It Takes a Long Time to Turn McDonald's Into Bibim

The Somerville location of Bibim missed its earlier projection of a November 1 opening, but it takes a long time to wipe away any sign of the space's previous life as a McDonald's (243 Elm Street). The restaurant posted a rare Facebook update today, noting that construction "is taking a bit longer than [they] expected...but it is coming together very soon!"

"We are doing our best to present you the most pleasurable Korean dining experience in Boston," the update continues. "We hope that you are just as excited as we are!"

In September 2013, the Globe's Sheryl Julian praised the original Allston location of Bibim as providing "mom's home cooking" (if your mom is Korean) in a "stylish" space. (Owner Young Kim, an artist, designed it.) "Nothing at Bibim has been Americanized and the heat hasn't been toned down either," wrote Julian. Kim's son Ed manages the restaurant. "This mother and son redefine what a mom and pop restaurant can be."

The Davis Square outpost will be nearly twice as big as the Allston location, seating about 92 and featuring a full liquor license. Again, the elder Kim is designing the space.