So, I kind of got obsessed with this Hot Pot place
that some friends took me to in LA. (thank you Markus & John Henry)
It was a 45 minute drive and well worth it. We sat around
a large round table with a giant (heated) split pot recessed
in the middle of it. We ordered the broth we wanted...
and then - in go the fresh vegetables: bok choy, spinach,
cabbage, basil, bean sprouts, mushrooms, potato, taro, pumpkin,
cilantro... whoah! But wait, here come the udon noodles and 2 kinds
of tofu! It kept going from there - more meat and seafood
and on and on.... since some of us were mild vegetarians (ahem)
we did a split pot of 1/2 veggie and 1/2 meat.
tons of fresh garlic and ginger and peppers and sauces and viola!
you're eating Hot Pot.
Needless to say, I got back to rinky-dink Portland,
and was determined to find Hot Pot. After a bit of searching,
I found it:
HOT POT CITY!It's a tiny little hole in the wall on 1st ave, and not as many
selections (depending on the day) but it's actually quite good!
Went again today with some friends for the lunch special
which is only $7.95 (vs. the $13 dinner) and it was dee-licious!
I recommend sitting at the bar for your very own pot.
bon appetit!
