tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51516757020749901782024-03-19T12:04:22.488-07:00Seoul Restaurant ReviewsAn ever-expanding directory of Seoul's restaurants, organized by neighborhood and food type. Featuring reviews, directions, and maps.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-55748432992936412542010-09-20T19:32:00.000-07:002010-09-20T20:21:03.925-07:00Samgyetang near Gyeongbokgung Palace, 토속촌삼계탕<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvTtLx1vUiFt-tYsGpe-2QDogdkBWFlR1M3SLD2iJCAITIbqGkZ_Qhh8DqtVpLdSnKprvXeJCJEXJENudl9L5SqEZs24aZnNpsmHHX_ns7V3uWA6EZgQffMW4T6opatdrx42qzUktgOtm/s1600/P1010964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXvTtLx1vUiFt-tYsGpe-2QDogdkBWFlR1M3SLD2iJCAITIbqGkZ_Qhh8DqtVpLdSnKprvXeJCJEXJENudl9L5SqEZs24aZnNpsmHHX_ns7V3uWA6EZgQffMW4T6opatdrx42qzUktgOtm/s320/P1010964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519192153186454530" border="0" /></a><br />토속촌삼계탕 is famous in South Korea for its Samgyetang. You can see the popularity of this restaurant by the enormous line-up that forms outside during peak lunch and dinner times. If you can try to avoid these rushes, but if not possible at least the line moves fairly quickly. The best thing about Korean restaurants like this (other than the food) that focus on one main kind of dish is the speedy service. If you don't know what samgyetang is, it's a soup made with a whole chicken that has been stuffed with rice, pine nuts, chestnuts, Korean jujubes and ginseng. It's considered very healthy and to be eaten especially during Sambok, the month-long hottest period of the summer.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH0FwZ85L6UJ_kQiTKIGKr87jjN0Ax_NHCKERBXf3GSvj0lHsOb8G0-s4jsBaYjhHL8oGhJq87i-SW4Kq7cmrif6sQrNSzQ668b8D9JdJklyclI858F9txu6ZQfjg5VNsDU45Y8x_RT6D9/s1600/P1010966.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpr202CCdKSZylz5OxrpqP7USPq7QwPnQQEx3D-PaWtUvPmycLuC_o3fTwjzdummRm_itXPxgeJL8TwuBxQCtzoBsD6o8joRZGPMUVIF2_hD3XTM__ntwOU5p7GfHkBR7LSMi2Qt6PsCve/s1600/P1010969.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpr202CCdKSZylz5OxrpqP7USPq7QwPnQQEx3D-PaWtUvPmycLuC_o3fTwjzdummRm_itXPxgeJL8TwuBxQCtzoBsD6o8joRZGPMUVIF2_hD3XTM__ntwOU5p7GfHkBR7LSMi2Qt6PsCve/s320/P1010969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519190961065978050" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the menu and prices. We were able to split one soup between the two of us although if you have a large appetite you may want to get your own. The group beside us ordered the spring onion pancake with their soups and it looked delicious. The serving portion was huge and so we asked the waiter if they offered a smaller sized serving. They didn't but the Chinese tourists overheard and offered to give us each a piece which was really nice of them.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY40vESSXEw0gjJtjzsLCB74lq_81Ob_RQVB52-sWdQjvoKHP_zEiNwZLZuyzNHA1C1LwxKSByM8697XE6agsFakvFPr3RdL7AmHLltiAY9qQVz9mBUZD1TDvDakgWktKmTjhSCjSbBgWu/s1600/P1010973.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY40vESSXEw0gjJtjzsLCB74lq_81Ob_RQVB52-sWdQjvoKHP_zEiNwZLZuyzNHA1C1LwxKSByM8697XE6agsFakvFPr3RdL7AmHLltiAY9qQVz9mBUZD1TDvDakgWktKmTjhSCjSbBgWu/s320/P1010973.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519190181389055954" border="0" /></a><br />The restaurant sits inside a series of traditional hanok (Korean style houses) that are used for seating areas.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9ErXh6qkp3I6rsCoG2xZ3Aj7VPm5uZkYJawwcKdv4sBbcjXeAlG2PUvdp99-sGrKbXqBcpa9V3h3QXxgOq3-NtGVUw0geRVp6JIs0ng9WVopmGigtNmoMEmz-SYD2UtX6qwap9rL-cz2/s1600/P1010975.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge9ErXh6qkp3I6rsCoG2xZ3Aj7VPm5uZkYJawwcKdv4sBbcjXeAlG2PUvdp99-sGrKbXqBcpa9V3h3QXxgOq3-NtGVUw0geRVp6JIs0ng9WVopmGigtNmoMEmz-SYD2UtX6qwap9rL-cz2/s320/P1010975.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519189892012678594" border="0" /></a><br />This is the entrance.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRwNv7oVyuHVmoM98J7qr_bxu5-9SLNS1F3qnohQ6uONMII0OCyLal6OwPtutnQCW1XATwhvqgGEVtxB4lx_vssna5cw0CRYgs39Mdb2dvuyZ_vX7By-58fDgDxOT9fq1p_V6DsDbZCkC/s1600/P1010978.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnRwNv7oVyuHVmoM98J7qr_bxu5-9SLNS1F3qnohQ6uONMII0OCyLal6OwPtutnQCW1XATwhvqgGEVtxB4lx_vssna5cw0CRYgs39Mdb2dvuyZ_vX7By-58fDgDxOT9fq1p_V6DsDbZCkC/s320/P1010978.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519189578183443218" border="0" /></a>And look, you know it's a "good restaurant" because it's guaranteed on the front entrance!<br /><br />Directions: Leave Gyeongbokgung station exit 2. Walk straight for a few minutes and take your second left. You should see the restaurant immediately on the left hand side of the street.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-18076748713903151692010-09-11T05:49:00.000-07:002010-09-11T06:35:40.483-07:00Mercado, Brazilian Churrascaria in Apgujeong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXrzwjxQDQNU_bqVaSaO1FoIQCR31uanVHegKkNMgqGXvC_MSOM8wxI8nGVq_u5kKCvJS24lZZ4GYluonxrdvZYY56CLNiTmGfSXaWzHcYg7HOFMfkApbDQI3nGSrHU8UHkezeQmkPkYq/s1600/P1010960.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 167px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXrzwjxQDQNU_bqVaSaO1FoIQCR31uanVHegKkNMgqGXvC_MSOM8wxI8nGVq_u5kKCvJS24lZZ4GYluonxrdvZYY56CLNiTmGfSXaWzHcYg7HOFMfkApbDQI3nGSrHU8UHkezeQmkPkYq/s320/P1010960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515643029131650290" border="0" /></a><br />What's nice about this Churrascaria place is they skip the filler and go right to the quality meats. Sit back and enjoy a parade of skewers come by your table offering you the juicy hot options of rump roast, bacon-wrapped and garlic steaks. They also come by with chicken legs and hearts as well, but they don't weigh you down with the cheaper pork and sausage options.<br /><br />There's no buffet here but side dishes are kept on the table and replenished throughout your meal. Potato salad, cabbage salad, vinegary chopped onions and tomatoes, garlic rice and house hot sauce. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEFWCh9UQm55s-iQ6satyki86PbYKxjCkrMIpKeGS4CHUj5f76tOeZ4USb5irZDlhA74X8fffWBRqcCXZ8YPuokGAklYq1144-hnKHQMbGfeY8lsstIeR61VHTn60PxI9ySicrJoHU9MZ/s1600/P1010957.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 197px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEFWCh9UQm55s-iQ6satyki86PbYKxjCkrMIpKeGS4CHUj5f76tOeZ4USb5irZDlhA74X8fffWBRqcCXZ8YPuokGAklYq1144-hnKHQMbGfeY8lsstIeR61VHTn60PxI9ySicrJoHU9MZ/s320/P1010957.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515642511432849714" border="0" /></a><br />Check out how beautifully this meat is cooked! This all-you-can-eat extravaganza costs 29,000 won plus VAT.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqjXPlKkBNLiTrM6R-5I24cyznOCrT4Nh4Msoa5xHks-iQM9flYE8dya16qKUKJdnhz_ubbIy-rzqKRDZ5NGmPwrsAcsk1z71NvjlPQWUS-qjLT1msnZh4pOaLnwHRqUqV5FacOZCRXAN/s1600/P1010958.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqjXPlKkBNLiTrM6R-5I24cyznOCrT4Nh4Msoa5xHks-iQM9flYE8dya16qKUKJdnhz_ubbIy-rzqKRDZ5NGmPwrsAcsk1z71NvjlPQWUS-qjLT1msnZh4pOaLnwHRqUqV5FacOZCRXAN/s320/P1010958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5515641943704096546" border="0" /></a><br />Directions: coming soonMeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-29146831244265342542010-09-05T01:47:00.000-07:002010-09-11T05:38:29.508-07:00All-you-can-eat Sushi in 40 minutes, Gangnam Station<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQOIxPFaeoYwNrVFbptGYFZN1OxgrS5amI0-xrjf57QVl6OsP4GluFw4Fl962nPRHSFSZhm8MAO8xcPCpArIR-Mxs8k7Eyi_O7i6PUWUGklaVpGYQaOoVwWBYjfPXb2iab9-agaJbqr1W/s1600/P1010940.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQOIxPFaeoYwNrVFbptGYFZN1OxgrS5amI0-xrjf57QVl6OsP4GluFw4Fl962nPRHSFSZhm8MAO8xcPCpArIR-Mxs8k7Eyi_O7i6PUWUGklaVpGYQaOoVwWBYjfPXb2iab9-agaJbqr1W/s320/P1010940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513353057593946690" border="0" /></a><br />Check out 자연산 회 in Gangnam. It's the best place to get all you can eat sushi in Seoul. Okay, so it's possible that I have not visited any other all-you-can-eat sushi places in Seoul and have absolutely no basis for that statement but will continue to stand by it anyways. 자연산 translates to natural and 회 translates to time. The name helps to explain a little about the place because it's a timed buffet. All the sushi you can pack away in 40 minutes for 17,000 won.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmvFR2icXkAruqTBKVjufG6fNlBi9ltB2zLVBa0SzAzfgOqDHghqRDrLgvWVBgSdjqdGOOJ568iXt3F995E9qMJjXN10BORmJ9lbh-GcTdkWStD-77cj4R3bO4HKPvmhv8UtVEvDNbY8_/s1600/P1010933.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQmvFR2icXkAruqTBKVjufG6fNlBi9ltB2zLVBa0SzAzfgOqDHghqRDrLgvWVBgSdjqdGOOJ568iXt3F995E9qMJjXN10BORmJ9lbh-GcTdkWStD-77cj4R3bO4HKPvmhv8UtVEvDNbY8_/s320/P1010933.