I know the entire soffit isn't solid, because (as mentioned) there is a can light in the middle of it. From the little drywall I took out, it seemed like there was a row of blocks going across the length of the wall. I know there is a vent for the microwave running through the soffit on the adjacent wall, but that isn't an issue. I can get into the attic above the kitchen, but I can't get close enough to the wall to see what's going on inside the there.
I don't think opening the "front" more will help me, because it seems like these blocks run the length of the wall. I guess I will just have to open it up some more underneath.
Has anyone ever run into concrete being in a soffit like this before? btw, the house was built in 1980