Clovis restaurant offers authentic meals
In the newly built shopping center off of Clovis and Herndon lies Shila Korean BBQ, a unique dining experience which allows you to cook yourself an all you can eat meal. There are two options on their lunch and dinner menus which include a list of pork, beef, seafood and other options served ready to grill at your table.
I previously had zero experience with Korean BBQ. Frankly, I had no idea what to expect. The inside of the restaurant possesses a friendly and warm ambiance and you are greeted quickly by the host. It was not crowded upon entering but depending on the time and day, it may be. Consider the length of a meal, which ranges from 60 to 120 minutes plus.
When seated, there are 7 small side plates of different foods waiting, along with a bowl of salad and rice. The waiter promptly took my order, the “all you can eat dinner option #1.” At $21.99, it includes 19 options. You choose three items at a time and they are brought to you raw, but ready to cook. I picked the pork belly, beef sirloin, spicy pork bulgogi, beef brisket, squid, New York steak, rib-eye steak and boneless short rib before I needed to tap out.
First Three: Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Pork Belly, Beef Sirloin
My first three were undoubtedly my favorite three. I have a hard time with spicy foods so I was hesitant with the spicy pork but it really was not too spicy at all, it tasted so great. It contained so many different flavors, complimented by its extreme tenderness. The pork belly could not have been better. I recommend a pinch of salt on it which adds to the flavor. The beef sirloin was out of this world. It was extremely juicy, tender and everything wonderful. There were fatty pieces on it, which may not be to everyone’s liking, but I consider it to give great additional flavor.
Second Three: Squid, Boneless Short Rib, Beef Brisket
Before cooking the squid, it seemed super sketchy and I questioned my decision to get it. However, I was pleasantly surprised after my first bite. If you are thinking calamari, get that out of your head because these are cuts of raw squid. It is very chewy, tasty and a pinch of salt helps. I am on the fence on if I would get it again.
Beef brisket was definitely not my favorite. It was remarkably thin and flavorless. The boneless short rib featured a strong peppery taste and a thick texture and was not my favorite.
Last Three: New York Steak, Rib-Eye Steak, more Spicy Pork Bulgogi
I will now always crave some rib-eye from Shila Korean BBQ, it tasted so great. It was delectable and savory and I thought this was the best food of the night. Then I tried the NY.
The NY steak might be the greatest thing I have ever eaten. It caused the rib-eye to seem like nothing in comparison. Imagine going to your favorite restaurant and ordering their top steak. That is what it tasted like.
I would recommend Shila BBQ to anyone who is willing to spend a considerable amount of time dining and has the funds to pay for it. The cost for two persons ended up just over $45. They have two locations in Fresno and Clovis. The hours and menus for both locations is are located on their website.
For more food reviews, read Family restaurant propers in small venue.
This author can be reached via twitter @alexrurik23 and via email Alexander Rurik.