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513352063749409186" border="0" /></a><br />The best place to be seated is around the center table. You get to watch the sushi chefs at work, view all the different kinds of sushi available as they are transported around the conveyor-belt and help yourself to as much as you want. The super-sushi-chef in front of our spot was able to tell us the names of the fish we couldn't distinguish on our own. He also took requests and made sure to keep our favorites coming.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wEqmUP162MEcTF0iO1ZLuicNQHc5XV9KYRKdtNrGHSw7BEDn_VYSWgXg68PHINIb56XQiCtKF3BCz7uGhND7rrwU7eahyzXLS3roMiPtuWjIfdPGilVm-eQUKJtpyzlZkd6kze7sF26m/s1600/P1010939.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2wEqmUP162MEcTF0iO1ZLuicNQHc5XV9KYRKdtNrGHSw7BEDn_VYSWgXg68PHINIb56XQiCtKF3BCz7uGhND7rrwU7eahyzXLS3roMiPtuWjIfdPGilVm-eQUKJtpyzlZkd6kze7sF26m/s320/P1010939.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513351423071002306" border="0" /></a><br />When you're seated the waiter will drop a bill on your table with the time you started eating. There's a clock over the front counter to keep track of your time. Your area is set up with wasabi and soy sauce and the waiters bring miso soup and cold barley tea. They'll signal when your time is nearing to an end by bringing some cold cinnamon tea or fruit. If you go over time for a minute or two they won't forcefully escort you out but you may begin to feel the nudge-nudge eye a little. Once you pass 5 minutes over you'll be charged 1,000 won.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF4QdEQKJ2_tHD4QQ0bEeItYp4QZ8gIqi1_-jEGZbxVx4MQyyI7zUj3RPFESRUVsIeRy_SXovc68_Xi0DvaDWIN4glge9zQ7oa6Dh0pszuTFzEFJK_T_UE6KipXFGUA024bskHJ4tyJ-y/s1600/P1010950.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuF4QdEQKJ2_tHD4QQ0bEeItYp4QZ8gIqi1_-jEGZbxVx4MQyyI7zUj3RPFESRUVsIeRy_SXovc68_Xi0DvaDWIN4glge9zQ7oa6Dh0pszuTFzEFJK_T_UE6KipXFGUA024bskHJ4tyJ-y/s320/P1010950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513350427716513890" border="0" /></a><br />It's open for lunch and dinner, from 11:30am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm. I've only ever been for lunch or early dinners on weekends and its never been to busy to sit at the center table. I've been told it can get rather busy during the week with all the business men and women coming in for lunch.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSDX0UKkuSPyuxhXtLe_wuQk7qUIp2NZ5DMbuDSMuzQ72GSGa070uJV1hj0Rl5YLvEOjf_2NL1_b8nA_xdggSnxbLpTO-D7EJBTJ9a2xUygIGzSV_xuS0Q7NfHfNIEkknHXCYrygvUvSU/s1600/P1010953.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSDX0UKkuSPyuxhXtLe_wuQk7qUIp2NZ5DMbuDSMuzQ72GSGa070uJV1hj0Rl5YLvEOjf_2NL1_b8nA_xdggSnxbLpTO-D7EJBTJ9a2xUygIGzSV_xuS0Q7NfHfNIEkknHXCYrygvUvSU/s320/P1010953.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513349721753929874" border="0" /></a>Directions: Gangnam Station exit 8. Walk straight for 5 or so minutes and it's on your left. Look for the door above. Inside there are stairs going down into the restaurant.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-87357153404569842522010-09-04T18:04:00.000-07:002010-09-11T05:39:29.595-07:00Buccella, bakery and cafe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nx6b37eyz6tIN-gDo2YEtsf4x5H2NfaYfU1KgiUkePjVQuQG-Ttv8r9v-8jHNmU5EPYKJ22jtMgQjlq8C7_EyNlDQxz02FoRfK1IBnCJFg2YtutGZc599hdaK3BRVPGWb6C7K2sJs5da/s1600/P1010870.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nx6b37eyz6tIN-gDo2YEtsf4x5H2NfaYfU1KgiUkePjVQuQG-Ttv8r9v-8jHNmU5EPYKJ22jtMgQjlq8C7_EyNlDQxz02FoRfK1IBnCJFg2YtutGZc599hdaK3BRVPGWb6C7K2sJs5da/s320/P1010870.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513231243808154690" border="0" /></a>Visited Buccella at its Cheongdam location and enjoyed a delicious sandwich with a friend. The menu is filled with drool-enducing pastas, salads, and sandwiches, however, the usual rule of ordering different meals in an effort to taste as many dishes as possible went straight out the window, apparently the grilled salmon camembert sandwich was calling to both of us that day. The salmon was grilled and covered with a delicious camembert sauce enclosed in a soft airy ciabatta-like bread. While waiting for your meal you can help yourself to even more bread as you enjoy the beautiful interior and relaxed vibe Buccella has to offer.<br /><br />Here's the phone numbers for all locations:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y5Ng9Nl6QIG6SQLmJ58amW8XucuujH5gplc_2c9jconCoiJb3Xc86XiuTRiLK15HP-tavGDTMRv8Jy_JZd9WTmIIBWfNKe4to3aP9Q3lffMqp9t_QStGXq9uL4Y1h2cOMVr8_Am_yDFE/s1600/P1010868.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_y5Ng9Nl6QIG6SQLmJ58amW8XucuujH5gplc_2c9jconCoiJb3Xc86XiuTRiLK15HP-tavGDTMRv8Jy_JZd9WTmIIBWfNKe4to3aP9Q3lffMqp9t_QStGXq9uL4Y1h2cOMVr8_Am_yDFE/s320/P1010868.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513230927539604866" border="0" /></a>Not the best picture ever (the sandwich is much bigger than it looks here) but you can see how airy the bread is... yum. Also the menu didn't state it but you get a generous side salad.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IH1vE-3032K_5vuv-D8F_AbhYEzqejzvzb-z2r8wOeW_wdVYtNxAVehg4PrcwNGYn_YI7xZWzbpzYomhf-_AvLH7ltzIX8mZUxJ-b3IKIas35K8FMGydkzj_PZNCQf3JPBfULek8DBH_/s1600/P1010865.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IH1vE-3032K_5vuv-D8F_AbhYEzqejzvzb-z2r8wOeW_wdVYtNxAVehg4PrcwNGYn_YI7xZWzbpzYomhf-_AvLH7ltzIX8mZUxJ-b3IKIas35K8FMGydkzj_PZNCQf3JPBfULek8DBH_/s320/P1010865.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513230406094064994" border="0" /></a>Directions:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiREBaKKfydDhpUKqPrCtDLbPIqHCf6MNBIL_Lp9FGMglJIwTWFvUJ0qNQAO0QdYk7GmX6BlQrqBWB9QAv47WWPqjb_cAaLyJ0FMn4M8eHA6UDXYYAhBN8BV7CMxGRFSe_YqHa_aptt-B-A/s1600/P1010864.JPG"><br /></a>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-60623068332948522912010-08-30T23:41:00.000-07:002010-10-02T22:01:20.837-07:00산너머 남촌, Duck Restaurant near Sanbon Station<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMYP75Hc7CDp4thRlyMqlt8NX6kRexAfqFXIQ7ay2-9GZPxOupmythd4uTFXOLKgR2nkdpycx17t-fkRnCnBO0duet1pVLsHHQ_kZ7HzIHxr5krpP59w7xLzmU5jNWB0lAs_SgwkkYQke/s1600/P1010888.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlMYP75Hc7CDp4thRlyMqlt8NX6kRexAfqFXIQ7ay2-9GZPxOupmythd4uTFXOLKgR2nkdpycx17t-fkRnCnBO0duet1pVLsHHQ_kZ7HzIHxr5krpP59w7xLzmU5jNWB0lAs_SgwkkYQke/s320/P1010888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513347346922976274" border="0" /></a>The name of this restaurant translates to NamChon (name of the town) over the mountain. I visited here for a teacher's dinner. The food was delicious and the presentation beautiful. The main entree consists of roasted squash cut open to look like the petals of a flower. They place a mound of rice with pine nuts and Korean jujubes in the center and then pile a heaping mound of roasted duck meat on top. Everyone gets honey mustard for dipping. One of these platters will feed 3 or 4 people with healthy appetites (sorry couples and singles, they don't offer anything smaller). Not bad for 55,000 won plus you get a sweet squash soup to start, side dishes and sujaebi.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDIwgPtwmQu50GVWxYH_hDzigacUMVS8CaZZ-Ry1D3P2ZWeScgdCYEGOxq823caug96VdUQIvnj5FSUQg3cjvX5JtYUw00-ZX76FWBSLT895a-tuJnx9oZGUdOm0DRkm1F400rkTKNepq/s1600/P1010886.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDIwgPtwmQu50GVWxYH_hDzigacUMVS8CaZZ-Ry1D3P2ZWeScgdCYEGOxq823caug96VdUQIvnj5FSUQg3cjvX5JtYUw00-ZX76FWBSLT895a-tuJnx9oZGUdOm0DRkm1F400rkTKNepq/s320/P1010886.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513346630541399346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpsKYjJ8EqqyqTZCqP3xXYaheBQN5uPP_wSSwfsA9wJKkektKJK2IpSyxcFgCqRH8fZpBOTUMfODog7rKDWGI8-KJxV5oVGPfsifKNgPKEdp_ZfG-JYGtVvc2QdN3H19dLRUbDwBC4MtL/s1600/P1010887.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFIqXaXaZxsP23GRXa7A6rf5Yy3p2X-v8FaxeIREbWk-mdRKQOkcKTtovUPUaLFSFk4sasEnTFv-QXhSmgC6hyphenhyphenqyGgDGIjrlCE65uGnZ4L25-gJcyQ1125HZG2luzYeMJLqGTQx3PNriI/s1600/P1010890.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 208px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcFIqXaXaZxsP23GRXa7A6rf5Yy3p2X-v8FaxeIREbWk-mdRKQOkcKTtovUPUaLFSFk4sasEnTFv-QXhSmgC6hyphenhyphenqyGgDGIjrlCE65uGnZ4L25-gJcyQ1125HZG2luzYeMJLqGTQx3PNriI/s320/P1010890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513345871791388066" border="0" /></a><br />There are several more of these restaurants in the Seoul area as well. Enter the name into naver maps to find the closest location.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrb6rHkSERhNeQGTYx1vCESv-DtYI3jbwy_RKDy-AZOKtWuF26Qj0ux-QvAl_OP1HLdf_DWNW4zbadKjnqknwvuZaEWYylfzbQHzCMHN6veIEpPun4KXHDXiR3iQU474ulZcq7cwWYrLb/s1600/P1010892.