Korean Fried Chicken

(sorry the photos are so dark...it was dark inside this establishment)

The Third Floor Cafe is, yes, located on the 3rd floor at 315 Fifth Avenue on the fringe of NYC's Koreatown in Midtown. It's a lounge that attracts a predominantly Asian clientele. And Monday and Tuesday evenings until 8 it attracts hungry and thirsty folks with it's all you can eat house wine (merlot and chardonnay), beer and Korean fried chicken. I went for the fried chicken and was pleasantly suprised by the other foods they offered...also, all you can eat!

As you first exit the tiny elevator a bouncer requests to see ID from everyone. Even though it was only 6:15 the place was crowded and we were lucky to get a table by the window overlooking the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 32nd Street.

When we first sat down and ordered our drinks we were served small stuffed baked potatoes - perfectly baked and topped with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream and real bacon bits.

Then we were offered fried pork cutlets topped with gravy and served with shredded cabbage topped with something close to thousand island salad dressing. The pork cutlets were cut into strips and the gravy reminded me of Japanese curry.

Then we were served a large square bowl of Korean rice cakes - thick, chewy finger sized cakes in a spicy sauce.

And finally, the main event...the Korean fried chicken - served finger scalding hot! But we couldn't wait to eat it so we did burn our fingers and mouths eating the crispy, meaty chicken. The coating was more similar to tempura vs. other Korean fried chicken that I've eaten, but it was still very good.

All along we had unlimited wine and beer.

Then we ordered another serving of fried chicken. Before that was served our waitress returned unsolicited with more stuffed baked potatoes.

What a feast! And what a deal for only $18 per person! No wonder the place was packed.