Met up with some friends I’ve known for 23 years
Last night I said goodbye to an old friend, which is a post for next week maybe. And then said hello to eight college buddies for our semi-regular meetup.
We met up at Korean restaurant called Jongro BBQ that I’d not been to before.
We picked the coldest night of the week to do it but it turned out for the best since most of the joint was empty.
It’s fashioned like an old time Korean village complete with signposts and a bike that we all debated if we should try to ride.
Gar: Well, let’s order first. Should we get some steak or ribs? Or maybe some steak tartare?
Me: Yes.
We also had some unaged, unfiltered rice wine that looked like soymilk and served in chilled metal bowls. Delicious.
Ox: What do you think?
Me: I like any alcohol I can get in a plastic bottle.
SJ: And with a twist-off cap!
Afterwards, we ended up playing something they called credit card roulette. We all put our credit cards into a bag and the waiter picked out four of them; the four he picked didn’t have to pay while the other four picked up the tab. I was on the losing side.
Me: Dammit!
Ox: Looks like all the lawyers have to pick up the tab.
Me: Nobody likes lawyers.
SJ: At least you’re not Cappy, he had to pick up the tab himself last time.
Afterward we caught some drinks over at a nearby bar.
Me: (to waiter) Seven Old Fashions with rye and a martini. Do you need to write it down?
SJ: (laughing) Yeah, Logan, he needs to write down, “Seven Old Fashions with rye and a martini.”
After the drinks came, we settled into more more conversations. We’d all known each other 23 some odd years, which boggles my mind.
Ox: You know, my wife and I read your blog on occasion.
Duck: Yeah, I read it too sometimes.
Me: Ah, thanks. I always wonder if anyone reads it.
Gar: Man, you have some opinions!
Me: I am nothing if not opinionated. Then again, what do I know?
I had an early morning phone conference so one of the guys and I headed over to the west side to catch the train uptown.
Jeffe: It was good seeing everyone. We should do it more often.
Me: More than every six years at least. Good seeing you man, get home safe.
Location: in front of computer screens
Mood: chilly
Music: I’m a part of your circle of friends
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8 replies on “A night out with some college buddies”
lured me in with pictures of food.
Not to go too far back in time but planning on making any more videos with rainn?
Ha, we talk about it from time to time but we’re both so busy with our real lives right now.
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So jealous of the Korean food. That restaurant looks cool! Soon I’ve gotta’ start my mandu-making marathon and weekend kimchi ferment; it’s been way too long!
Also envious of your meeting with old friends. Kinda’ rare these days w/ everyone moving around. Being an expat in an unlikely place; the idea of meeting up with old friends is, well, an idea! Every 2 years it seems I’ve gotta’ make friends all over again.
Everything is better on the other side; I still think that you’re living the (young) life. My wife was abroad for quite a while as well and I think it’s my one big regret of my youth, not spending more time elsewhere.
I love New York, but I think I missed an opportunity to be international when I had the chance. As for meeting friends, I’m sure that when you visit, you’ll have plenty of options in that department.
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