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 287px; height: 382px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHrb6rHkSERhNeQGTYx1vCESv-DtYI3jbwy_RKDy-AZOKtWuF26Qj0ux-QvAl_OP1HLdf_DWNW4zbadKjnqknwvuZaEWYylfzbQHzCMHN6veIEpPun4KXHDXiR3iQU474ulZcq7cwWYrLb/s320/P1010892.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513345613434139602" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8iFlTFvEROlS6k4GmANnVCwB9ObM6ogx8BPSofLpxyMS2NkFPsEAU4w6t3CMERfq8kyObcA6SR-x_Xti3vCprU4-dIjfUJYtI00ydWcDvfMAGWKaIAFQECNsTwFawWO82-MWZhLycdGl/s1600/Korea+2010+until+October+061.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 316px; height: 237px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8iFlTFvEROlS6k4GmANnVCwB9ObM6ogx8BPSofLpxyMS2NkFPsEAU4w6t3CMERfq8kyObcA6SR-x_Xti3vCprU4-dIjfUJYtI00ydWcDvfMAGWKaIAFQECNsTwFawWO82-MWZhLycdGl/s320/Korea+2010+until+October+061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523676364896329954" border="0" /></a><br /><div> </div>Directions: From Sanbon Station leave the main entrance/exit (exit number 3). Walk all the way across the plaza and turn left when you hit the road after E-mart. Walk straight. You will pass a Lotte grocery store and continue up into a more residential area that runs along the side of the mountain. Eventually you will see the restaurant in a plaza on the right side of the road. It's about a 15 minute walk from the station or a short bus ride on the number 2 (the bus stop is outside exit 3 as well). If you take the bus get off at the stop you see in the picture above. The restaurant is behind this bus stop.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-33888587833219411152010-08-20T22:01:00.000-07:002010-09-05T20:48:55.806-07:00Crafty Burger<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikwpl0W79vyeGazrqyRSY1_t9N4tuyE1wReO6yfT4QM6snCuE7Op_baYL0Jr30mBA6-8DU_2Wkt83Z6gP1Rhp2df7PI4yAk656SRJ4Wg6pw47PYLdc5VBxhwca-Z9gXT3rMcx8mJYXbU/s1600/Crafty+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgikwpl0W79vyeGazrqyRSY1_t9N4tuyE1wReO6yfT4QM6snCuE7Op_baYL0Jr30mBA6-8DU_2Wkt83Z6gP1Rhp2df7PI4yAk656SRJ4Wg6pw47PYLdc5VBxhwca-Z9gXT3rMcx8mJYXbU/s320/Crafty+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507353595583881970" border="0" /></a>Crafty Burger's ordering area opens out onto the street. A ladder leads the way upstairs to the seating area. The kitchen (complete with giant rotating burger grill) is crammed into the tiny downstairs ordering area. Note that Crafty is also quite venerable, having been apparently established in 1894.<br /><br /><p></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">The burgers cover all the bases: juicy, fairly large, not too complicated when it comes to toppings. On the whole, a fine discovery in the Gwanghwamun area. My only complaint is that the burger patty was not as juicy as some of the better burgers in Seoul.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Here's the burger itself:<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s4g_BSdgk9J-pE_XxPDyLm9c0aj4IbGmGc1C9im-VkVz0r1GQMydf10BBa03yZ67E57i_Fqqoog_-VnbCcZavVDteBm58HoaZsaQeaMg7Dwru4wj9ABJKbncO2Rby-YK9CX6sJSFFzE/s1600/Crafty+8.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4s4g_BSdgk9J-pE_XxPDyLm9c0aj4IbGmGc1C9im-VkVz0r1GQMydf10BBa03yZ67E57i_Fqqoog_-VnbCcZavVDteBm58HoaZsaQeaMg7Dwru4wj9ABJKbncO2Rby-YK9CX6sJSFFzE/s320/Crafty+8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507353584200141010" border="0" /></a></p>And their rotating grill:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJiTXGMmlJ096Mjd2Iy8XOa8b9n2Mpe3czbzWh5hEJ5dslg9970xRTMtMW0F7TDefLDuG6DcmJex6A2WTZmom6TGftHNCYTEitG8oAoBkQLCgg9c6F2390mg6J46ot1FQDMzBkdXcK7s/s1600/Crafty+5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVJiTXGMmlJ096Mjd2Iy8XOa8b9n2Mpe3czbzWh5hEJ5dslg9970xRTMtMW0F7TDefLDuG6DcmJex6A2WTZmom6TGftHNCYTEitG8oAoBkQLCgg9c6F2390mg6J46ot1FQDMzBkdXcK7s/s320/Crafty+5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507353585321889042" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span><span> Go out Anguk Station Exit 2 and walk straight. You should eventually see Crafty Burger on the lefthand side of the street. Zoom out on the map below to see its location in relation to Gyeongbokgung Palace and other nearby subway stops:<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e3a49765125ee491&ll=37.578103,126.984873&spn=0.003401,0.00456&z=17&output=embed" frameborder="0" height="400" scrolling="no" width="425"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e3a49765125ee491&ll=37.578103,126.984873&spn=0.003401,0.00456&z=17&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Crafty Burger Location</a> in a larger map</small><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-32658522389067594492010-08-20T21:53:00.000-07:002010-08-20T02:42:15.036-07:00Copacabana, Brazilian in Itaewon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g5IM3usZc-S-wFMdnZsaRT18UnkcbIDS60STiqpdLSOFttOolsCYbBblvCBgj_wakmX_A7S_EFncctc1JnYJZy_Iq7HglGrtH-nQ3_wI-E9mH_spDZk0j-wuEJOzlCiuRyQLW9RoZXI/s1600/Copacabana+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5g5IM3usZc-S-wFMdnZsaRT18UnkcbIDS60STiqpdLSOFttOolsCYbBblvCBgj_wakmX_A7S_EFncctc1JnYJZy_Iq7HglGrtH-nQ3_wI-E9mH_spDZk0j-wuEJOzlCiuRyQLW9RoZXI/s320/Copacabana+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507416916795995346" border="0" /></a>Copacabana is an all-you-can-eat Brazilian meat restaurant. This means that waiters bring around large skewers of meat (beef, lamb, pork, sausage, chicken, etc.) to your table and cut off pieces for you to eat, until you tell them to stop. As at most Brazilian places in Seoul, there is also a salad bar/buffet.<br /><br />What sets Copacabana aside from Seoul's other Brazilian places is its salad bar/buffet. Indeed, you could probably leave satisfied if you just got the buffet. There are several hot dishes, including a stroganoff and a meat chili. In addition, there are the usual ingredients necessary to make up a half-decent salad.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0ngGSyvAtwC_IxxbcLK9UHxQ0ytOwCj5PoEISsYmN_3LlyadXnAhMlUK4wbnvV7XaCVO6NjAl6GtmsAGxmUbbLPmyO6RfY0U236hm-oE3TlYsmEIkAspPywMRtqmo9FePeefMTK1p4s/s1600/Copacabana+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0ngGSyvAtwC_IxxbcLK9UHxQ0ytOwCj5PoEISsYmN_3LlyadXnAhMlUK4wbnvV7XaCVO6NjAl6GtmsAGxmUbbLPmyO6RfY0U236hm-oE3TlYsmEIkAspPywMRtqmo9FePeefMTK1p4s/s320/Copacabana+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507416908516813586" border="0" /></a>(an example plate from the buffet)<br /></div><br />When it comes to the meat, Copacabana follows all the standard Brazilian cooking procedures. In other words, the meat is amazing! As at most Brazilian places, the price comes out to about 27,000-30,000 per person with the VAT tax included (I forget the exact figure at the moment).<br /><br />The only downsides that I noticed at my visit were (1) the caipirinha (Brazil's national cocktail) was extremely watered/iced down, only yielding a few lackluster sips for its hefty 9,000 won price tag, and (2) no air conditioning. The restaurant is already very small and cramped, but combine that with hot July temperatures and only a tiny fan to cool down the place, and it makes for a mildly uncomfortable dining experience.<br /><br />But, would I visit Copacabana again? You bet! The food was wonderful, and their buffet dishes were superb.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span>: Copacabana is on the dining street behind the Hamilton Hotel in Itaewon. Leave Itaewon Exit 1. Turn right and then turn left. It should be on the lefthand side of the street.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-33201395638914578032010-08-20T02:20:00.000-07:002010-08-20T02:28:10.281-07:00Aloi, Thai in Gwanghwamun/JongnoAloi is a Thai restaurant near Gyeongbokgung Palace (in the Gwanghwamun/Jongno area). It serves all the standard Thai dishes and is packed with nearby businessmen during lunch time. It is located in the basement of an apartment building.<br /><br />The atmosphere is clean and inviting, the staff is friendly, and the prices for entrees are pretty standard – about 10,000 -15,000 won.