Tim: Choong Man Chicken

 "Choong Man Chicken"

I awaken suddenly, drenched in sweat. I see the familiar shadowy figure standing at the foot of my bed. Originally frightened by this unnerving situation when it began three weeks ago, this time I find myself nonplussed. Although just a silhouette, the toned outline of the thighs give the identity away. I rub my eyes and the demonic vision of Andrew's spirit dissipates. I grab my phone from the nightstand to check the time. I see I have a text from Andrew. All it says is...

"Choong Man Chicken"

It's time. 

From the moment we decided on this project, Andrew has consistently mentioned Choong Man Chicken, a Korean chicken joint close to his house. It only took two outings until we gave in and decided to try it out. I knew nothing about this restaurant, but a quick glance at the reviews alerted me to the apparent 5 star quality chicken wings. So after all this buildup, how did it hold up?

Godamn this is some good chicken. Not only that, but through and through, start to finish, this experience was leaps and bounds the best so far.

Choong Man Chicken in Fairfax is a cute little spot tucked right in a seriously butthole area of Route 29 with a surprisingly vibing outside patio, where you can be cozy with your crew while watching traffic and randos strut by. 

Right off the bat, I was excited by the lack of other customers. Always a welcome situation in my book. We were seated out on the patio after I bonked my head on multiple lights that were strung up. We were brought out ass cushions for the seats which was a nice treat. 

                       Ass Cushion

We started out with waters to drink, and we were directed to a QR code menu. They offered bottles and cans of beers, Soju (rice wine), some "other" drinks, and draft beers. I initially ordered a vienna lager from nearby Caboose Commons. I am a big fan of vienna lagers, but I am always disappointed by Caboose's, and this time was no exception. I once again kicked myself for ordering something familiar. The beer did come in a neat mug though. 

The server brought complementary...something and chopsticks to start. I thought the cubed treat was delicious, but neither Andrew or I could place what the enticing nuggets actually were. I later asked and found out that they were pickled radish, and they are served before the meal because they actually tend to make people more hungry. I shoveled more into my mouth. They were worth the price of admission alone. 

                           Pickled Radishes

Andrew ordered the spicy garlic chicken, which I had read raves about online. In interest of not ordering the same thing, I ordered the red pepper spicy chicken tikkudak, which is the baked and then fried (or vice versa) type. 

Andrew had ordered a side of curly fries which were brought out quickly along with separate sauces for both of us. The fries were bountiful, enough for both of us and a to go box for Andrew's wife. At some point, the server pointed out to us that there were forks for the fries. I believe this was in response to him seeing me eating the fries with chopsticks like a moron. 

The chicken arrived and was presented beautifully. Andrew and I tried eachothers and then our own. Both were incredibly flavorful, with the spicy garlic almost hitting the same spice levels as the red pepper spicy but with a definite sweetness as well. I honestly can't pick which I liked better. Both were damn fantastic. Both of us could not refrain from constant grunts and moans of satisfaction in between wiping our running noses and dabbing (both the tears from our eyes and also with our arms). 



Andrew was ultimately convinced to get a beer from the great and cheap selection. He opted for a Yuengling, while I finally mustered the courage to ask our server about something new. He mentioned a brand new drink from Korea that comes in blueberry and mango flavors. I was sold immediately and ordered the blueberry. The server did make a point to repeatedly warn us about drinking too much Soju, leading us to both make mental notes to order a bunch of Soju next visit and get wild. 

The blueberry drink, Makku, came in a can and was paired with a frosted glass that appeared to be for Soju with alcoholic level markings at different intervals. The drink was quite tasty, although Andrew disagreed. The server offered further recommendations on rice wine and how to get weird with it, which was greatly appreciated. 

Makku

The service was excellent all around. Multiple great recommendations, never waited for anything, and anticipated our every possible want and need. The napkin dispensers had buttons to ask for service or pay. I paid online and the price was half that of last week's outing. Can't beat it. We will be back asap. Just an absolute perfect dining experience. 


Atmosphere - 4.5/5 - Everything within their control was perfect. Good tunes, good seating, great decorations. Area is just not the most appealing. 

Service - 5/5  

Price - 5/5

Food - 5/5 - From the complementary radishes to the chicken itself, absolutely no complaints. 

Drink - 4/5 - Eager to try Soju on the next outing. The Makku was not a knockout but pretty tasty and I am glad I tried it. Selection is pretty good and prices are great. Also they offer pitchers which is a nice bonus. 

Bathroom - N/A - Did not scope it out

Overall - 4.5/5 - Seriously, this place is pretty much the perfect place for a delightful meal. Cannot recommend enough, and we are sure to return. Frequently. 










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