Seoul Kitchen: Chapter 1 (Patreon)

First Impressions Always Last

As he set up shop and waited for his first customer, he knew that it’d take a while but he didn’t expect it to be this long. It was already past dawn and the waves of workers getting off their twelve hour shift had come and gone yet his shop was still devoid of customers. Yes, he had specifically made his shop nondescript but his stall was in the Cherry Blossom Market, one of the busier streets in Night City.

Business was so poor and unpopular that even the vendo shop beside his stall was far more popular despite how they just served cold, microwaved food that was restocked everyday. Just to see what all the fuss was about, he decided to buy himself the most expensive option for that day, a BLT Sandwich that had “Vegetable Paste made from 100% real vegetable”. He regretted that decision with every damn bite.

Biting through the stale sandwich, he grimaced as he forced down the last bit. The slimy texture of the synth meat, the off taste of the “lettuce paste” and “tomato paste”, along with the sad soggy bread was almost too much. He could taste some hints of lettuce alright but it appears that while it was made with real vegetables, the paste was not made entirely of vegetables. “Crafty fuckers,” He spat out, wiping his mouth from the abomination of a sandwich he just ate.

“How the hell does someone eat like this,” He asked himself as he felt his stomach gurgle not too appreciatively. “I need something to wash that down,” He told himself as he grabbed himself a glass and poured himself a glass of plain seltzer; one he made himself as no one makes them anymore.

Shaking his head, he looked around and wondered if it’s his shop. It was the eclectic bastard love child of a 50’s Diner and a Ramen Shop, a rather peculiar sight if he says so himself. With a griddle and deep fryer on one side to fry burgers and other all american staples while a proper jet stove on the other end for all the other stuff. There were empty spots he had yet to fill like the oven he’s still trying to score as well as some old appliances he could have refurbished but for the most part, his shop was complete and ready to serve.

Still, why did he put all this effort into getting all these devices? Why didn’t he just make food directly? It’s not like he needed this yet he wanted this. Food was more than just the end product after all. It’s about how it’s cooked that gives it character.

It’d also stop people from asking where the hell he’s getting all his food if he had to cook everything. It was a natural limiter, keeping him from being too suspicious with the amount of food he’s practically giving out. That and the fact that cooking was quite the rewarding experience, one he relishes everyday.

Washing his hands, he decided it’d be the best time for him to practice. Firing up the griddle and getting it piping hot, he prepared himself a proper meal this time; a smash burger. First came the ingredient, a tray from the freeze filled with prepared balls of beef and some oil to grease the pan.

Pulling out his spatula, he let the flat steel edge dance across the piping hot surface, making sure that the griddle was properly coated. Once done, he tossed in the meat balls and squeezed them against the surface. He paused momentarily to hear the satisfying sizzle and the amazing aroma of beef caramelizing as it cooked fill his lungs.

As the patties cooked, he pulled out the buns he stocked up from the shelves and sliced them in half before they went to the pan as well to let them get toasty. The vegetables were already pre chopped and the sauce was ready, all that was left now was to assemble it.

Flip goes the buns and the patties. As it was extremely thin, it wouldn’t take long for it to brown. First came the buns then the patties, then the cheese, vegetables, pickles, sauce and finally another bun, served just for him.

He took a moment to appreciate the sight before digging in, taking huge bites of the burger. The crispy and juicy meat along with the sourness of the tomatoes and the mild creamy and salty taste of american cheese was just perfect to wash, enough to get that taste of the previous meal of his tongue. So absorbed was he in enjoying his meal that he didn’t notice that he already had an audience

“Mmm~ Now that’s some good grub if I smell one,” a young woman’s voice called out, making him jump in surprise. Whirling around, he found himself face to face with the grinning face of a girl he thought he’d never meet. “Yo chef, what’s on the menu?” Rebecca asked as he gave him a wave.

With her red eyes, pale skin and green jacket, she made quite the striking sight. Seeing her grin widen, he quickly scolded himself as he averted his gaze and replied, “A little bit of everything,” Setting his food aside for now, he washed his hand clean once more, he turned around and gave him his winning smile. “Just tell me what you want and I’ll cook it for you. If you’re not happy with my food, I’ll pay you instead,” He then said as he finally gathered his wits.

He had to remind himself that Rebecca wasn’t just a pretty face, she was also a true native of this city. If he can’t impress her with his food, it’s probably best that he go back to the drawing board.

“Oh really~?” Rebecca purred out as she leaned closer, leaning on her elbows as she cupped her cheeks. “Might want to take that back cause I’m pretty hard to impress,” she warned him as  a teasing smile stretched across her face.

He was too far in his idea to back now, the reputation of Seoul Kitchen rests on his performance  here and now. “Wanna bet?” He fired back confidently.

Rebecca chuckled as she then said, “Your funeral~” Shifting on her seat and tapping on her cheeks, she hummed, “Imma make this easy for you, give me a burger, and ice cream soda and fries with some cricket tempura and we’re good. Impress me and I’ll spread the word about your place because from the looks of it…” pausing briefly to gesture at his empty shop before she continued, “Your not exactly popular.”

“Hey, it’s my first day. Give me a break here,” He replied, feeling a bit of heat on his cheeks.

Snorting, the smaller girl continued teasing him, “You’re making quite the first impression on your first day then cause people aren’t lining up. First impression matters you know and a place avoided by people? Sheesh, not a place I’d eat.”

Squaring shoulders and rolling up his sleeves, he fired back, rising to the challenge, “Well, better make this the best goddamn first impression I’ll ever give.”

“Hah! That’s the spirit” Rebecca cheered him on as he got to work.