit of spiciness, pairing nicely with both the slaw and pillowy bread upon which it was housed.
We also shared a bulgogi burrito and salad ($11). The thinly sliced bulgogi beef was juicy and flavorful. It was fun having Korean flavors in a hand-held wrap format.
The dinner menu serves up Korean specials such as bibimbap, a dolsot for two, dupbap and tasting “dosirak” platter, and a full line up of smoked-in-house favorites available by the pound or as 9-ounce portions. These include beef brisket, smoked turkey, St. Louis-style ribs, pulled pork, bulgogi, galbi (smoky-sweet grilled beef short ribs) and dak-galbi. Platters featuring sides and garlic toast also await hungry BBQ fans. Sides include everything from mac ‘n cheese to baked beans, fried corn, sweet potato fries, bok choy kimchi and mashed potatoes or french fries. A small assortment of beer and wine is also available to wash everything down.
The tasting platter ($20) seems like the way to go if you like sampling many items. This touts an assortment of stir-fried glass noodles called japchae, plus fried dumplings, fried shrimp, pickled vegetables, rice and a choice of fried tofu, bulgogi, galbi or dak-galbi.
Caron Streibich is an avid food-lover who will review restaurants every other week in the Life section. Follow her dining adventures at facebook.com/caroneats and #caroneats on Instagram.
AREA 51 BBQ & GRILL
Location: 510 S. Eighth St., Fernandina Beach
Phone: (904) 844-2120
Type of cuisine: Korean/Southern.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Prices (dinner): appetizers, $8-10; sandwiches, $11-13; salads, $9-$11; BBQ, $11-$28; BBQ platters, $16-$19; Korean specials, $15-$20; sides, $3; kids’ menu, $8.
Area 51 BBQ & Grill
Location: 510 S. Eighth Street, Fernandina Beach
Phone: (904) 844-2120
Type of cuisine: Korean/Southern.
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Prices (dinner): appetizers, $8-10; sandwiches, $11-13; salads, $9-$11; BBQ, $11-$28; BBQ platters, $16-$19; Korean specials, $15-$20; sides, $3; kids’ menu, $8.