Description
A visit to Midway's Sole Cafe is like a visit to mom's house—especially if your mom is Korean. If you need a maternal fix, Korean-born owner Kimberly Firnstahl will happily stand in, chatting your ear off as she serves generous portions of chigae (spicy stew), ojingae (spicy squid), and bibimbap (mixed rice with meat or tofu and vegetables). Don't miss the Haemul Pajeon (seafood pancake) or the Jahpchae (cellophane noodles served with beef and vegetables), and save room for the sides. Each meal comes with four to six accompaniments, such as kong namool (marinated soy bean sprouts), odeng (fish cakes), and spicy kimchi (fermented vegetables). Everything tastes fresh, a testament to Firnstahl's dedication to local produce: She shops the farmers' markets as much as possible in season. The ambiance is simple but clean and homey. Don't tell mom: You can watch Korean TV while eating.
