Peter Chinn’s Korean Tacos
Christmas is in 3 days. Many of you are probably still scurrying around trying to get last minute shopping and baking done (who am I kidding? I am too!). If you visit another food blog today, chances are you’ll probably find posts about holiday drinks, cookies, cakes, appetizers, snack mix, etc. Not here. Nope. I’ve got Korean BBQ Tacos on the brain.
In the midst of all the holiday craziness, it can be difficult to work a full day, get things checked off your to-do-list, and then come home and cook dinner. So don’t. Head over to Peter Chinn’s, grab a couple of tacos, and take a breather. That’s pretty much what I’ve been doing once a week for the past 4 weeks. (sometimes twice a week, but who’s counting?)
I’d heard the rumblings about this little joint for a while, but with a location quite some distance from my place of residence or my office, I hadn’t yet tried it myself. Then they moved. Not only did they move, but they moved only 2 miles from my house.
The Kimchee Bulgogi Taco $2.50
A big hit on the West Coast, Korean BBQ Tacos have had the culinary world buzzing for some time now. As with many trends, it took a while for the phenomenon to make its way to our little corner of the world, but it’s here now, and that’s all that matters!
First, I should probably begin by informing you of my undying love for street tacos. Fresh corn tortillas and carne asada might just be the final meal I’d want to eat on this earth. But I’m also particularly fond of Asian food: Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Japanese- all of them. So combining Asian flavors with my Mexican favorite? Oh yes, this is fast food I can endorse!
The Spicy Pork Taco $2.00
Now what exactly is it that keeps me coming back again and again? All of the tacos you see pictured here and the fact that I can fill up for only 5 bucks! My favorite is probably the Spicy Pork Taco with it’s slightly sweet, sorta fruity, hot barbecue sauce. Next would be the Kogi, marinated short rib beef topped with a mixture of shredded lettuce, chopped red onion, and pickled cucumbers. While I thoroughly enjoy the sour flavor of the fermented cabbage topping the sweet meat of the Kimchee Bulgogi, it’s just not quite as spicy as the other two- and you know I like me some spicy. For those that might not like as much heat, this one might be the way to go.
Talk about spicy– the hot barbecue sauce they serve alongside the tacos packs a punch. This stuff will make your nose run and your eyes water if you put on too much of it. Oh me, oh my. Be sure you have a big glass of water nearby because you are going to need it. A tissue might also come in handy.
The Kogi Taco $2.50
In addition to the tacos, I’ve made it a point to try a few other things on the menu, including the burritos and quesadillas. They hit the spot if that’s what you’re in the mood for, but for me personally, the tacos are where it’s at. If you’re an adventurous eater but you’re mate/friend/companion isn’t, that’s no problem. Bring them along because the new location is a former Cheeseburger Charley’s, and they can grub on a burger and fries while you chow down on your Korean taco feast!
Update 12/23/10:
Last night I received the news from another local blogger that this Peter Chinn’s location is closing. Thankfully this is a TEMPORARY closure, with plans to open in a new space nearby some time in January. For more details, see the statement on their Facebook page, or this Nashville Restaurants blog post .
Peter Chinn’s Korean BBQ Taco and Burgers
400 21st Ave South
Nashville, TN 37212
Hours: M- Sat 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
I need to eat there asap! Looks amazing.
I work in Metro Center, so I was not happy about the relocation. I miss Peter Chin’s. This post makes me want to venture out to the new spot at lunch. Sigh.
So sorry for your loss :-( I know I’d be devestated if it were to leave my area now that I’ve gotten a little taste of it. Too bad they couldn’t have both locations!! maybe some day…..
I do indeed love Peter Chinn’s!
what were your favorites?
YUM! Nathan & I will have to go check it out!
yes definitely! The ambiance and decor definitely aren’t a high priority to them, but who really cares when the food is so cheap and tasty?
OMG, those pics look so yummy! Sold! I can’t wait to try them out. I foresee another Nashville addiction in my future. lol!
I had the spicy pork, kogi, and chicken tacos! All good. Will have to try kimchi bulgogi when I return.
What’s this news about them closing this location as well? Any insider info?
I’m planning to go there today to see what info I can get. Someone that went in last night to eat told me that the employees had just found out they are closing down today!! Word is they are looking for another location but no idea where it will be or when it will re-open. I’ll post an update here when I can confirm this info and perhaps know more!
Delcious! The Kobi Korean BBQ truck that famously travels LA is one of the biggest things I miss in the States. Happy Holidays from snowy Amsterdam!
Cheers!
http://www.GlocalGirl.com
Based on your rec, I got the kogi, kimchi bulgogi, and spicy pork tacos for Mr. Eats. Of course, he loved them. I got the tofu taco and the kimchi quesadilla for myself and I LOVED LOVED LOVED them! Very much looking forward to the new location. The guy I talked to didn’t know for sure, but it sounds like it might be in the building where Pizza Perfect is–someplace that used to be a burrito place? They’re hoping a month or two at the latest.
Oh good! I meant to tell you that I tried the tofu taco the other night and it was pretty good- but of course, pretty much anything with that hot sauce would be good to me ;-)
Glad that you talked to the guy that was working. When I went in earlier today, he wasn’t there and the only lady working barely spoke English so she couldn’t understand most of what I was asking her. All I could get from her for sure was that they would be reopening. If it’s in that spot next to Pizza Perfect, it will be even closer to my house!!