Kimch’i
61 ½ Albert St.

At 61 ½ Albert St., you’ll find a cute little haunt where you can grab lunch and maybe some knitting supplies.

Where Shop 61 ½ used to call home, tucked between a parkade and an art gallery, Kimch’i has moved in along with a small wool and knitting supply kiosk.

Since late 2010, this Korean restaurant has been serving deliciously affordable entrées, fruity salads and other such delicacies. Everything on the menu is dirt cheap (under $10) so my student-sized wallet has yet to find complaints.

Despite the low prices, quality is high at Kimch’i. Sauces are all homemade and ingredients are fresh. They feature fair trade coffee and tea, an assortment of juices and pops and lots of options.

At first glance the classroom-sized chalkboard they write their menu on each day may seem a little limited.

At second glance you’ll find there are endless combinations of each menu item.

For many entrées ,you have your choice of chicken, pork, beef or, for the veggie lovers, tofu.

“ Despite the low prices, quality is high at Kimch’i. Sauces are all homemade and ingredients are fresh. They feature fair trade coffee and tea, an assortment of juices and pops and lots of options

Sauces range in heat and flavour: their signature Bulgogi, spicy and extra spicy.

The chicken quesadilla I had is a definite hit on Kimch’i’s menu. Roasted peppers, chicken and onions cooked in Bulgogi sauce smothered in a three cheese blend is a simple, delicious dish. 

The menu is ever-changing so no trip to Kimch’i will be the same. Specials, entrées and salads are erased each day from the charming chalkboard and written fresh the following day.

A variety of subs, quesadillas, rice and veggie bowls, Kimch’i mac and cheese and more make their way on the menu along with many other dishes.

This luncheon rendezvous has limited hours. It’s only open from 10 a.m. until 2:45 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except for Thursday when service is available until 8:30 p.m.

So if it’s a cold winter’s night and you’re expecting a hot Korean dish, you’ll be stuck outside unless you plan for dinner on a Thursday. 

The décor is bright, airy and open, and the dining room features a lounging couch and chair set. Whether you’d like to sink into something plush or want to push a few tables together with some friends, Kimch’i is comfortable.

The staff consists of a few kind women and that are friendly and ready to serve. The time between ordering and eating is relatively small depending on your order.

Kimch’i may seem a bit odd, a restaurant squished together with a knitting store, but they ace everything important in food service: taste, value, quality staff and comfort.

Published in Volume 65, Number 20 of The Uniter (February 24, 2011)