400 N Greenville Ave Ste 11B
Richardson, TX 75081
(972) 231-3888

After spotting this review in Yelp, I decided to organize a group outing to sample Chang Jing’s menu. We found our party of 10 (including 2 children) seated in a friendly and somewhat upscale setting. Our server was very accommodating, even when we asked to increase our party count by asking for another table to add to the mix. The manager was very taken by our toddler, and made sure to welcome us with a prankster’s ketchup bottle and a magic coin trick. My friend remarked that the name of the restaurant shared the same name as a popular Korean soap opera…I took his word for it.

The manager frequently stops at our table to entertain the toddler and the rest of adults, and made sure to sell his seafood pancake, which we finally ordered after his 4th or 5th sales pitch. The pancake proved to be a very good choice; it was devoured entirely. My friend proclaimed it the best seafood pancake he had ever tried…and I agreed with him.

Our party leaned toward the usual suspects off the menu, though I was very disappointed that grilled mackerel was nowhere to be found. Several of us ordered Kalbi, while the rest ordered either Bulgogi or the Bibimbap.

Kalbi, or barbecued short ribs, proved to be a satisfying rendition served on a sizzling hot plate on a bed of onions. While the onions weren’t as sharp or raw as I would like it, it still provided a juicy bed for the kalbi. My friend who enjoyed the pancake, ordered the large portion kalbi, which meant thick slabs of meat perched on uncut ribs…he enjoyed it immensely.

Bulgogi also proved to be a winner. One of my friends, who had never had Korean before, enjoyed her portion of Korean barbecue. She was won over and promised to be a regular Korean patron from now on.

Two more friends ordered the bibimbap, the Korean-style fried rice. One ordered it vegetarian style, while my best friend ordered it normal. Both agreed that the portions were huge, and ultimately satisfying.

The banchan were pleasant, I scarfed up the 3 types of kimchee served, and enjoyed the different radishes and seaweed offering. One small plate of banchan tasted of fried/crispy squid, which I wish they had supplied us more of. But overall, the banchan plates offered a great accompaniment to our main courses.

Were the prices not higher, I would have rated Chang Jing four stars. But perhaps the price was reflected in the comfortable and clean surroundings. I’d definitely visit again, if only to sample more of their menu. Great staff, great food, great company!

3318 Lakeview Parkway
Rowlett, TX 75088
(972) 475-6560

Blame the Food Network for inspiring me to set out in search of some good Texas ‘Que. I drove through a rainstorm in the opposite direction for the Rowlett outpost of Baker’s Ribs, and my first impressions of it were favorable. The second visit however didn’t fare so well.

My first time at Baker’s I ordered a 2 meat combo plate, ribs and brisket, along with sides of Au Gratin Potatoes and mac and cheese. The Mac was surprisingly cheesy, the potatoes were drier than I would have preferred. I had asked for moist brisket, and the guy behind the counter delivered. The ribs were also fall-off-the-bone moist, and I had eaten everything out of the carton that I could stomach–it was the most I had eaten in 3 weeks in fact.

When I headed back for another visit, the guy manning my order remembered me and was pleased I had come back for more brisket. This time, I ordered a spud and sausage for my 2 meat plate. Sadly, the brisket was dry with a salty/flavored crust and the sausage seemed the typical variety one buys on the cheap at the grocery store. I did enjoy the huge baking spud that accompanied the meal, and would prolly try their meat spud the next time I visit.

For more adventures in Texas Barbecue, I’ll be perusing the recent article at Texas Monthly.