By Ashley Mussbacher (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: February 25, 2015
33757 South Fraser Way
Hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. (subject to change)
Price range: $8.95 to $15.00
Ever had a craving for coffee and sushi at the same time? Look no further than K-Town Bistro Café, where you can order a pressed vanilla latte and California roll from the same counter.
Having only been in business for three weeks, the corner café still smells like fresh paint and floor polish. The place is set up like a classic bistro with hardwood floors, brick walls, a fireplace, and a chalkboard with specials scribbled on it. You have to place your order at the counter and then sit down, even though you don’t have to pay until after you’ve eaten. What set this bistro apart from others, however, was the atmosphere.
Despite being across town, K-Town felt like it should be the campus bistro. The radio was tuned to CIVL, Johnny Komitoudis plays live each night at five, and the to-go containers are the cutest ever. From the friendly staff to the affordable pre-packaged meals, it’s the place to go when you’re on a budget and strapped for time. With live entertainment in the evening, it has the potential to turn into a social hub in Abbotsford, which is what we need.
When it comes to the food, you get a lot for the price you pay, and the daily specials are authentic Korean dishes like bi-bim-bap and kimchi. If you don’t like spicy foods you’ll have to watch what you order, which is slightly difficult since there are very short descriptions on the menu. You can always ask the friendly staff, which I did on multiple occasions.
Being new to Korean food, I decided to play it safe with a California roll and the chicken bulgogi special, which is basically slow-cooked dark meat in a very tangy sauce. It came with a mountain of white rice, green salad with basic ranch dressing, miso soup, and an odd vegetable in red sauce. It turned out to be kimchi, which is fermented vegetables with a sauce that is both sour and spicy. The owner was happy to explain that many Korean families eat kimchi every day as a side or even a main course. So, contrary to my belief before, kimchi is not actually that instant noodle cup from Superstore.
Unlike the food, there was a huge selection of teas and coffees on the menu. I tried a jasmine green tea, which was delicious. Normally green tea has a bitter after-flavour, but this one was smooth and fragrant.
Overall, K-Town Bistro Café still has room to improve on the menu, but the food is delicious, the space is well thought-out, and the staff are welcoming. It’s still in its early stages of planning, but the owner wants to get a liquor licence and extend the hours. That would be a great idea, especially if they’re planning on featuring local music. It’s something Abbotsford needs badly — a local hangout.
