Out of all the things from my youth, the one thing I still crave are school lunches.
As the son of moderately poor parents, I received free school lunches from kindergarten through twelfth grade. To this day, those meals remain ones I treasure and covet. From the sacred scents of a well-worn lunch lady's smock to the acrid smell of damp cloths wiping down tables—sadly, those days are gone.
Or are they?
While heading down the street to indulge my latest obsession with craft iced teas, I noticed a banner at the newly opened Seoul Pocha (1520 NW 23rd St.), a Korean restaurant and (finally!) karaoke bar, advertising lunch trays for $9.99.
I am here for it!
They brought back the old-fashioned lunch plates with a modern twist, offering a variety of delicious, filling Korean dishes—no need for transcontinental airfare.
I decided to try this special the next day, around noon. Walking in, the vibe was subdued but still had flashy neon, moody lighting, and loud music reminiscent of Blade Runner. It felt like a casual lunch spot with a futuristic edge.
The place was nearly empty, with just one other guest enjoying lunch. I couldn’t help but wonder if this lunch special was aimed at the daytime crowd, while the nightlife scene kicked in later, and word of mouth just hadn’t spread yet.
Regardless, my girlfriend and I were seated near the window overlooking 23rd Street. The lone server was very courteous, thoroughly explaining the lunch menu and mentioning the karaoke booths. After our meal, she promised to give us a peek inside.
While we were waiting for our lunch, I decided on a carbonated drink from the refrigerator. Mindlessly, I grabbed a Soon Hari soda pop—or, at least that's what I thought. As I learned as I took a swig, it was an alcoholic drink.
Endlessly burping and caustically refreshed, I have to admit I was kind of buzzed, helping ignite my hunger. As our meals were brought to us, I asked that waitperson about the drink and she told me it was not only alcoholic, but it was $15. Gulp!
Even though I was near drunk, it was a refreshing way to imbibe!
Our steel trays soon arrived, each filled with delicious compartments of food that transported me back to my school lunch days—though I have to admit, Seoul Pocha was far better!
I ordered the Bulgogi Lunch Box, which included bulgogi, white rice, stir-fried potatoes with sausage and vegetables, stir-fried fish cake, cabbage salad, and japchae (savory glass noodles). It was an embarrassment of tasty riches. If only my old lunch ladies could see me now!
Every single bite was an operatic treasure, with the marinated spices of the traditional bulgogi being front and center, the potatoes and sausage a near second, filling me up. And while the fishcake didn’t really overwhelm me, the japchae was pleasant enough.
My girlfriend had the Pork Katsu Lunch Box with, of course, their mouthwatering pork katsu with the same other rations that I was given, except the fishcake was subbed with a dash of kimchi.
Much like my lunch, she truly loved it but only in a more moderate manner, packing up the leftovers for home.
As I downed the rest of that intoxicating lunchtime drink, our waitperson wanted to show us the neon cool of the karaoke booths. Situated in booming rooms that support from two people to a whole group of ten, fifteen, or what have you, I want to plan a party with not only karaoke, but a few of these Soon Haris, too!
Maybe I am far too old for free (or reduced) school lunches, but, you know, I am never too old for delectable trays from Seoul Pocha, even if I have to pay for them.
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Follow Louis Fowler on Instagram at @louisfowler78
