사물은 변화면...

On my way downtown for lunch yesterday, I happened to walk past Jay and Hera's old place and notice a light on behind the papered-over windows. I peeked through a gap and--could it be? Jay's Mom ducking into the kitchen? I tried the door and it was unlocked, so I pushed it open and stepped in. To my right I could hear a man speaking Korean into a cellphone.

But it wasn't Jay, nor Jay's father. Nevertheless, I recognised him immediately. He was the previous owner. He recognised me, too. After winding up his phone call and stepping forward to greet me, he said, "You like bibimbap, right?" Sadly, he confirmed what I've suspected ever since late August: That they skipped out on the lease and no one knows how to contact them. I was a little vague on why he and his wife are stepping in to take it over, but I told him I was happy to have a source for Korean food again in town.

And I am, but it won't be remotely the same. Gone are my special treats of mackerel and pickled young garlic, pollack roe and dansool. From now on, it'll be straight off the menu. Worst of all, it'll be a cordial relationship, I'm sure, but with none of the warmth I had with the younger couple. I can't ever see myself bringing them gifts of corn or Rumtopf or chatting about family celebrations and national politics.