Hungry and tired late last night, we stumbled out of the apartment thinking we'd settle on Dad's bagels and cream cheese to appease our tummy rumblings. But something in me whispered, "just check 5000 ans, you never know, maybe Jenny is still there." Lo and behold, she was, her jovial self, happily shuffling around the tiny restaurant, seemingly, waiting just for us. It was 9:30PM, who else could she be waiting for!

I've been here before to pick up items for take-out, but never actually sat down for a meal. The place is packed during lunch and dinner, and in the summer, it was nearly impossible to even see into the restaurant, there were that many people there!

The restaurant is very small, the former space occupied by Burritoville. Some people might describe it as quaint, and that would be accurate, but it has a ton of character, much like the owner/chef Jenny. There are 2 picnic tables up front, along two tables that seat 4 people, off to the side is a mini spot with a table and 2 chairs and finally, a table right in front of the kitchen, where Jenny will often seat her invited guests. With a piano, planted right in the middle of it all.

We were tired, but my hunger grew with the mention of house made pancakes; Seafood Pajeon, a must order item if there ever was one. To start, we ordered the Pajeon and Kim Gui (roasted & salted seaweed). The Seafood Pajeon come out was absolutely delicious and every bite had seafood in it, there was no skimping here.

I was hungry but not hungry enough to order a main dish, however my boyfriend ordered the Galbi; Korean-style marinated beef ribs. As is traditional, Jenny brought out several Korean condiments, including a homemade KimChi, some marinated lotus root and pickled peppers, along with two bowls of miso soup (the picture is stock - I had forgotten my camera).

Though I only ate one piece myself (I gorged on the seafood pancake) my dining companion described the meat as succulent, even though it seemed to be only lightly marinated. His words were tender and fresh. The only issue he he found was a few splinters of bone, maybe due to the thinness of the slices.

Everything at Restaurant 5000 Ans is made in house, and most of that is made by Jenny herself which I find super impressive. The restaurant does offer Korean BBQ, and at lunch you'll find an all-you-can-eat special on it.

Restaurant 5000 Ans
5887 Sherbrooke Street West
(514) 481-4999 ‎