Northern Exposure

Your roaming reporter here in the north, and I would like to share with you ,my great finds. If you’re like me, Korean food is the best cuisine in the universe hands down. The flavors and the variety are two of the many qualities that our gastronomy provides. In the next few months, I will share with you where you can get your grub on if you find yourself away from the 213 and all the regular places you patronize. From Fresno to Sacramento, these are the places to visit if and when you find yourself on the opposite side of the state.


Don Day



The first time I dined here, their gimmick was the same as that one place in Ktown in the Nandarang plaza whose name escapes me. They had three different types of flavored Sam-gyup-sal (thick cut pork belly). Wine, dwen-jang (soy bean paste), and one other flavor which seems to elude me right now. Must have not been all that. I really liked the concept and meat tasted great, but unfortunately due to financial issues the establishment did not stay in business too long. Fast forward a few months and a couple of different owners, and we have the current rendition. Although they don’t do the flavored pork anymore, the present Don Day more of a gem for the feast they provide.

From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. Situated on the downtown area of Oakland, it is surrounded by a couple of other Korean eateries, a Korean market, barbershop, and video store (it wouldn’t be normal without one). The inside is very modest as well. Kind of like a mix between an American diner and po-jang-mah-cha (Traditional Korean street-side eating stands), there are a few tables along the length with the cooking area in plain view. But, where it lacks in ambiance, it definitely makes up for in taste.



I am a firm believer that a meal is only as good as the ban-chans (side-dishes) it comes with. There is no shortage in variety here. On average, a dozen will be available to savor, all of which are made fresh. Among my favorites, is doo-boo mu-chim (mixed tofu). Served cold, it has a subtle flavor, but keeps you coming back for more. It seems to be the specialty here, as more than half of the ban-chans were mu-chims. For their dishes, they have the standard offerings: several different kinds of meats and fish, various stews and soups, and ggo-chee (skewers). Among the meats, sam-gyup-sal (pork belly) is my favorite. It is thick cut and freshly brought in on a weekly basis. The meat comes with various vegetables to grill as well and leafy greens to make ssam (Korean wrap). As for the soups/stews, their koeng-bee-jee-chi-gae and al-chi-gae are delicious if you’re into it. lastly, they have several different ggo-chee, but shrimp and mushrooms are the tastiest in my opinion. Soju, beer and other Korean wines are well stocked, so you won’t be thirsty either.

So, if youre ever in the Oakland area and get that craving for some delectable comfort food, Don Day is the place to find it!

Don Day
346 14th St
(between Harrison St & Webster St)
Oakland, CA 94612
Price range: $$

For a good explanation of Korean food and their names, please visit:
http://efl.htmlplanet.com/korean_food.htm