East Meets West At The Collection

Online, November 12, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Former Quebec Premiere Jean Charest once said, "You can't go east and west at the same time." Charest, obviously, has never been to The Collection.

In a unique pairing that is certain to make meat-loving diners salivate, two restaurants that specialize in barbeque-albeit very different styles-will open at the 650,000 square-foot retail, entertainment and dining center in the heart of West Ventura County in the spring of 2013.

So whether you use chopsticks or fingers, things are bound to get messy as diners will soon be able to sample the tangy delights of Gen Korean BBQ and, just a short stroll away, the "I-need-more-napkins" American-style barbeque at Famous Dave's.

"The Collection is fast becoming the place to dine in the West Ventura County area," said Peter Houck, General Manager at The Collection. "These two newly announced restaurants illustrate the variety of dining, retail and entertainment experiences we are committed to bringing to The Collection. And we'll have more to announce soon."

The restaurants will join an already announced lineup that includes Kabuki Japanese Restaurant and Panera Bread (now open), Five Guys Burgers and Fries and Menchie's Frozen Yogurt, opening later this month, and Gandolfo's NY Deli coming in the spring as well.

Korean and American barbeque are both delicious, but also quite different. The most common style of Korean barbeque is bulgogi, which is usually made from thinly sliced beef sirloin or tenderloin. Also popular is galbi, which is made from marinated beef short ribs. Before grilling on gas or coal grills built into the center of each table, the meat at Korean barbeque restaurants is typically marinated with a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine, sugar, green onions, ginger, red pepper and sesame seeds.

And let's not forget the side dishes, which are a big reason many people come to barbeque restaurants. In the Far East version, however, sides typically include assorted vegetables, pickles and kimchi, a traditional seasoned and fermented vegetable medley.

Getting hungry yet?

Owned by veteran restaurateur Jae Chang, Gen Korean BBQ has a devoted following for its high-quality, all-you-can-eat cuisine, moderate prices and large selection of meats. The 5,300 square-foot Gen Korean BBQ is scheduled to open at The Collection in the spring of 2013.

In America, barbeque has a storied history and is one of the country's oldest and most popular forms of cuisine. Foodies in the U.S. aren't totally sure of the origins of the word "barbeque," but most believe it derives from the West Indian term "barbacoa," which refers to a method of slow-cooking meat over hot coals.

Barbeque has become an icon in the U.S. with regional styles like Memphis, Kansas City and Texas found from Key West to Anchorage. American barbeque runs the gamut from tangy and spicy to sweet and savory and usually involves large cuts of meat that are slow-cooked, smoked and portioned out by the grill master.

Although Famous Dave's has only been around a few short years, it is now satisfying hungry hordes in 34 states. Known for it's family-friendly atmosphere, moderate prices and award-winning barbeque and sides, Famous Dave's also opens at The Collection in the spring of 2013.

For more information about Gen Korean BBQ, visit the restaurant's Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gen-Korean-BBQ/245231622187135.

For more information about Famous Dave's, visit FamousDaves.com.

For more information about TheCollection, visit ShoppingTheCollection.com or visit the Facebook page for the latest news and announcements at Facebook.com/thecollectionatriverpark.

About The Collection
The Collection at Riverpark is a 650,000 square foot, open-air, specialty retail center located in the heart of West Ventura County. Inspired by the beauty of the California coast, The Collection reflects the unique atmosphere of the surrounding seaside communities. The Collection is not just a shopping center, but an experience- tree-lined streets, parks, water features, plazas and paseos work together to create a classic but casual environment. The center
is built around a town grid of retail streets, each of which has its own personality-a carefully crafted assortment of established
and contemporary designer shops, distinctive dining, and signature entertainment venues like a 16-screen Century Theatres, Target, and the area's only Whole Foods Market and REI.