Still 'Episode 4' at NAE:UM

It was utterly splendid to have S back in town for a bit, alongside her husband H too. I've missed them both loads. I love them dearly. It was a treat to spend a looong afternoon with S to catch up properly. Then we found another date for dinner with the husbands too. To NAE:UM it was for dinner. 

It was still 'Episode 4 : Han River Sunset' at NAE:UM. No matter. I really love their food. It was the timing we needed to catch S and H. We'll do Episode 5 another time. That would be 'Episode 5: Frontyard Barbecue' beginning on 1 March. Tonight, I was happy to eat the same Episode 4 menu all over again. 

The friends chuckled with glee at the snacks that came in the cutest box and picnic scape. For all our little jaunts to Seoul, we've never bothered with a picnic by the Han River. Hahaha. We've strolled by Yeouido Hangang Park loads, and even took runs through it, but never stopped to soak it all in that way. 

The duck galbi was a fun one-bite starter for everyone. Sometimes I skip the galbi regardless of the protein because it comes in a meatball; I'm somehow not hot about meatballs. They give me goosebumps. But tonight I ate one too. 

The somyeon must be ordered. It's my all-time favorite — buckwheat, kimchi with striped jack. There's absolutely nothing to complain about a well-cooked bowl of noodles with the subtlest and most elegant flavors put together. 

Thank goodness the restaurant decided to swop out the pigeon for pork. I was going to ask them to replace it when they texted a reminder for our reservation, but they had already changed it when I saw the menu. I guess many people prefer pork over the gamey pigeon. The kitchen does it great, searing it medium, but it's a strong meat and takes some getting used to. If you like pheasant, you'll like pigeon too. Anyway, the pigeon became iberico pluma with sweet cabbage and gang doenjang. Heh.

Before we knew it, the deopbap of mushrooms, rice and shaved black truffles came along and we were done with the meal. Of course we ordered the additional dessert of kkul hotteok in the form of glutinous rice, honeycomb and fig. The ice cream was gorgeous. 

The friends loved the food too. The portions are perfect for us. We wryly admitted that none of us at this table can eat that much anymore. We could, but indigestion or something else would probably ensue and make us regret gorging. Hahaha

The poor husband had to field work calls because he had to observe a conference going on in London. He could have flown over, but. Anyway, it wasn't too difficult because the friends totally get it and were okay with him being on the laptop and such. The restaurant had no issues too because they know us and didn't have to pace his food either. LOL

I hugged S tight. Many hugs. She's here, in person. Here. Witty, sharp and lovely. I didn't let her drink that much alcohol. Just a wee bit of sake and we finished the rest for her. Tonight, we celebrated friendship, life and living, and being alive.