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A Colorful Take on Korean Cuisine

Features Order of the Day

July 26, 2015

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Missy Romero

When Theresa Choi decided to change career paths, the former business executive in Korea made a bold foray into the Honolulu restaurant scene.

Choi introduced Red Stand to diners June 1 and takes pride in serving up “simple, easy” menu items that are fresh and flavorful with local tastes in mind. Red Stand held its grand opening just a few weeks ago within bustling Samsung Plaza on Keeaumoku Street. The restaurant features a clean, inviting dining area and offers a wide range of choices for customers eating in, as well as those looking for a quick bite to go.

Choi explains that the popular Korean dishes, which feature a “fusion” of both traditional and contemporary recipes and cooking styles, include all-natural ingredients and are free of MSG.

Tteokbokki is a popular Spicy Rice Cake dish that is packed with fresh vegetables and prepared on table-top stoves so diners can enjoy the alluringly spicy aromas. Choi notes that the Seafood ($18.95 for small, $27.95 for large) assortment is one of the popular rice cake options and includes shrimp, mussels, squid and fish-cake.

“This dish is extra spicy, and I can’t tell you what we use in our secret sauce, but guests really enjoy it,” Choi says.

Fish Cake Soup ($14.95) also is cooked at one’s table. The savory dish includes four types of fishcake that are coupled with green onions and jalapeno peppers and simmered in a savory broth.

“Those looking for a lighter, low-calorie option can find that with the fish cake soup,” Choi explains. “We offer a new take on Korean food and customers are very happy to see that we’re here.”

Those looking for a smaller option that can also be enjoyed on the go are encouraged to reach for Cup Rice ($5.25), a miniature version of the popular rice bowls served at Red Stand. Diners can choose their favorite meat to accompany the rice, including bulgogi (barbecue beef), spicy pork or spicy squid.

Red Box Deluxe ($9) invites guests to “go picnic” with Red Stand’s version of a to-go, bento-style meal. This particular bold red box contains a choice of kim chee, miso or corn soup; salad and dressing; a “rice burger” filled with one’s choice of bulgogi, spicy pork or kim chee; a Korean-style musubi known as kim chee samgak kimbap; and scrambled eggs.

The “red boxes” also can be customized for larger groups with advance notice and serve as perfect options for family gatherings, gifts for friends or trips to the beach.

Red Stand

Samsung Plaza
655 Keeaumoku St. No. 104, Honolulu
947-7272
Open daily, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
redstand.com

Honolulu, HI 96814

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