input: Write a positive yelp review.
output: I visited Lotte after reading MJJ's review of the market. I can recall having passed by this place several times and thinking it was no longer in commission. Like MJJ states, the place is easy to miss. The signs are old and obscured by tress and the lot is small and at best sparsely dotted with cars. There is an oriental rug store adjacent to the strip mall that is going out of business, so it is not the most happening part of town. I cannot say that the market is especially inviting, considering it's layout and location (about 600 ft past South and Scaleybark) but as a Korean-American from out-of-state, it was a welcome sight! Upon entering, I received a friendly head-nod from the store owner behind the register- she was and often is on the phone. I browsed for several minutes while munching on Korean snacks and ice cream (paid for later). I counted over 20 different kinds of frozen dumplings: Korean, Japanese, and Chinese, too. They have Asian kitchen utensils, like rice paddles, sushi mats, electric kettles, and tea strainers (I bought a much-nicer-than-dollar-store quality one for 1.99). And, they also carry every food item any East Asian would crave, including the staples: shrimp crackers, instant noodles, rice, of course, and dried seaweed- healthy and not as unpalatable as its name. Also, I noticed Lotte carries a lot of popular Korean/Japanese drinks: THE yogurt drink (pronounced as yog-eh-ruht) which is a probiotic, though not really yogurt, drink; it comes in packs of 5, 2.1oz. containers (that are recyclable!). And they have vitamin C drinks, milk drinks, and fruit drinks with real fruit chunks, or pulp. There are small media enclaves throughout the store, magazines in a little corner in the front, Korean drama on dvd by the register, and the Japanese/Korean dramas on VHS by the in-house kitchen towards the back. Things that may require some getting used to: 1- Less than full shelves- not everything is stocked full. 2- Lots of different kinds of customers, speaking different languages. Don't worry no one is talking about you.. at least no one was talking about me. While I was there, there were two Japanese women, an older Korean women, and two young Latinos. 3- Fresh produce selection is minimal. There were Korean melons, zuchini, sweet potatoes, green onions, SPROUTS, and lots of green leafy veggies, all very competitively priced- but that's it. 4- Sometimes Asians come across as little chilly or they do things that Americans may consider rude, such as speaking on the phone, or munching on a snack while customers are present. Open up to the owner a bit and you may be surprised at how receptive she is. I have a half sleeve tattoo, which is more disgraceful or scary than bad-ass in the Koran culture. In between her glances to my art she recommended a hair salon, invited me to her church, and also introduced me to one of her regular patrons. Their traditional Korean side dishes, a variety of kimchis, spicy anchovies, and pickled seaweed/kelp are made fresh, and on the premises with love from someone's grandmother. :. UPDATE- These traditional dishes, generally eaten with white rice, and a side of soup, are all phenomenal, just like my Mom would have made! Saturdays they continue to have sushi and traditional Korean pancakes (containing veggies and sometimes a mix of seafood). I really love that there is a place like this not too far from downtown Charlotte. I will definitely be a regular and encourage all interested to stop by and tell the owner I sent you!
input: Write a positive yelp review.
output: Business has closed down.
input: Write a positive yelp review.
output:
I was on a quest...BBQ and smoked goodness that could meet or beat the standard set by my favorite BBQ place, Rudy's, which is a Texas based chain with locations in Albuquerque. I rarely give 5 stars on first visit and this was pretty darn close...by PHX standards this is easily 5 stars! Fate delivered an article in a local food Blog, It was touted as being like Rudy's as a result I took that as a challenge. Via Yelp I bookmarked it to try. The locations is clean and casual. Just enough booths and tables and a small outside patio. The employees and the owner/manager were very friendly and helpful. He gave me a sample of their brisket. While not as smoked as I like was super tender and delicious. I decided on their Yelp Check In special (which is also a regular daily special) of 1/3# Brisket, side, bread and drink for $7.99. Here you buy the items a la carte and the meat by the pound. Like Rudy's there are no plates as they serve and you eat on Butcher paper. For my side I choose Creamed Corn...he gave me a sample first and dare I say this was better than Rudy's. What I love that other places lack is the little bar with sliced onions, dill pickle slices and pickled whole jalapenos. The bread offered is your simple sliced loaf bread, his is traditional and typical of Texas style BBQ joints. You put a little meat onions, pickle and sauce o keep a slice of bread fold in half/eat taco style and enjoy. The sauce is a hint sweeter than I like, but the smoked flavor was what I enjoyed most. I didn't see smoked baked potatoes on the menu, nor did I see the cobblers that Rudy's carries but that may come later. They do have have pecan pie, banana pudding to satisfy your sweet tooth. I already am planning my next trip so I can try more items on the menu. They also have a nice small selection of bottled beer. What's BBQ without beer or fresh brewed sweet tea which they have as well. I was too full to dig into my homemade banana pudding. Rudy's...you've found your match and I have found my go to BBQ in the valley. [It's CASH ONLY. They do have an ATM on site.]