Great Escape: Shabu House's 'Korean Fondue'

Want a delicious ethnic meal that’s healthy and fun to eat?  With , Patch continues its "Great Escape" series for parents who need a little break away from the kids--or anybody who needs a break, for that matter. 

Specializing in Korean “hot pot” – a.k.a. shabu shabu - cooking, Shabu House is one of few such restaurants in the Chicago area.  It’s like Asian fondue:  pick an entrée – beef, chicken, and pork as well as a choice of vegetable platters – which you dunk into either a chicken or seaweed broth to cook. (Shabu shabu, translated literally, means “swish swish”).

Red meat seems the star of this show; several grades of beef are offered.  The top of the line, the prime beef set, is $19.95. As the tenderest cut, it’s worth the splurge. Other options include seafood and combo shabu shabu dishes. The menu includes precooked dishes such as dumplings, pajun (a Korean pancake) and grilled Kalbi (Korean beef shortrib) BBQ.

Once you order, you’ll quickly be brought an artfully-arranged platter of thinly-sliced rolled-up raw meat, accompanied by vegetables. Everyone cooks in their own individual hot pot (hygienic!); controls on the table turn the heat on and off.  Food is dunked with chopsticks or (for the less-dexterous among us) a large slotted spoon. After a quick swish swish, you can dip your cooked protein/veggies into a choice of dipping sauces: the ponzi/soy was the favorite at our table.  The freshness and the flavors will tantalize your palate.

In a nutshell: dunk, swish, dip, repeat. 

The service is welcoming and attentive, and our friendly waitress was helpful at explaining the process and menu items.  The well-lit restaurant is clean, spacious and modern, helping create an enjoyable dining experience. Prices are reasonable. Appetizers range from $3.95 to $14.95; shabu shabu sets are $10.95 on up to $19.95.

Shabu House, 8257 W. Golf Road, Four Flaggs Shopping Center, Niles

www.shabuhouse.net   (847) 470-1700

Mon-Thurs: 11 am – 10 pm; Fri – Sat. 11 am – 10:30 pm.  Closed Sun.