A banner directs individuals upstairs to Uplift Seoul, a “bar-community-stage” in central Seoul’s multicultural Gyeongnidan neighborhood, Dec. 7. Korea Occasions photograph by Jon Dunbar
So many individuals have been speaking up the pulled pork sandwich at Uplift Seoul, a bar till now identified primarily for its social occasions and stage performances, together with burlesque, drag and stay music, however not for its meals.
Curious, I finished by on a Sunday night to pattern the culinary work of Rob Hernandez, one of many individuals working the bar that opened early this 12 months.
It seems that, sure, the place has a menu with 4 objects: two soups and two sandwiches.
After I inquired concerning the pulled pork avocado sandwich, one other buyer sitting close by remarked that it was superb.
Hernandez himself whipped up the sandwich, which was served in a soup bowl on a mattress of ruffled potato chips and a single cornichon, or mini pickled cucumber.
A pulled pork avocado sandwich at Uplift Seoul, Dec. 7 / Korea Occasions photograph by Jon Dunbar
He defined that this model is Puerto Rican-style pulled pork, not as candy because the U.S.-style pulled pork you is likely to be extra aware of.
It actually was savory, its richness soaking into the bread, delivering a scrumptious burst of taste with each chunk. Though the sandwich incorporates avocado unfold and some different toppings, the one which stood out probably the most to me was pickled crimson onion.
Hernandez prepares the pulled pork, describing it as an “after-school snack” he grew up on. He stated he is been cooking since 8 years outdated, and making ready pulled pork since so long as he can keep in mind.
A glass of coquito, or Puerto Rican-style coconut eggnog, is served with a cinnamon stick at Uplift Seoul. Courtesy of Uplift Seoul
Hernandez picked up these culinary traditions from his abuela (Spanish for grandmother), including that her residence was “the place you knew you can go at any time for a meal.”
The pulled pork is one in every of two objects on the menu handed down from his grandmother, the opposite being coquito, a Puerto Rican model of coconut eggnog made with condensed milk, evaporated milk (evaporated by Hernandez himself), rum, coconut, vanilla, star anise and a cinnamon stick. As Hernandez described the beverage, one other close by patron who had already ordered one loudly advisable it. This distinctive vacation drink is barely on the menu for a restricted time.
The sandwich is priced at a really affordable 9,000 received, and a glass of coquito is 10,000 received. Hernandez stated he wished to “hold it low-cost to unfold my tradition a bit.” Nonetheless, each would be value it even when they had been priced a bit increased.
The vegan chili soup is served with slices of bread at Uplift Seoul, Dec. 7. Korea Occasions photograph by Jon Dunbar
Proper after I completed the sandwich, a bowl of vegan tomato soup arrived. Hernandez cautioned me that it was spicy, and whereas it undoubtedly had some warmth, it additionally had some bitter notes paying homage to a borscht — although with extra kick than what my very own Ukrainian grandmother would have fed me.
The soup is served with slices of bread excellent for dipping and mopping up the broth. Nonetheless, I wanted I would saved among the sandwich to dip within the soup in what I think about can be an ideal pairing.
The small menu additionally contains a vegan chili soup I am promised is even hotter, together with a basil pesto cheese sandwich I’ve but to attempt. There are additionally loads of easier snacks, like nachos, popcorn and chips, in case you’re not up for a meal. For the vacation season they’re additionally serving mulled wine and scorching apple cider.
There is not at present a take-out possibility, as this is not a supply kitchen and Hernandez has a variety of work to do catering to prospects in home — which is ok; in order for you takeout sandwiches, there are different choices across the neighborhood.
Uplift is actually not a typical eating institution. Within the time it has been lively, it has labored onerous to change into a neighborhood gathering place of types and a platform for native occasions. With that in thoughts, if you are going to order a sandwich at Uplift, it is higher to remain and benefit from the meals — and environment — in home.
Uplift opens at 5 p.m. on Wednesdays to Sundays. The marketed closing hour is 2 a.m. It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and could also be closed some Sundays through the winter. Comply with @upliftseoul on Instagram for extra info.
This Friday, Uplift is internet hosting the premiere of two music movies by Kontrajelly and Fairly Metropolis Lights. Each acts will even carry out stay, joined by Fats Hamster and Rob Nichols. Entry is free.
