I suppose I'd better open this with a disclaimer: we've been here before, mostly because I really enjoy Korean food and Dave doesn't mind joining me. Seoul is tucked away near Hardware Lane behind an unassuming shopfront, and serves up some very nice Korean at reasonable prices. Whenever I have a craving for pungent, hot and spicy, such as on this particular occasion, we end up here.
Both of us chose not to stray too far off the familiar path this time - choosing bulgogi, or Korean BBQ ($13.50 for the main size, not the lunch special). I ordered the pork version and Dave ordered the beef. Both arrived just as expected, sizzling hot on their own cast iron plates, accompanied by steamed rice and a number of different pickled condiments as is typical of Korean food.
I don't know if the dishes are supposed to be made the way we got them, but for some reason mine was a lot spicier than Dave's. Sometimes, in suburban restaurants, I get a spicier serve just because I happen to be Asian. Maybe here, the beef simply isn't as spicy. Nevertheless, both were excellent, quite strongly flavoured and just what the doctor ordered. The pickled vegetable condiments (Asian greens, beansprouts, shredded radish, and Kim Chi) were varied and served as good counterpoint to the spiciness of the bulgogi (with the exception of the Kim Chi, which was even spicier than the pork).
Service was efficient until the place got full, and then the single waiter became extremely overworked. The auto-water-refill test was not really necessary because water came in its own jug. The restrooms were upstairs and, in keeping with restaurants in old inner-city Melbourne buildings, were old but serviceable and clean.
We enjoyed our meal, but went elsewhere for dessert since the selection on the menu at Seoul wasn't very inspiring. I love Asian food but very few Asian desserts, and Dave always wants cake it seems.
Clearly I enjoy this place more than Dave, but he doesn't mind it so he humours me when I want to eat here. The probability rating shown below is halfway between our individual preferences.
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Dave's summary: "What do I look like, a summary generating machine?"
Probability that we will return: 30 / 42
Note that the probability rating is affected by the fact that there are hundreds of places to eat around here.