<br /><br />Look for this sign:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUK_i7cgf8UIxhIkKpH7-r5dR-Mea86j6evks8R-tm489TVgWD8Mi1AirEu7FTdisRoOItZOnUNKY1YGK9_XuSTtjc5-BaaDKACLyYQndJhhcCicuMNJJ5YhYxXk9JEgzRwl5fplCWjY/s1600/Aloi+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUK_i7cgf8UIxhIkKpH7-r5dR-Mea86j6evks8R-tm489TVgWD8Mi1AirEu7FTdisRoOItZOnUNKY1YGK9_XuSTtjc5-BaaDKACLyYQndJhhcCicuMNJJ5YhYxXk9JEgzRwl5fplCWjY/s320/Aloi+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507419863394911890" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions: </span><span>Go to Gyeongbokgung station and follow the map below:</span><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e3ddfbeae1663b2e&ll=37.575016,126.973629&spn=0.002976,0.00456&z=17&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e3ddfbeae1663b2e&ll=37.575016,126.973629&spn=0.002976,0.00456&z=17&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Aloi Thai Location</a> in a larger map</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-2355134616220168092010-08-19T19:27:00.000-07:002010-08-19T21:52:19.963-07:00Zelen, Bulgarian Food in Itaewon and Hannam(pictures and map coming soon)<br /><br />Zelen is awesome. The menu is so extensive it's difficult to narrow your selection down to just one dish. If you go with a large party, Mihal may accommodate you by offering a price fixed menu. For 26,000 won our party was able to sample a smorgasborg of food. Appetizers included bread as well as grilled eggplant with cheese, grilled mushrooms with cheese and salad, and grilled peppers stuffed with, you guessed it, cheese. The grilled peppers were the most popular for our group. The stuffing was delicious and they were served atop a homemade yogurt dill sauce. For the main course we received a sampling of many of their popular entrees. A platter of skewered meats and veggies, ribs, and stuffed chicken with a side of their very popular spinach stuffed chicken. Although our vegetarian friends found the menu a little meat-heavy the cooks had no problem substituting vegetarian and vegan dishes for them. We enjoy visiting Zelen for large parties; however it's also a great place to take a date. They also offer couples sets that are reasonably priced and will be certain to have you looking forward to a second date.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hannam Location: </span> Go to the main Hannam bus stop. Across the street from GS Gas and KFC, go down the street between Red Mango and Cafe Slow. Not far up the street you will see the twinkling lights in Zelen on your right.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Itaewon Location:</span> Leave Itaewon station exit 1. Take your first right and then your first left. At the end of the street turn right and go up the stairs. Zelen is at the top of the stairs on the right.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-6861441025971327452010-08-19T19:17:00.000-07:002010-08-28T17:52:18.128-07:00Marrakech Nights, Moroccan Food in Itaewon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM6v39_LGGy79NM0IAaw4QzsPWidMiZCueOcuVTKutDbLozdj1cLTJEbbNwVLRmbs0LlbkrznjdGSUoeXBUAolLmf5GTeCMQ8QikdrAhuXWBc-dmicLnayCnripsYllXKUmG81sOE4CUq/s1600/P1010786.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFM6v39_LGGy79NM0IAaw4QzsPWidMiZCueOcuVTKutDbLozdj1cLTJEbbNwVLRmbs0LlbkrznjdGSUoeXBUAolLmf5GTeCMQ8QikdrAhuXWBc-dmicLnayCnripsYllXKUmG81sOE4CUq/s320/P1010786.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510625967686273746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPnQi0oJuPuQ_Esvy7wfnkQYKaJMqnbrMqHDcgpQ0tR1tr3TjpgPS-QzGexpK_GKhyphenhyphenY6b4CRblyuy5-Q0ruPWThw65fYD8-KUuB0QxqxRhjkKoZkmDlrXhfEkXyL-GaejzqBA6A68GSa7/s1600/P1010782.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijPnQi0oJuPuQ_Esvy7wfnkQYKaJMqnbrMqHDcgpQ0tR1tr3TjpgPS-QzGexpK_GKhyphenhyphenY6b4CRblyuy5-Q0ruPWThw65fYD8-KUuB0QxqxRhjkKoZkmDlrXhfEkXyL-GaejzqBA6A68GSa7/s320/P1010782.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510625663921187074" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This is one of my (Meg's) favorite restaurants in Seoul. We often go on weekends because they put out a great buffet for just 18,000 won. Our group consists of a mish-mash of vegans and carnivores and Marrakech manages to appeal to everyone. There are plenty of meats (lamb, chicken), vegetables and dips (hummus, baba ganoush, zaluk, and teruka) to choose from. The staff are really friendly. Hookahs are available. There's a big screen TV on one side of the wall to catch a game or enjoy some music videos over dinner. While your there take a minute to look at the mixture of family photos and traditional paintings that cover the walls. Not only will your stomach be thanking you for the food but you'll also notice a warm-fuzzy feeling for supporting this family establishment. <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TVYP6nDka47QwGWw0cFuo02-JOv2nOHIA4vOqXf9D1sTanENspIKgUvrmLlbF8Jc5NEtIDz7Xco0AMl_fGRXXRn01OTaL_iDivLyf5xnvkvyXRKTj_9yimrsbSoYd3NFNl9rho4KFnB3/s1600/P1010784.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TVYP6nDka47QwGWw0cFuo02-JOv2nOHIA4vOqXf9D1sTanENspIKgUvrmLlbF8Jc5NEtIDz7Xco0AMl_fGRXXRn01OTaL_iDivLyf5xnvkvyXRKTj_9yimrsbSoYd3NFNl9rho4KFnB3/s320/P1010784.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510625414828359010" border="0" /></a><br />(map coming soon)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span> Leave Itaewon station exit 3 and walk straight down the street for 10 minutes. Look for the sign; it's on the second floor.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-18411382221637537732010-08-19T14:01:00.000-07:002010-08-19T22:01:33.567-07:00Fugetsu, Japanese in Hongdae(Directions and map at bottom of post)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH-zY3Kqc0GfcdZq2OZSFCOlrqDXdiMjpP817HNWRU2XAz9meQbmtFU-wje2c1RzGAtpsjgyXzDCNWuEVnFbtXVJPSjXL1Dfqf7Z3ph6EblSqTs8oh_2gzr0_CXHiFIkjYLJ1obg_B7wm/s1600/Fugetsu2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAH-zY3Kqc0GfcdZq2OZSFCOlrqDXdiMjpP817HNWRU2XAz9meQbmtFU-wje2c1RzGAtpsjgyXzDCNWuEVnFbtXVJPSjXL1Dfqf7Z3ph6EblSqTs8oh_2gzr0_CXHiFIkjYLJ1obg_B7wm/s320/Fugetsu2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504118212053948338" border="0" /></a><br />Fugetsu is a popular Japanese restaurant in Hongdae. One of the main dishes served here is okonomiyaki. Okonomi means "what you like" and yaki means "grilled." Each table is equipped with its own grill. If you are new to Japanese cuisine (as we are) this would be a good place to start because your server cooks your food for you. I would not know where to begin to cook my own okonomiyaki.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ige4Dpd66pYnfpc8BC5xv2oJ2YdWcJUVmVG5mS6E3iFIHtevkYekwy5YlN_YS-0b3E-T4SN_FyG7D0t7f0kycTZQcgbllMivinLu40URnZTNKGd2GDWikG3d6gP2V6wDJsoXFjnDH-Fq/s1600/Fugetsu5.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ige4Dpd66pYnfpc8BC5xv2oJ2YdWcJUVmVG5mS6E3iFIHtevkYekwy5YlN_YS-0b3E-T4SN_FyG7D0t7f0kycTZQcgbllMivinLu40URnZTNKGd2GDWikG3d6gP2V6wDJsoXFjnDH-Fq/s320/Fugetsu5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504117885275603458" border="0" /></a>The menu has many options to choose from. We ordered a beef modanyaki (okonomiyaki with noodles). The server mixed cabbage with egg and plopped it on the grill with some beef in the middle. After some time he added a layer of noodles and Katsuobushi (dried, fermented and smoked skipjack tuna). The paper-thin pink-brown shavings look alive as the heat causes them to wave and dance on top of the other ingredients. When the beef is cooked through the server flips the savory pancake and spreads a layer of mayo and okonomiyaki sauce on top. I never expected Japanese food to include mayonaise but the end result was quite delicious. It blended well with the sweet teriyaki/worcestershire-like okonomiyaki sauce.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7EeEmKVbBYhMFa-u54jgLVmNPvDRkCvzwSKfmwLeuGMi1b30Akq1D4VFFxPJnuFfxKsGeRgtDqOyyLmYj2NlEjp_bUGpARlNzzMT_ccYnekixwUuol_C9k8xJbX6mTiKxzjdWt9-LT88/s1600/Fugetsu3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7EeEmKVbBYhMFa-u54jgLVmNPvDRkCvzwSKfmwLeuGMi1b30Akq1D4VFFxPJnuFfxKsGeRgtDqOyyLmYj2NlEjp_bUGpARlNzzMT_ccYnekixwUuol_C9k8xJbX6mTiKxzjdWt9-LT88/s320/Fugetsu3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504117543960524770" border="0" /></a>In the picture below you can see that we also ordered a seafood soba noodle stirfry. It was a nice accompaniment to the other dish because it was a little plainer and not sauce heavy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpwMtL9JcE8guRJ_QtaluSH82F-7UIlw_jG3DuTC3J4f75lM0T3LmYoj9ESKR06m0dkpciEB9pXaciJQtOf5E-_vKq8KjTupyUiK0cuwBXiarcqDNlv_ETnDNq_JJpAx2DBaWsD7D2RgG/s1600/Fugetsu4.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwpwMtL9JcE8guRJ_QtaluSH82F-7UIlw_jG3DuTC3J4f75lM0T3LmYoj9ESKR06m0dkpciEB9pXaciJQtOf5E-_vKq8KjTupyUiK0cuwBXiarcqDNlv_ETnDNq_JJpAx2DBaWsD7D2RgG/s320/Fugetsu4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504061243077970802" border="0" /></a>They did not have an English menu available to us so it's best to know some Korean, although the menu does have a lot of pictures to help you out if your knowledge of Korean is low.