Four Weeks Later: Seoul Food Meat Company (Review)

These days, every new restaurant opening in Charlotte is reported like Pope's visit. And everything, is overhyped based on the media night, which is when the restaurant puts on its best face.

I'm letting the hype die down before I experience these new additions. This week, I finally tried Seoul Food Meat Company, the Korean BBQ joint, in lower Southend. I must admit. It's worthy of some of the hype.

I'll start with the pork belly. In recent weeks, I've sworn-off pork belly. It's the most over-used protein on Charlotte restaurant menus these days. Problem is, unlike chicken or steak, a pork belly entree is rarely filling. I typically get three slivers of meat. I'm growing - I need grub.

At Seoul, I got my fill of pork belly, and it was delicious. The crispy pork belly has fantastic flavor and the portion size is appropriate for a growing girl. Our tray above also features Bao bun (doughy bun), vinegar slaw (great flavor and not spicy), picked deviled eggs (delicious) and for your dose of green, try the broccoli (ice cold, but tasty). Not pictured is the sriracha cracklins. I like how it was lightly fried, but it wasn't very sriracha-like. Plus, it wasn't warm. The pork skins at The Liberty are better.

Seoul's wings are my favorite in the city. They are crazy meaty and exploding with flavor from the skin to the meat. Most places drench their wings in sauce and oil, but the meat is tasteless. Not at Seoul. I liked soy garlic the best, but the barbecue was good too.

Overall, Seoul is great for me. Lots of protein and a vegetable that wasn't dripping in oil. My one complaint is that with the exception of the wings, none of the food came out hot. The broccoli is served cold and crispy pork was room temperature. Even the Bao buns were cold. Who wants a cold dough bun. My server Francis L was overwhelmed, but energetic. He apologized profusely for taking forever to make first contact, but then he was spot on. The food came out incredibly fast, (before the drinks) which makes me think many of the dishes aren't made-to-order.

Sip + Play Says: Worth the hype

Watch Seoul's transformation via FB:

We will be opening our doors to the public on Saturday 2/20 at 4:30pm! Special preview of selected menu items will be available! Can't wait to see everyone 
Posted by Seoul Food Meat Company on Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Coming soon...

Coming soon...

Still working hard to open soon...we still don't have an exact opening day but we will keep you guys posted as the days get closer! #charlottenc#southend#golddistrict#charlotteeats#seoulfoodmeatco
Posted by Seoul Food Meat Company on Monday, January 18, 2016

A peek inside...

The inside is slowly but surely coming together too! #seoulfoodmeatco#golddistrict#southend#charlottenc
Posted by Seoul Food Meat Company on Friday, January 8, 2016

Outside is coming along...

Awnings are up and looking good! #southend#seoulfoodmeatco#charlottenc#golddistrict
Posted by Seoul Food Meat Company on Friday, January 8, 2016

A peek inside...

Bar top got its top coat and we are loving the way it looks!! We're getting excited!
Posted by Seoul Food Meat Company on Friday, December 11, 2015

No way, it looked like this!

Nice warm day for some construction! #seoulfoodmeatco#charlottenc#southend#golddistrict#comingsoon
Posted by Seoul Food Meat Company on Thursday, December 3, 2015

Holla: Sipandplayclt@gmail.com 

Southend restaurant opens, Banana Bar Crawl and Guys & Dolls

It's the weekend! The excitement has been building for the new Korean restaurant in Southend, but there's a lot more fun happening today. See you in the streets...

Korean BBQ - A new concept of Asian fusion dining is coming to Southend with Seoul Food Meat Co. The menu, designed by Charlottean Tim Chun, features traditional BBQ including beef and pork ribs, chicken, and pulled pork, but then it gets funky. There’s crispy miso pork belly, salted salmon and crispy wings, which is fried in rice bran oil. 4:30 p.m. Seoul Food Meat Co, 1400 S Church St.

Live Jazz - This is a special Saturday night edition of the Jazz Room. It’s Dawn Anthony sings Ella Fitzgerald. 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. Stage Door Theater at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, Corner of 5th and College.

Corrected: A Different Bar Crawl
The Banana Bar Crawl returns for its fourth year. The crawl takes partiers dressed as bananas to Whisky River, Blackfinn, Suite, BAR Charlotte, Fitzgerald’s, Prohibition, Whisky River, SIP and Bubble. Registration is from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at Whisky River, 210 E. Trade St. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the event. Details.

Don't Forget
LGBT Black Tie - The 21st Annual HRC Gala is the annual black-tie fundraiser for the LGBT community. 5:45p.m., Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S College St. $250. Tickets. Start the day early at the HRC Fun Run & Breakfast. 9 a.m., Just Fresh, 1231 East Blvd. The After-party: HRC Equality Lounge - Gala After-Party 10 p.m., The Westin Charlotte, 601 S College St.

Young Professionals Black Tie - The Guys & Dolls fundraiser for young professionals celebrates its 16th year. The gala features a live auction featuring “Guys” and “Dolls.” Packages include trips, shopping and more. 6:30 PM, Hilton Charlotte Center City, 222 E 3rd St. Tickets.

Children’s Play
Experience the wonder of The Wizard of Oz with your family in this immersive experience in Journey to Oz. Children from the audience are picked to help tell the story. Audience members will join the cast on stage as Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodsman, the Cowardly Lion and others to help complete the story. Tickets.

Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com