Hi Dave,
I have not had a lot of experience with Korean food in SF, since most of my friends won't go with me.
I have had the tofu stew only from a few places, and this one by far was my favorite. It had a smokiness (like smoked paprika, but not quite) that was really intriguing. and it had way more soft tofu in it than any other of the stews i have had.
Also, there is something about the spicy spices at shin toe bul yi. it's like all the spicy is complimented by some sort of sweetness that really works. it is not overpowering, but just enough to make the heat sing. i noticed it in the red sauce, and in the stew.
The only other tofu stew i have had that i remember favorably was from Dong Baek on O'farrell. but this was years ago, when i went wtih a co worker of mine. The broth was good, but much spicier and the tofu was harder.
I am going to go check out 707 Sutter for lunch next week and i will report back. but if it isn't bubbling like mad and overflowing with tofu like the one i had last night, i may be dissapointed....;)
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