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWFlL-sOerwCWTvV_niV2wgaDB_ZFAk4fuOnTGvvnAWMnL1fi5VPNGb6awuk6bWUvCBAGzbI88o0YyLofB81geFAJZ8BtLS1CId7-9yGHjEMLTd894HroZWhoagg-tYWNBXdJ9flri-cd/s1600/Fugetsu6.jpg"><br /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span> Walk out Hongik University Station Exit 5. Take your first left (not the intersection with the KFC immediately when you come out, but the next left) and then your second right. I've seen some maps of Hongdae call this the "street you want to walk." You will have to walk for about 15 minutes passing many colorful shops and restaurants. Look for this building with a pig sign on the second floor:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWFlL-sOerwCWTvV_niV2wgaDB_ZFAk4fuOnTGvvnAWMnL1fi5VPNGb6awuk6bWUvCBAGzbI88o0YyLofB81geFAJZ8BtLS1CId7-9yGHjEMLTd894HroZWhoagg-tYWNBXdJ9flri-cd/s1600/Fugetsu6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKWFlL-sOerwCWTvV_niV2wgaDB_ZFAk4fuOnTGvvnAWMnL1fi5VPNGb6awuk6bWUvCBAGzbI88o0YyLofB81geFAJZ8BtLS1CId7-9yGHjEMLTd894HroZWhoagg-tYWNBXdJ9flri-cd/s320/Fugetsu6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504060618504218082" border="0" /></a>It's across the street from a parking area. I tried to get a clear picture of the sign with the big pig but it's still a little difficult to make out. Here's a map to help you out:<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e3731617a0fb300e&ll=37.553322,126.92256&spn=0.011908,0.018239&z=15&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e3731617a0fb300e&ll=37.553322,126.92256&spn=0.011908,0.018239&z=15&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Fugetsu</a> in a larger map</small>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-87253676036520030292010-08-19T13:52:00.000-07:002010-08-19T22:15:35.744-07:00Diner Pub, Apgujeong(Directions at bottom of post)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXfjPcE790sxipi5p56vSUeflsdJfJaMjDmylMms4YZRsWcb1q4xAgiydSBJLTFDLzsIn0Jd7hP-y4CdegqQ4scctn6W08LGa4FEzKgZdtMcdKJiItXUDhEqOWPEPzScynykPRwhV0UR8/s1600/Restaurants2+029.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 340px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqXfjPcE790sxipi5p56vSUeflsdJfJaMjDmylMms4YZRsWcb1q4xAgiydSBJLTFDLzsIn0Jd7hP-y4CdegqQ4scctn6W08LGa4FEzKgZdtMcdKJiItXUDhEqOWPEPzScynykPRwhV0UR8/s320/Restaurants2+029.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496298761224857570" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><br /><br /><br />Diner Pub has a good little thing going. Dishing out a good selection of beers, and some really high quality bar food, including 6,000 won burgers. Indeed, as the name suggests, Diner Pub walks the line between restaurant and bar, landing, in my opinion, more on the side of restaurant. (I guess this is the Seoul equivalent of the new breed of establishments: the “gastropub.”) </span></span><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The atmosphere is jolly. Located right in the heart of the Apgujeong restaurant area, the place is packed with wealthy young Koreans, without that much of a foreign crowd. (This is Apgujeong, after all, not Itaewon.) As a result, the menu is a bit more experimental, since it isn't tied down by the restraint of catering to expats craving an exact replica of the food from home.</span></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">There are fried strands of spaghetti on the table to nibble on (see picture below). The burger is not exactly a standard burger. Rather, the texture is more than of cream-chipped beef on toast. Imagine a toasted cheese sandwich, with a sizeable amount of especially juicy ground beef and rich, darkly colored lettuce added to it. On the whole, I would describe this burger as smooth, like a “melt.” </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And objectively delicious. </span></span> </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">For quality atmosphere, fine beers, and extremely high quality bar food, you can't miss at Diner Pub. </span></span> </p><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhtzoS03rN1wsdHtpD9q9KZSWSCESLH6d9ejgcXiwgSfEghyLYi6fX93sI-M-X6gvlH6RKacrnyA3HKMpgpTunXQqJE2BaRHxIjKfkhLI8YCjNFTlwRK93xKqM6i0RGHuCXbOmN9pZGb0/s1600/Restaurants2+025.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhtzoS03rN1wsdHtpD9q9KZSWSCESLH6d9ejgcXiwgSfEghyLYi6fX93sI-M-X6gvlH6RKacrnyA3HKMpgpTunXQqJE2BaRHxIjKfkhLI8YCjNFTlwRK93xKqM6i0RGHuCXbOmN9pZGb0/s320/Restaurants2+025.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496299994666010706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3-7vVs20Qb-zxiLRrepYQnBIwWWGanvVjjvPKJuc9PcOXDwdHIG4W-eYd7rwXuJk_IJaHqH3vxEGE27fcbei2VfL1xBJ3352apVNGCWxfquDq8TdYXZ7MIG-hCnWBFKQMbnpRdtAYQWU/s1600/Restaurants2+021.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP3-7vVs20Qb-zxiLRrepYQnBIwWWGanvVjjvPKJuc9PcOXDwdHIG4W-eYd7rwXuJk_IJaHqH3vxEGE27fcbei2VfL1xBJ3352apVNGCWxfquDq8TdYXZ7MIG-hCnWBFKQMbnpRdtAYQWU/s320/Restaurants2+021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496300631724314178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Directions</span>: Go out Sinsa Station Exit 8 and walk straight. Turn at the third left. This is the main Garosu-gil street (shown in yellow and running north-south on the map below). At the first opportunity, head left to cross over one block, to the next street that runs parallel to Garosu-gil. Walk up this parallel street and Diner Pub will be on your left. See the map below:<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2d3988efe75829e&ll=37.518857,127.021265&spn=0.005744,0.00457&z=17&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="675" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2d3988efe75829e&ll=37.518857,127.021265&spn=0.005744,0.00457&z=17&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Diner Pub</a> in a larger map</small>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-16593273506736598062010-08-19T01:49:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:49:19.523-07:00Le Vert: Burgers, Sandwiches, Salads, Pizza in Haebangchon/Itaewon<img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 221px; height: 166px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcBSAZq23LGK0e1Z2fjU-OJmMTEh-iOQ8K6sUkgSkXEdsk771_i0wSPPdg-nCmFl_r-HsUMH7iN4jkVfOYOU8nHew6Nq_sHfsbTLaEcp0ohgveozDuQ6ZJ6Jc7yOLPx3qpJyGGkn5rxoI/s320/La+Vert+01.jpeg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507046888903924354" border="0" />Le Vert is a quaint, open-air restaurant with a vaguely French feel to it. The menu has burgers, sandwiches, beers, etc. It is on Haebangchon-gil (up the street from Itaewon; see bottom of post for directions), nestled among other Haebangchon foreigner bastions such as Phillies, Indigo, and Pita Time. <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I got a burger, and Meg got a turkey sandwich. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">First, the burger: The burger prices aren't too bad for Korea: there's a standard cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and onion for 8,000 won (includes fries). You can get the same burger and fries with a load more toppings on the burger (including a fried egg and bacon) for 10,000 won. I chose the deluxe version. One of the draws is that the burger comes on a ciabatta-like bun. The main downfall is that the patty is on the small side, and very well-done. It's a little lump buried amongst a sea of toppings. The moisture in the burger did not come from the juice dripping off the meat as it does in a primo burger, but only from the array of toppings and sauces that surround the meat. However, the fries were large , the portion of fries was generous, and they came with a delicious garlic mayonnaise. On the whole, a B+ burger and fries. </p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Js5ytutEbslTAYo3OitqJnh7xVw4DF0okcQXneRU8Ntda8gMP9QjcIiqVIXN-mR9HPjd5tXuJe7rmSmM0x92b7vdCSorT41XfKaBE_U0lsAVbPd3yB5FP2w0UsMRhrD60_PEBS5m_mQ/s1600/La+Vert+2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0Js5ytutEbslTAYo3OitqJnh7xVw4DF0okcQXneRU8Ntda8gMP9QjcIiqVIXN-mR9HPjd5tXuJe7rmSmM0x92b7vdCSorT41XfKaBE_U0lsAVbPd3yB5FP2w0UsMRhrD60_PEBS5m_mQ/s320/La+Vert+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507046896196621554" border="0" /></a></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">Now, the turkey sandwich. Here, there was some real disappointment. When you visit a place like Le Vert that has several classic American sandwiches on its menu (all in the 10,000 to 12,000 won range), you expect a turkey sandwich to have a large stack of sliced up deli meat (see Suji's and the All-American Diner down the street from Le Vert). This sandwich literally had at most two slices of turkey. It was on ciabatta bread, which was nice, but on the whole, a rather anemic turkey sandwich.