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Korean food gets a fast-casual boost at Ko-Cups, the new restaurant at Concord’s Veranda marketplace that aims to capture a slice of the vibrant Korean street-food scene.
Evolved from a traveling food booth that made fans at fairs and markets in Alameda, Treasure Island and Lodi for several years, Ko-Cups is the brainchild of partners Dennis Muñoz and Kyungmo Ko.
THE VIBE: Their quick-service concept works perfectly with the setting of the Veranda, as Muñoz pointed out in a recent interview, allowing diners to get everything in one bowl inside the small, brightly-colored interior of the restaurant and sit in or even stroll around the outdoor Fountain Park section of the marketplace. Picture a miniature version of the Bellagio fountains, surrounded by chairs and tables, outdoor lounges, fire pits and heaters, with a big turf area for kids to run around and play. Order inside, pick up your order when it’s ready, and grab a table.
THE FOOD: The menu is straightforward: Pick your protein — grilled ribeye beef bulgogi ($9), spicy pork ($8), barbecue chicken or Korean chicken bites ($8), or meat and veggie dumplings ($7), select white or brown rice, and they’ll take it from there. In the mix when you’re served your cup will be crispy lettuce, japchae (sweet potato noodles), corn, pickled yellow radish and black sesame seeds. Step over to a small bar of sauces to top your cup with a variety of flavored mayos and variations on gochujang to add a little creaminess, spice or both.
There’s also an $8 bibimbap option for vegetarians; meat-eaters can add the protein of their choice for $2 or $3 more.
DON’T MISS: The P-Cup’s spicy pork was tender and tasty. If the idea of super-spicy food scares you away, you’ll be safe here. If you love it hot, heap a generous portion of gochujang sauce on top to kick it up a notch.
PERFECT FOR: Kicking off or wrapping up a shopping trip. Parents will probably love letting their children work up an appetite playing in Fountain Park, then getting them a fast, affordable meal here. Teenagers will likely flock here for lunch or dinner before a movie at the theater, which is just steps away.
DETAILS: Open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 2045 Diamond Blvd., Concord; www.ko-cups.com.
