No. 80, Bulgogi and Potato Pizza at Chicken & Pizza Love Letter

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Even T.G.I. Friday's sells Korean short rib tacos these days, so it's not really a surprise that someone, somewhere would put bulgogi on a pizza, too. Chicken & Pizza Love Letter, hidden in a corner of the maze-like H Mart, is known for their super-crunchy, massive chicken wings, but it's a surprising pizza that shouldn't be skipped.

The bulgogi and bacon pie will tempt you, but the picture of the pizza on the menu makes the dish look near-naked. Instead, opt for the bountiful bulgogi and potato pie for the best of both worlds: that classic meat and potatoes comfort with the nostalgic appeal of everyone's favorite meal.

The sweet and savory marinated beef bursts through cheesy bites like fireworks, with peppery little pork meatballs showing up in a supporting role. Corn, red onion and parsley add fresh contrast, with soft hunks of potato drizzled in a mayo-based white sauce making for a mellow finish. A thin layer of neutral tomato sauce provides a canvas for so many bold flavors at once.

The crust most resembles CPK, but this pizza is far beyond any California fusion sold there. The only knock is the amount of bulgogi used--it makes an entrance, but doesn't stay long enough to party. A small ding, but one that holds this one back from true greatness.

The list so far:

81. Braised Bacon at Break of Dawn
82. Cake Donut at Cream Pan
83. Bistec de Pollo at Mercado El Rey
84. The Rhino at Rancho a Go Go
85. Cabernet Brownies at Blackmarket Bakery
86. Cookie Monster at Lola Ice Cream and Deli
87. Polenta Board at CUCINA Enoteca
88. Falafel Taco at Taco Asylum
89. Wagon-Wheel Bread at THE RANCH Restaurant
90. Toothpick Tacos at Mexico Supermarket
91. Hoppin' John at Memphis at the Santora
92. Free Beans and Chips at Taqueria Zamora
93. Pig in a Blanket Waffle with Gringo Bandito at Cafe Calacas
94. "Pork Hash" at Huong Giang
95. Sweet Chili Chicken Quesadilla At Kogi
96. Licuados at Mil Jugos
97. Hawaiian Ahi Poke at California Fish Grill
98. Takoyaki at Takoyaki Tanota
99. Fiesta Noodles at Jollibee
100. Chilaquiles Verdes Con Huevos Estrellados at La Tablita California

Click here to view our 100 Favorite Dishes of 2010!
Click here to view our 100 Favorite Dishes of 2011!

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Location Info

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Pizza Chicken Love Letter

2600 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA

Category: Restaurant

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Carrion Fairy
Carrion Fairy

I agree, I really wish they used more bulgogi. I once took a friend there who'd never tried bulgogi (and I had never tried their bulgogi pizza) and he came away still not quite sure what it tasted like. Still delicious though. They sometimes have dollar beers, too.

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