<br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKgRvE7N9cdl5wBsjgb2zATwSsw3k7udVwsotDviIdRUwPWf6ECibEhVGnYR-Yq08y1ZOOCTV2Xw8sesvXKsGVQYLnklzBnVLF0N_T_LFSbEK0R05GlCvMEgKaslFn98jq1dhdKnb520/s1600/La+Vert+3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwKgRvE7N9cdl5wBsjgb2zATwSsw3k7udVwsotDviIdRUwPWf6ECibEhVGnYR-Yq08y1ZOOCTV2Xw8sesvXKsGVQYLnklzBnVLF0N_T_LFSbEK0R05GlCvMEgKaslFn98jq1dhdKnb520/s320/La+Vert+3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507046901935682306" border="0" /></a></p> <p style="margin-bottom: 0in;">I would say that Le Vert is a place to hang if you're more interested in a cafe-type atmosphere than in actual food. As far as the Itaewon/Haebangchon area is concerned, there are many better places nearby. Keep in mind, though, you'll have a decent meal if you go to Le Vert, but compared to the surrounding establishments, it's unfortunately a B+ restaurant.</p><br /><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span>:Go out Noksapyeong Station Exit 2 and walk straight down the street. When you get to a large collection of kimchi pots, veer onto the street where the pots are and walk up. (Use the interactive google map below.) You'll pass Pita Time, and La Vert will be across the street from the bar Phillies.<br /></p><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e29efa363abf58f4&ll=37.53801,126.990366&spn=0.007997,0.009141&z=16&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="470" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e29efa363abf58f4&ll=37.53801,126.990366&spn=0.007997,0.009141&z=16&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">La Vert Directions</a> in a larger map</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-8485524955297999012010-08-11T00:33:00.000-07:002010-10-02T22:33:48.452-07:00Flying Pan, Brunch in Itaewon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v0SscDtG_KL4NxrRAqw3kU5VL-GNuSEx5MauNP_J6kwbBIwCnzxkzErN0YhMmOLwRWRI9t2_6W8uWD7yMg5qcBtEjaVKk1ckjwiAgRUdR8HgvtcmbJPfFc_buhLnl-bYQFoLjJ1d7OzG/s1600/Korea+2010+until+October+065.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3v0SscDtG_KL4NxrRAqw3kU5VL-GNuSEx5MauNP_J6kwbBIwCnzxkzErN0YhMmOLwRWRI9t2_6W8uWD7yMg5qcBtEjaVKk1ckjwiAgRUdR8HgvtcmbJPfFc_buhLnl-bYQFoLjJ1d7OzG/s320/Korea+2010+until+October+065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523685072595695442" border="0" /></a><br />Flying Pan is a very popular place to go for breakfast, brunch, lunch... anytime really. The menu has so many delicious things I want to try them all and have succeeded at sampling almost half of their dishes by now. Above you will see a picture of the chicken salad sandwich with avocado. Definitely a favorite of mine. Also, I would especially recommend the salads. They are all made piled high with mescaline greens, fresh ingredients and home-made dressings. In the picture below you can see we ordered the grilled banana and ricotta french toast and eggs benedict ham. When making the french toast they use real brioche bread and maple syrup which is what makes it the best french toast I've tried in Korea.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUsQzTZkmkxHuaS2tJdnpRG82-eQtqGGCCr3oyMoTFcr9ybUSZh3QLc9DwZlUyeJur8VLSrIUUJV5NxN4QJqomgrrAsUIkk90QoZLJrb_jpKOujC9Z6ndApCJjE6EXIMZkWEf0HGVHccq/s1600/Flying+Pan+Blue.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 351px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUsQzTZkmkxHuaS2tJdnpRG82-eQtqGGCCr3oyMoTFcr9ybUSZh3QLc9DwZlUyeJur8VLSrIUUJV5NxN4QJqomgrrAsUIkk90QoZLJrb_jpKOujC9Z6ndApCJjE6EXIMZkWEf0HGVHccq/s320/Flying+Pan+Blue.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507746704860895458" border="0" /></a><br />The poached eggs, bread, ham and potato salad were delicious but for some reason we didn't get real hollandaise sauce with the eggs benedict (just a large pat of butter on top), so that was a bit disappointing. A quick informal survey of my friends produces the result that a trip to the Flying Pan excites the women more than the men. One reason could be because it's definitely fancier than a greasy American or English style breakfast, but that's what I find so appealing. The prices are not astronomical but slightly high at about 10,000 to 16,000 won per plate.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOxs7f23UzKaFoMQuZCK3ZwhQRNRIg2q4-UMBQz3UJ3E0x5nxW7FWnjx1M-tbCZQ-1JTEecGtHlNuFR5jLGo6wcjq0AkKaBQ0-_cO58FUuHBp_kSk29H3ZgUVqLy_cOqU4V43beegONPA/s1600/P1010707.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 271px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOxs7f23UzKaFoMQuZCK3ZwhQRNRIg2q4-UMBQz3UJ3E0x5nxW7FWnjx1M-tbCZQ-1JTEecGtHlNuFR5jLGo6wcjq0AkKaBQ0-_cO58FUuHBp_kSk29H3ZgUVqLy_cOqU4V43beegONPA/s320/P1010707.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504052395436471442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span> To get to the location above, leave Itaewon station exit two and turn left at the first side street. After turning, you should see it almost immediately on your right side. There are three locations in total. A second in Itaewon and one in Apugjeong.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH83N7ZRHcipQtcsg49PToJHnoVGO-_avJnA7GxCuZ-EsGnzz5etD94Wm04plyIhnMF4zuBwtT-MgxHuaA25VUZiAbUIFaSsksmk8lbNr1kbBhSqIZanexSJdhK-YXglHzyo9qi-5SYx4/s1600/Korea+2010+until+October+064.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 197px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH83N7ZRHcipQtcsg49PToJHnoVGO-_avJnA7GxCuZ-EsGnzz5etD94Wm04plyIhnMF4zuBwtT-MgxHuaA25VUZiAbUIFaSsksmk8lbNr1kbBhSqIZanexSJdhK-YXglHzyo9qi-5SYx4/s320/Korea+2010+until+October+064.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523683884395650370" border="0" /></a><br />Above is the grilled vegetable sandwich with salad.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKivU2ZEwAG3RtK2edHkfuVMoyFkoMwcvbkfi_7Wgm_TY6cTLpYZArpnEf1CwhmJk1l6kkuzTghKP0Pvjm61sSeJbLrrRgMPcsMSX0TKQJPOU66UNmj5gaTMaTL95q6i8WTY5r0r6T6qD/s1600/Korea+2010+until+October+063.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 272px; height: 202px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWKivU2ZEwAG3RtK2edHkfuVMoyFkoMwcvbkfi_7Wgm_TY6cTLpYZArpnEf1CwhmJk1l6kkuzTghKP0Pvjm61sSeJbLrrRgMPcsMSX0TKQJPOU66UNmj5gaTMaTL95q6i8WTY5r0r6T6qD/s320/Korea+2010+until+October+063.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523682977906765250" border="0" /></a><br />This is called "Aladin's bowl." Flying pan has been introducing some spicy middle eastern flavours to some of their dishes. This one is a slightly spicy sauce with chickpeas, onions and sausage with a pouched egg on top, served with turkish bread (has a sourdough flavour).Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-72322046527028400702010-08-10T23:45:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:13:31.441-07:00La Bocca, Italian Sandwiches in Itaewon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyCc90T8oeWQQUiZvIBWQecJzSToV76_o2YQUustJJ3vTXmJuLqLIdND8o4oBGdf11w4BlvA9SC8L4ZIRY7hQCzQwBQFKq_9FRkV9XoIp7v68CN3mfx8HxzdVvRxsiHqnnld6O9xblWQt/s1600/P1010716.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyCc90T8oeWQQUiZvIBWQecJzSToV76_o2YQUustJJ3vTXmJuLqLIdND8o4oBGdf11w4BlvA9SC8L4ZIRY7hQCzQwBQFKq_9FRkV9XoIp7v68CN3mfx8HxzdVvRxsiHqnnld6O9xblWQt/s320/P1010716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504050801689835906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJQL-rSl8CdjhYTT4Mza_Myhjg-cCb0IrQ-VWMhBKHXIafCr57MuTMHbj0X5ohCWweF4_7KfmHh1UXKXeE2QBAvM6f50GfttDg9UIyNM4sC1j8KmbzThpRGGW_h9djtwi8l9tNXNEahu0/s1600/P1010718.JPG"><br /></a>My stomach loves me today because we went to La Bocca for lunch. We ordered the Veneto Panini and Insalata di Patate. The panini was filled with pork tenderloin, spinach, provolone cheese and grilled mushrooms. What made this sandwich so delicious was the bread. It tasted like authentic Italian bread, really chewy and thick, and drenched in olive oil on the interior of the sandwich.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w9LQAkOsQqMoSrYYv7fygq14EDhoHkNAl0oxZugRBdOE0xOJRdmDyjCOKwxdpWDp0enc4sCv7st0IFqTfJYwKfkSowPgAlort7kAl2Cg94b8J_cYIIVDgl4MeFLYmR_iE-OCI9DxbMIn/s1600/P1010715.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w9LQAkOsQqMoSrYYv7fygq14EDhoHkNAl0oxZugRBdOE0xOJRdmDyjCOKwxdpWDp0enc4sCv7st0IFqTfJYwKfkSowPgAlort7kAl2Cg94b8J_cYIIVDgl4MeFLYmR_iE-OCI9DxbMIn/s320/P1010715.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504043462854657858" border="0" /></a>A literal translation for the name of the salad I ordered would be simply "potato salad." For me, the thought of potato salad conjures up images of potatoes swimming in a pool of mayonnaise. This was definitely not like that. This salad was made with baby potatoes, arugula, thyme, and home-made beef bresaola in gorgonzola dressing, drizzled with olive oil and lemon. Being a hater of bottled dressings, this dressing made from real gorgonzola was really to die for. And it's amazing to realize how much one can miss bread made with olive oil. It's the best bread I've had since being in Korea. Beef bresaola is aged salted air-dried beef. Basically fancy jerky.