How Do University of Iowa Coeds HuHot?

Mere blocks from Coralridge Mall, Coralville Iowa's answer to a mega mall, lies a small strip mall with eclectic stores, the requisite hair cutting company, an ice cream parlor and HuHot Mongolian Grill. Pass through the doors of this establishment, crowned with a pair of oversize "chopsticks" and you'll see for yourself why everyone from business men, cops, city workers and even college coed's make the trek to 917 25th Ave, to partake of this great cuisine.

Recently I was on an outing at nearby Coralridge and feeling pretty pleased with myself after scoring untold bargains within it's doors, I suggested HuHot to my other half as an alternate to the same old, same old burgers and fries.

As we entered the atmosphere thickened with the rich aromas of HuHot's grilled meats, veggies and of course their sauces, it became instantly clear to me that this was not your average eatery.

Now, those who are savvy to HuHot have heard the term bandied about "How do YOU HuHot?" realize that not only does HuHot give you total free reign in what you eat but eating here is a great value too! At a price of just under $23 for two persons, with "eat as much as you want" service and great atmosphere, it just makes sense to this penny-pinching writer, to take advantage of the flavors here as often as possible.

In terms of getting what you want here, there's no "Mom" here folks making you eat your beans, if you prefer to skip the green stuff. And no doctor admonishing you to "watch your cholesterol" if you want to load your plate with beef, pork AND chicken as well as drench it in garlic oil or some of HuHot's super hot "Burn-your-village BBQ" sauce.

For you see, this is a place where, if you don't like the cuisine, you only have yourself to blame. Because you choose your own ingredients from a food bar filled with everything from beef, pork, chicken, seafood, veggies, fruit and even tofu, there are endless possibilities for feasting. There is definitely something for everyone here and items offered, that customers would never dream of mixing at home, but are willingly experienced everyday.

With a place filled with diners from all walks of life, it's inevitable that the clever marketing phrase, "How do YOU HuHot?" would come to mind as one notices those partaking of the dishes they had created. I myself have overheard, on more than one occasion, those at other tables sharing their opinions and impressions of the diners around them and to be honest, I am no different in that regard.

In fact, while I was enjoying my dinner, ("beef, onions, green peppers, pea pods, green beans and mushrooms with 6 ladles of garlic oil, heavy on the chopped garlic at the bottom of the jug"...hey, I'm a writer, I don't have to worry about offending my co-workers!) I noticed three coeds at a nearby table enjoying their HuHot experience and I found myself wondering, "How do they HuHot?" I ventured their way and found they were full of some interesting ideas on how to make a great HuHot experience, even better.

Sarah, a personable Psych major gave me insight into the inner workings of what she felt was a great HuHot dish. "Lots of chicken" she insisted, " with not too many noodles, with green veggies," and she stressed "definitely corn". And her secret tip for making a memorable meal? "Double the sauce!" was her adamant advice, stressing that the amount of sauce suggested, "just isn't enough". Even as I write this, I find myself salivating. Pavlo would be proud Sarah at the conditioning you have impressed upon my somewhat moldable psyche!

And then there was Jamie, a marketing major, whom in true marketing form, stressed her preferences in a likable, convincing manner, creating within me the urge to fill yet another plate when I was already full to the bursting. According to Jamie, the secret to her perfect HuHot experience was "Beef, Chicken, veggies, pineapple and pad tai noodles". And sauce? Well, Jamie stressed that she liked a mixture of " Samurai teriyaki, Kahn's, and Hoisin" a mixture that immediately sold the dish to me and which I dully noted for my next trip. You know, I honestly think that HuHot should keep an eye on this coed; she really knows how to sell a product!

Rounding out the group, I met Christine, a History major who was obviously there for more than a lesson on outer Mongolia and the turmoil Genghis Khan caused within the 13^th Century. Christine kindly shared that she loaded her plate with "chicken, pad tai noodles (as well as Chinese noodles) and piled on the veggies". Christine topped off this culinary treat with "teriyaki, sweet and sour sauce and a bit of garlic sauce." A meal that would make any Mongol feel ready for another battle, should they partake of her creation.

You know, all three of these University of Iowa students may be taking different paths in life and they may have different ways to enjoy HuHot, but there is one thing that they can agree on. And that is, the fact that HuHot is a great place to eat and where you make all the rules when it comes to making your taste buds sit up and take notice.

I must admit, although it's been a long time since I myself was a coed and though I may be closer in age to their mothers than to these three ladies, I think we all agree that HuHot is one of the best eateries in town. Try it yourself and see if you agree too! And don't forget to share your favorite way to HuHot in their ongoing contest. you could win $1,500 and I think we all know that would buy a lot of HuHot happiness! Enjoy! I'll see you at the grill!