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 

Southern Soiree previews blues restaurant concept (Video)

Southern Soiree organizers: Yameen Thomas, Chrysten Crockett, Oscar Frazier, Ryan Howell. 

Young men and women dressed dapperly smoked cigars and sampled jambalaya, crawfish rolls and pasta salad on rooftop 210. The band Sonny Skyyz played a range of blues tunes. The event was Southern Soiree, and it was preview event for a new blues club slated to open in the University area later this year. The organizers of Southern Soiree wouldn't reveal the name of the new restaurant, but they said it will be in the old Midtown Sundries on W.T. Harris Boulevard.

The restaurant will feature live blues and jazz bands in a creole themed restaurant. Organizers are working with the Charlotte Blue Society they should land some good acts and consistent support. Guests at Saturday's Southern Soiree tasted samples of the cuisine, and most gave it a thumbs up. I sampled the jambalaya and crawfish rolls. The jambalaya was fine, but the crawfish rolls were a little soft. Tasting dishes warmed on burners probably isn't the best way to judge the food so I'll reserve judgement for now.

I hope the concept makes it. We need a good blues bar, but its such a niche audience anywhere and the location isn't a nightlife hotspot.

 


  Holla: sipandplayclt@gmail.com