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJQL-rSl8CdjhYTT4Mza_Myhjg-cCb0IrQ-VWMhBKHXIafCr57MuTMHbj0X5ohCWweF4_7KfmHh1UXKXeE2QBAvM6f50GfttDg9UIyNM4sC1j8KmbzThpRGGW_h9djtwi8l9tNXNEahu0/s1600/P1010718.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeJQL-rSl8CdjhYTT4Mza_Myhjg-cCb0IrQ-VWMhBKHXIafCr57MuTMHbj0X5ohCWweF4_7KfmHh1UXKXeE2QBAvM6f50GfttDg9UIyNM4sC1j8KmbzThpRGGW_h9djtwi8l9tNXNEahu0/s320/P1010718.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504041172768431938" border="0" /></a>La Bocca also has pastas and meat on the menu as well as an extensive wine list and a very enticing dessert counter full of Italian delicacies you'll find it difficult to say no to. The cheapest sandwich on the menu is the chicken Caesar for 11,000 won. The sandwiches are high-quality but expensive.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span> Leave Itaewon station exit 2 and walk for about 5 minutes. It's on your left on the main road.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-37012612094128940762010-08-07T20:59:00.001-07:002010-08-19T19:37:09.380-07:00Burger B, HongdaeBurger B is recommended 100%. They make good, solid burgers. Moreover, they cook their burgers to order (medium, well-done, etc.) They bun is toasted well; there is lettuce tomato, and onions. Overall, a fine burger. In my opinion, one of the best in Seoul. See picture:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoT1shzRmxPgqx7ps6cih7g1A2O_zSyq7_xsaeSthyn28RVbOGYMGZ2IGaflsOUDgKcrIOTBhCY3h-ojFhgBwqFeiQ1zMq7pi2RLzGhG5YKlyfuNLXx-pSkfh07CwX0MLhVc86yQgTpA/s1600/BurgerBCloseup.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoT1shzRmxPgqx7ps6cih7g1A2O_zSyq7_xsaeSthyn28RVbOGYMGZ2IGaflsOUDgKcrIOTBhCY3h-ojFhgBwqFeiQ1zMq7pi2RLzGhG5YKlyfuNLXx-pSkfh07CwX0MLhVc86yQgTpA/s400/BurgerBCloseup.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502884016959930978" border="0" /></a>The interior of Burger B is homey. The staff is pleasant and agreeable. There are also quesadillas on the menu, and perhaps a few other things besides burgers. (Unfortunately, I don't remember the full menu, since I only had eyes for their burger.)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFEHJhfouwK4B3E415QtRZxOTX7ezUegV9zC8RpmdF1g4wGvtq0Jglq70px3jFjn0pFBDWK9YJ_aqlGkG8ZNjMfhmFzS4QVNeF6yBDbDkcInS1RuVKIjwibM20q76u9U2Kq9qB3gFias/s1600/BurgerB.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDFEHJhfouwK4B3E415QtRZxOTX7ezUegV9zC8RpmdF1g4wGvtq0Jglq70px3jFjn0pFBDWK9YJ_aqlGkG8ZNjMfhmFzS4QVNeF6yBDbDkcInS1RuVKIjwibM20q76u9U2Kq9qB3gFias/s400/BurgerB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502884023258640450" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions</span>:<br />Go out Hongik University Station Exit 5 and walk straight for a short ways. Turn to the left at the first intersection (not the intersection with a KFC that you'll be at immediately after leaving the subway, though). After you've turned, walk straight for a while until you hit Hongik University itself (it will be right after passing a Lotteria). Then turn right and walk for a while. Burger B will be on this street, on the right side. Use the map below to help you (you can zoom in and out, and move the map selection):<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2a6260e6c3d9f3b&ll=37.554002,126.924748&spn=0.005954,0.00912&z=16&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2a6260e6c3d9f3b&ll=37.554002,126.924748&spn=0.005954,0.00912&z=16&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Burger B</a> in a larger map</small><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwoT1shzRmxPgqx7ps6cih7g1A2O_zSyq7_xsaeSthyn28RVbOGYMGZ2IGaflsOUDgKcrIOTBhCY3h-ojFhgBwqFeiQ1zMq7pi2RLzGhG5YKlyfuNLXx-pSkfh07CwX0MLhVc86yQgTpA/s1600/BurgerBCloseup.jpg"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-29363145488405675462010-08-07T20:24:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:13:48.028-07:00Tartine, Pie Shop and Bakery in Itaewon<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPgZ30cT7hBbJzdgd1QV8gUPUDOzCNQjHqE8v7VCJzaEdTdFfcAJLBG_Nvw7IPjV2LRFFTftIlHwzTdyK8lrGT-KTMr6gh18e35ZsJiroDA7IZY4H-6QCAkzFDly-HsxiJIvOSIwAUAs/s1600/P1010700.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiPgZ30cT7hBbJzdgd1QV8gUPUDOzCNQjHqE8v7VCJzaEdTdFfcAJLBG_Nvw7IPjV2LRFFTftIlHwzTdyK8lrGT-KTMr6gh18e35ZsJiroDA7IZY4H-6QCAkzFDly-HsxiJIvOSIwAUAs/s320/P1010700.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503170542881878434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8_x3Ic_74xkgcJpYV2yC7_mEYNlvFwccEfvKo5YxVHRlXaOxGeECtLE0SXO_siSagwI3UDCg-1NgPtdcNa-ln0gsVG-7uOe5lS0fPtgWcByvyGuSuG1VH_Y2gTRniLndDOdcp6O-RgU/s1600/P1010699.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8_x3Ic_74xkgcJpYV2yC7_mEYNlvFwccEfvKo5YxVHRlXaOxGeECtLE0SXO_siSagwI3UDCg-1NgPtdcNa-ln0gsVG-7uOe5lS0fPtgWcByvyGuSuG1VH_Y2gTRniLndDOdcp6O-RgU/s320/P1010699.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5503170131783095282" border="0" /></a><br />Normally, we don't do reviews for cafes/bakeries, since they're not really restaurants. But I'll make an exception for Tartine in Itaewon. It is one of the few places you can buy an actual pie in Korea. Mmm, pie. They have individual pies available with a variety of fillings at 6,600 won each. A little pricey but... hey, sometimes you just want a nice banana cream pie (or strawberry rhubarb, blueberry, apple, chocolate cream pie... etc.). Large pies must be ordered in advance. There are also really good boules of Romanian peasant bread for 4,000, which, if you want, they'll put through a slicing machine for you. Meg likes the 5 grain/3 seed one. The bakery also sells cookies (2,200-2,400 won) and other bakery delights (cheesecakes, nanaimo bars, bread pudding). Limited seating is available.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:<br /></span>It takes just a few minutes to walk to Tartine from Itaewon station. Leave exit 1. Turn at the second alley on your right. It's just a few shops down on your right after you turn so if you don't see it that means you've gone too far or not far enough on the main road. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-28401732864746503232010-08-07T03:36:00.000-07:002010-09-05T20:49:33.989-07:00Shim's Tapas, Hongdae(Directions at bottom of post.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqUu1uD5XJ6o8VW6bX_n-SoOjZbANX-vKdE6XFmDVLjjRaM1Q5LflUffCtKtd1FQrHjE-h1T5L4G0i6PkV7LPmhrQ6wHwBXlBrmZULq8Wz-4vYyiWw2nHPPhTKSDks4CW8-OjF0b6Ve4/s1600/Shims+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqUu1uD5XJ6o8VW6bX_n-SoOjZbANX-vKdE6XFmDVLjjRaM1Q5LflUffCtKtd1FQrHjE-h1T5L4G0i6PkV7LPmhrQ6wHwBXlBrmZULq8Wz-4vYyiWw2nHPPhTKSDks4CW8-OjF0b6Ve4/s320/Shims+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507078290610191442" border="0" /></a>Trendy? Yes. Hip? Yes. Indie Hongdae atmosphere all over the place? Yes. If you're looking for a cool little joint in Hongdae to kick back with a few friends, enjoy some wine and munch on some tapas, then Shim's is the place to be.<br /><br />Seoul has a serious lack of tapas restaurants, so Shim's stands out like a shining star. Vongo and Between are two other notable Seoul tapas restaurant, but both of these places tend to focus on appearing upscale and impressive, whereas Shim's is more laid back and indie.<br /><br />One highlight of Shim's is the bloody mary oyster shot for only 1,500 won (seasonal, though unfortunately, I'm not sure what season is oyster season). There are a variety of other tapas on the menu. To give a few examples, when Meg and I went, we ordered the salmon with "mojo" sauce, spicy chicken with lemon & garlice, and empanadas. (Note: Although the "empanadas" were tasty, they weren't so much empanadas as filling inside puff pastries.) Other items on the menu include: spanish meatballs in onion sauce, pork fillet in caper sauce, as well as small pizzas.<br /><br />My only real criticism is that, as a tapas restaurant, Shim's has a license to be creative. Diners at a tapas restaurant select several small plates to sample. Some may hit the mark, and some may fall a bit short. But since each portion is small, any mistakes can be quickly forgotten; a diner is not stuck with one entree for the entire meal. I would really like to see Shim's exercise the freedom of being a tapas restaurant in a large city, and attempt to create bold new culinary combinations for its diners to enjoy.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zcUD-KjVYiSqHYfaaRkji9zJMj_OIAf6xUaidp2J6ki-P8unLTKvb6_Jvg_akYllcjzYeiIBK_PG-ZpA65l591Mu-G_itYEuFTrloyOakuHS_GZoK0XSgPlFSI7Rt5ZVUB4sviueS3U/s1600/Shims+salmon.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5zcUD-KjVYiSqHYfaaRkji9zJMj_OIAf6xUaidp2J6ki-P8unLTKvb6_Jvg_akYllcjzYeiIBK_PG-ZpA65l591Mu-G_itYEuFTrloyOakuHS_GZoK0XSgPlFSI7Rt5ZVUB4sviueS3U/s320/Shims+salmon.