Korean now the NBT (Next Big Thing?) From Bi Bim Bap to Soccorat and Paella.

November 6, 2:38 AMBoston Food ExaminerJacqueline Church

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You can say you heard it here first.

Just noticed Sheryl Julian's piece in the Globe: Kimchi Rising.

The interesting thing in the piece is she mentions the best part of Bi Bim Bap - well for some of us...the crusty rice that forms on the bottom of the stone bowl. Yum.

Have a look at her piece if you want a tour of bi bim bap and a pictoral of how to make it at home in your cast iron pan.

Not a bad idea, but I'm not sure you'd get the same results. Also, you'd have to make or buy all the components before essentially just mixing them in your pan. Why not just go enjoy it at Suishaya?

Two related observations:

Soccorat. This is the crunchy rice that people fight over in a true paella party. It's intentionally let go to crunchify on the bottom of the paella then when it's served it's every man, woman, child for himself/herself or itself! Let the elbows fly!

And that brings us to things Spanish. Like Las Ventas in the South End. The PERFECT spot for a sandwich.

Know what else it's perfect for? Provisions. Why not have a tapas party at home? The groceries for sale here ("las ventas") are muy delicioso and quite well-priced. Whatever price point you are shopping in, they will have a good quality item in that range.

Pimentón for example - the essential smoky or sweet paprika used in many dishes. HALF the price it is at Williams-Sonoma. Now, I don't know if you've noticed but some of us are doing some belt-tightening around here. And it's not just because of us getting our butts  selves back in the gym.

It's the economy, silly.

Las Ventas to the rescue. Si, es verdad. This could be the perfect place for some holiday shopping. Any foodies on your list? Try a beautiful Spanish ollive oil, or a paella pan, you could wrap the pan up with the special bomba rice (similar to Arborio) and maybe some squid in its own ink.

Or, just have a lovely sandwich and a cafecito. Or take some cheeses home. Their cheese selection includes cheeses I haven't seen anywhere else in Boston.

And now for that soccorat. Who wants to join me at Estragon? It's right next door.

Luis de Haro will help you with your provisions at Las Ventas. Hermano Julio with the paella next door at Estragon.