"The kalbijjim from Daeho is covered in cheese and then blowtorched tableside with the air of an Olympics opening ceremony. When one dish is A-list-celebrity famous, you have to put on a show. The gooey and bubbling beef stew is perfection, and why you’re lining up down the block to get into this buzzing Japantown spot. Tables are always filled with people who are also here for the well-balanced kalbi bibimbap, seolleong tang with tender brisket and perfectly chewy noodles, and other dishes served in portions large enough to feed a pack of insatiable bear cubs. You may have to be rolled out, but it's a welcomed part of the experience." - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
Melissa Zink