Recent CJ reports: Mike Linnig's, Lee's Korean

[Robin Garr]

I just realized that I never posted a note about last week's CJ review, so catching up here: Last week Marty gave three stars to Mike Linnig's. He spoke with appropriate reverence about its riverside picnic grounds setting. Personally I think his joy at the surroundings led him to like the fish a little more than it deserves to be liked - in the past few years I've found it a little below the top local fish-sandwich spots in quality - but it's hard not to enjoy a trip out to this landmark.

Today he offers a deservedly glowing three-star review of Lee's Korean. Not much to quibble with here ... I think I might have told the story about how for many years it was a diner out front with the Korean section a semi-secret in a separate room at the back where you had to request information ... but maybe I'm just more interested in those old-days restaurant stories than Marty (or his Scene readers) is.

Anyway, two highly favorable reviews with the standard three-star rating.

I have been going to Lee's most of the time that they have been around. I guess the diner was aimed at the local office workers for, but I never ate in that part. The service in the Korean part has always been exemplary. I don't have the expertise to say how authentic the food is, but almost every time I have been in the place, I have been in the minority compared to Asians. Obviously I like the place or would not have continued being a patron this long.

Robin, I have to disagree with you on the fish sandwich, at least last night. I had not been there in over a year, but it was the best sandwich I have had in a while. On the other hand, I had a hard time dealing with the $5.25 price tag for the onion rings. The problem with the rings is that, when they are on, they are really on but when they are off, they aren't worth a dime. The french fries were not very good either. Cold and limp!

There is literally enough fish for 4 average sandwiches per order. All of the sudden, the $8.00 for the sandwich looks like a great value!

[Robin Garr]

Bryan, the fries you describe are more consistent with my recent visits. In fairness, I haven't been this year, and I'm certainly willing to give the fish another try! My experience over the past few years, though, has been poorly breaded fillets with breading that peels off and falls away in chunks. I'd love to go back and find it conforms with your experience.

Robin, I have to disagree with you on the fish sandwich, at least last night. I had not been there in over a year, but it was the best sandwich I have had in a while. On the other hand, I had a hard time dealing with the $5.25 price tag for the onion rings. The problem with the rings is that, when they are on, they are really on but when they are off, they aren't worth a dime. The french fries were not very good either. Cold and limp!

There is literally enough fish for 4 average sandwiches per order. All of the sudden, the $8.00 for the sandwich looks like a great value!