In weekly interviews with chefs, a standard question is about their favorite under-radar dining spots. This week Chef Brent Hammer at Hibiscus told me about B.B. Bop Rice Bowls on Greenville. In addition to being tasty, he lauded it as "in-and-out in 10 minutes for less than ten bucks."
Since that fit my time, location and budget requirements perfectly, I gave it a shot on Friday.
Traditional Bi Bim Bop is a Korean dish served with mixed vegetables over rice with a fried egg or beef. At B.B. Bop, customers can create their own bowls, starting with brown or white rice, protein, veggies and sauces. But time and patience are needed the first-timers, and seeing that I have neither, I ordered the already-thought-out-for-you chicken noodle bowl.
The thick noodles in a tasty sauce with thick, juicy pieces of grilled chicken brought rich flavor. The large bowl also had sautéed carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts, and jalapeños. They also throw an egg on the top; I got mine over easy.
The final choice is which sauce to use. There about ten different options, with a board that explains a little about each. The Nagasaki Teriyaki worked well.
The regular portion is easily enough food for two meals; should you have the discipline to leave it alone on the ride home with it's intoxicating aroma. With a drink it cost $10.33. About that drink: they have hibiscus tea (I love hibiscus tea!) mixed with limeade (I hate limeade!).
The "Old School Bowl" is the house dish with grilled beef, flash sautéed spinach, pickled carrots, cabbage and zucchini served on rice with an egg and red pepper sauce (regular $7.95, large $9.95).
