One thing you have to know is that I love food and I love books. If you’ve ever read one of my book reviews, then you know that I often compare books to food. Taste is so subjective.
And then, I thought, how fun would it be to compare food to books?!
I asked some of my social media followers what places I should go to or try in order to compare books to food. Many options were listed, but a specific restaurant was Bae Bae’s Kitchen.
Situated on the cusp of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District, this Korean-inspired restaurant offers a fast-casual dining experience. Bae Bae’s Kitchen breathes garden relaxation with its collection of hanging plants and wood accents. While I’ve yet to dine-in (thanks, COVID), I have caught a glimpse of the inside while snagging my takeout.
Bae Bae’s Kitchen provides an easy online ordering system that allows you to pay beforehand, choose pickup or delivery, and customize your order within limits.
For my menu order, I chose a large plate of BimBimBap with spicy chicken and a Vietnamese Coffee with almond milk.
Now, while I’ve lived near and around Pittsburgh my whole life, driving downtown is still something I try to do at a minimum because there are a lot of one-way streets, and I get overwhelmed/confused/flustered. However, an Instagram friend @angielovespgh shared that pickup could be easy if you parked right by Bae Bae’s Kitchen, threw on your blinkers, and hurried over. She promised that her order had been ready and waiting so she only left her car for moments, and that was my same experience!
My arrival to Bae Bae’s Kitchen went so smoothly, and I had to snag this picture. That Grinch mask hides my glee at trying Bae Bae’s Kitchen finally!
Oh my wow. I was unprepared for how good this was going to be! For a total of $25 (including tip & tax), this meal blew me away with its flavor and size. Every bite felt beyond perfect.
And while I was hungry for lunch, I don’t think I was THAT hungry. Every bite was phenomenal, and I’m almost mad at myself for not trying Bae Bae’s Kitchen sooner.
As I pondered what book to compare my BimBimBap and spicy chicken to, I considered the spicy flavor and the different kimchi options that were included. So much flavor for one dish — how could it be? What book could compare?
When I perused the books I’ve read this year, one book popped out at me: Home Body by Rupi Kaur.
While it may seem like a surprising choice, as it’s a rather cozy collection of poems, Home Body by Rupi Kaur made me think of Bae Bae’s Kitchen BimBimBap because they share that quality of self-discovery. Each poem in Home Body led me to a closer understanding of myself while the BimBimBap introduced me to a better understanding of my love of spicy and wonderful flavors. Both felt like self-discovery to me.
If you live in Pittsburgh or if you’re passing through Pittsburgh, you must try Bae Bae’s Kitchen! And if you love to read, then you need a copy of Home Body by Rupi Kaur (Amazon Affiliate link).
Happy Eating & Reading!
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