Asian Fusion Food

Old "Footloose" with Kevin Bacon or reinvented "Footloose" with Julianne Hough? Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide" or the Dixie Chick's "Landslide"? "The Lord of the Rings" books or movies? Authentic Korean BBQ or fusion Korean tacos?

I'm sure you have some definitive opinions on the first few comparisons (feel free to share in the comments section below!). And as much as I love an old classic... and I usually choose the classic...I am newly enamored with the modern twist being executed on Korean food. Today, I'm taking you to La Tacorea in Lakeview, Del Seoul in Lincoln Park, and Belly Shack  in Bucktown/Logan Square. If you like Korean food, you're in for a treat. If you've never had Korean food before, you're in for a bigger treat because you've been missing out, my friend.

Korean BBQ Beef at Belly Shack 

Generally speaking, if you like beef or steak, you will like Korean. And since we all live in the Midwest, it's safe to say that you do. Put aside your fears about this lesser known asian cuisine and get thyself to Belly Shack, which is located underneath the Western Blue line el stop. This fast casual restaurant is a fusion of mainly Korean and Puerto Rican cuisines. The Korean BBQ Beef is the ticket though. You stuff the flat bread with the succulent, marinated beef and top it with traditional kimchi. The flavors are intensely satisfying. The rest of the menu is incredibly interesting and fusion-oriented so bring some friends and make your taste buds dance! BTW BYOB!

Sesame Chili Shrimp Taco at Del Seoul

If you don't think you're ready for the real kimchi at Bellyshack, then dip your toe (ahem, not literally, gross!) into Del Seoul on Clark Street, just south of Diversey. Here you will find delicious asian proteins (Kalbi, Spicy BBQ Pork, Sesame Chili Shrimp) combined with a secret slaw. As an aside, if anyone comes away with this recipe, please share with me asap! The Sesame Chili Shrimp Taco is their bestseller, however I daydream about the Kalbi Taco (grilled beef short rib, tastes like steak) to the point that I've had a weekly date with myself here for the past 3 weeks. If you're looking to up your flavor profile, add the Seasoned Gamja Fries, or for a lot of adventure, go bold with the Kimchi Fries.

Spicy Sweet BBQ Pork Burrito at La Tacorea

La Tacorea in Lakeview is like the Asian Chipotle. You choose a taco or burrito and top it with your preference of white rice, protein, lettuce, diced red onions, cilantro, grilled peppers & onions, sweet sauce and/or spicy sauce. The owner convinced me to try the Spicy Sweet BBQ Pork Burrito which I requested to be mounded with all the fixins. Seriously, do not pass on the sauces! The yellow bottle is a MUST - sweet & mildly spicy. I think the red bottle is a spicy sauce but seemed only medium to me. This burrito did not disappoint, and I would have it again in an instant. My companions, two of which were elementary kids, loved on the Kalbi Tacos so much that it elicited a happy food dance from one...high praise coming from a 6 year old.

So the next time you're about to grab fast casual, check out these cool asian flavor profiles instead.

By the way, unequivocally Kevin Bacon "Footloose"and Fleetwood Mac "Landslide." However, I concede equal appreciation for the masterpieces that are "The Lord of the Rings" books and movies; J.R.R. Tolkien and Peter Jackson are geniuses in their own right. It's a toss up for old and new Korean as well. Let's be honest. I plain enjoy good food - therefore all its iterations.