Today my lunch buddy Denise and I took a quick trip to Korea — via a local restaurant, the Korean Garden. Yes, just a quick spin down Midlothian Turnpike (with lots of stoplights) did the trick. Man, it sure does beat being on a plane for 15+ hours, the jet lag, and the pollution. Miraculously this restaurant looks, feels, smells, and tastes just like being in Korea. (Well, thankfully they didn’t have some of the smells on hand. Some need to stay in Korea.) The menu’s in Korean, and the Korean waitresses even wear the traditional dress called the “hanbok.” This place would be perfect for Busch Gardens if they ever decide to add a “Korea” section.
Being there makes me sentimental because I lived in Seoul “back in the day” from 1994-95 when I was in the Army JAG Corps. Oh my! Just did the math –it’s hard to believe that was 17 years ago, give or take a year, of course!! Wow – that makes me dizzy, even without any OB mekju (beer) or soju (like vodka, but sweeter.) It’s amazing how a few details, like kimchi served in some little white bowls, can really take you back somewhere in time and somewhere in space with friends you haven’t seen or talked to in years. And, no, Facebook doesn’t count.
There is also an adjoining Korean grocery store which is the real deal, although thankfully not as cramped as in Korea. It’s so wild to see the familiar packaging in Hangul, the Korean alphabet. It’s all there — seaweed, dumplings, rice and noodles galore, dried fish, lots of kimchi-flavored noodles, and countless UFOs (unidentified food objects.) It’s not just groceries; it’s an intercultural adventure!
Much to my delight, they had my all-time favorite on hand — Korean popsicles that taste exactly like honeydew melon. As I picked one out of the freezer, I thought better of it and reached in for a second. That way I could give one to Sam — and not have to share my own! (The truth hurts!) Plus now I can tell Sam that he is an adventurous eater — trying Korean food! OK, it’s just ice cream, but it’s a start for the boy who eats spaghetti with absolutely nothing on it every night of the week.
Now I’ve got a little piece of Korea at home — leftovers! Of course the mere smell of it will repulse Daddy Mac, which means I won’t have to share. The big bag of dumplings is fair game, though. After all it’s just a quick trip to Korea to restock!
LibbY
P.S. Thanks for your birthday lunch, Denise! Note: That story is a another blog in itself.