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507078285994339218" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ituQ-KFhQqRd0chzk76MvWCD5-McWmYjdoJ3ibcdUjYTVCj9YPWtMAwFvScnb4havaq_FePoNIMAAs-MYYSMMO-VCDemjBY1x390dear98azUwa2bHxKqbX2pWvw8yJi1AsKEeAvynk/s1600/ShimsTapas+Chicken.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ituQ-KFhQqRd0chzk76MvWCD5-McWmYjdoJ3ibcdUjYTVCj9YPWtMAwFvScnb4havaq_FePoNIMAAs-MYYSMMO-VCDemjBY1x390dear98azUwa2bHxKqbX2pWvw8yJi1AsKEeAvynk/s320/ShimsTapas+Chicken.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507078298622699842" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions: </span><span>Go out Hongik University Station Exit 4 and turn right. Walk straight until the street stops at a three way intersection (There should be a Family Mart at this intersection). Turn left at this three-way intersection and walk straight. Turn right at the next street. Then turn left at the next street. Shim's Tapas should be on the righthand side of the street. See the map below:<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2b6497c4bf07fe8&ll=37.555975,126.925199&spn=0.002977,0.00456&z=17&output=embed" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" width="425"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2b6497c4bf07fe8&ll=37.555975,126.925199&spn=0.002977,0.00456&z=17&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Shim's Tapas </a> in a larger map</small><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-61293040368825762272010-08-07T03:03:00.000-07:002010-08-19T05:05:27.112-07:00Quo Lai, Chinese in Samcheong-dong(Directions at bottom of post.)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXpw8KxaLYfWkgZygvwsgr8C5H57LEzd1y0QEhZTeLxB1pAGaEGWRtGh-kbYxEz53UFZheezbhvMJgN7FEuph2HotW7pLHDC7B6tKq-w5XrDz7GbJCDuXwIPzm1SHpBRwcObmNBVsVv8/s1600/Quo+Lai+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 183px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidXpw8KxaLYfWkgZygvwsgr8C5H57LEzd1y0QEhZTeLxB1pAGaEGWRtGh-kbYxEz53UFZheezbhvMJgN7FEuph2HotW7pLHDC7B6tKq-w5XrDz7GbJCDuXwIPzm1SHpBRwcObmNBVsVv8/s320/Quo+Lai+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507088819625564498" border="0" /></a>Quo Lai is fancy Chinese in a small, cozy restaurant with an upscale, trendy-looking atmosphere, but it's not ridiculously expensive. You can get a really good set menu for 30,000 won per person at dinner time, which features 7 dishes. Meg & I both got that (you can only do it in groups of two people, since the dishes are meant to be shared).<br /><br />The dishes in the 30,000 set are:<br /><br />1. Chewy seafood in a deep brown gravy-like broth. Very savory.<br /><br />2. Seafood noodles with a strange, meringue-like sauce. This dish is interesting, and an excellent complement to the richness of the first dish. Meg was suspicious of the meringue-type sauce, but I thought it was delicious. I think it was egg-based, but I could be way off.<br /><br />3. Deep-fried shrimp with a sauce that's somewhere between honey mustard for sweetness and hollandaise sauce for texture.<br /><br />4. Crispy pork with hot peppers piled on top. Mmm, crispy pork. Enough said.<br /><br />5. Beef & green peppers and onions. A lot of peppers and onions, not that much beef, but still tasty.<br /><br />6. Chinese flour buns. You know the stuff: really thick, chewy perfectly white, buns.<br /><br />7. Choice of either jjajangmyeon (noodles with the black bean sauce) or seafood kalguksu (noodles in a mildly spicy clear broth with some seafood thrown in). I'm a jjajang fan, so I'd always recommend the jjajang. It may just be fifty pounds of msg, but something about that black bean sauce just sets off all the deliciousness alarms inside my brain.<br /><br />Overall, a good meal. Increasingly fancier sets are available for increasingly fancier prices. A good choice to really satisfy a Chinese craving, though of course, there are cheaper ways to do that. Summary, the here food here is pricey but top-notch. Also a good place to take a date, assuming that the individual likes Korean-style Chinese food.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions: </span><br />These directions are lengthy. See the interactive map below to clear up confusion. Go out Anguk Station Exit 1 and walk straight. Eventually you will get to walls of Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is absolutely massive, you'll know it when you see it. (see the map below.) Turn right and head up the street that goes alongside the palace wall. Keep going until you see a restaurant called The Restaurant. (It should be at the third substantial intersection since you started walking alongside the palace.) When you see The Restaurant, turn right and walk up the street. Just keep going and you will get to Quo Lai after a while; it should be on the left side of the street. On the way up this street, you should pass many nice-looking restaurants and art galleries. If you want to take a cab or need to ask any Korean speakers how to get to Quo Lai, the Hangeul is 쿠얼라이.<br /><iframe width="425" height="350" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2beba4093cf4335&ll=37.580229,126.981783&spn=0.011904,0.018239&z=15&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2beba4093cf4335&ll=37.580229,126.981783&spn=0.011904,0.018239&z=15&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Quo Lai </a> in a larger map</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-20971860320100801182010-07-21T04:40:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:49:43.671-07:00Cafe 1812, Sandwich "Art Cafe" in Hyehwa(Directions at bottom of post.)<br /><br />1812 is a so-called "art cafe." This means that when you walk inside, you are greeted by tables full of books featuring art prints. And you are also greeted by an upscale interior and a waitress who is almost too polite. If you're rocking some beat-up jeans and an old sweatshirt, you might feel a little out of place, but yeah, they'll still serve you.<br /><br />Anyway, the food is all right. Basically sandwiches for about 7,000 or 8,000 won. Lunch sets are offered at about 10,000 to 12,000 won which is a good deal, seeing as how you get the sandwich plus the soup or salad plus a coffee for an extra 1,000 won which if you were ordering it on its own would be closer to 4,000 won.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3BUiS-lIX-pnvvvcJ7K2msTMsUCn7wu4JHvjzZ4xldCimdw6kC3G2TN_XJ9HSQUgtz4fOAWes1LGNOBISGNfTr3JoagpQhI33vGauB819vsvqtW8zeViR7AYJQ4Rpj9fd1raHnjxPMC7/s1600/Cafe+1812+3+.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3BUiS-lIX-pnvvvcJ7K2msTMsUCn7wu4JHvjzZ4xldCimdw6kC3G2TN_XJ9HSQUgtz4fOAWes1LGNOBISGNfTr3JoagpQhI33vGauB819vsvqtW8zeViR7AYJQ4Rpj9fd1raHnjxPMC7/s320/Cafe+1812+3+.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496323880506304018" border="0" /></a></div><br />I got the crab sandwich, which came on regular ol' white bread with a bit of crab salad tucked in between. I enjoyed it, but in reality, it actually wasn't that many rungs higher on the sandwich ladder than one of the pre-prepared sandwiches from a GS25 or Family Mart. Meg got the salmon sandwich on a bagel, which unfortunately had only the tiniest sliver of salmon. They paired the salmon with swiss which was a little out of the box since most cafes pair salmon with cream cheese.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVtkQBz4IlVZKhdlX6-QPp5XAogY3ty0f7Vk1qj1tGweeizACOnZE5Ql4uf2uiLTXjwtbKCA9SZZJSFaGDkci_EDRQfnSp0cRIjm6G3diOY66dd6WciIKgDiF73O-zc_eHPqVBtR1y_c/s1600/Cafe+1812+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisVtkQBz4IlVZKhdlX6-QPp5XAogY3ty0f7Vk1qj1tGweeizACOnZE5Ql4uf2uiLTXjwtbKCA9SZZJSFaGDkci_EDRQfnSp0cRIjm6G3diOY66dd6WciIKgDiF73O-zc_eHPqVBtR1y_c/s400/Cafe+1812+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502883103152888578" border="0" /></a></div>The most enjoyable part of the meal was the soup I got along with my sandwich as part of a lunch set. It was a strange, creamy blackish-gray soup that had a gruelish texture and a flavor which I couldn't identify. Meg suggested - and I believe her completely - that it was black sesame soup. So I got to try a whole new flavor of soup at 1812 that I never knew existed, which is always a plus.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DbURYQc57jIvbCGQd5xXDTnB8fbXvC0Erbp2opnwm2yPOG38FPjgDasmHCFDQn1H6WRYf2Tg2O0wWAleFONcQrarG9Zaky4Td0uo4ziTmuxJrOkXbh-YB6ocys8E-b3rt3n3zcuERmU/s1600/Cafe+1812.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DbURYQc57jIvbCGQd5xXDTnB8fbXvC0Erbp2opnwm2yPOG38FPjgDasmHCFDQn1H6WRYf2Tg2O0wWAleFONcQrarG9Zaky4Td0uo4ziTmuxJrOkXbh-YB6ocys8E-b3rt3n3zcuERmU/s400/Cafe+1812.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502883236835428114" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions:</span> Go out Hyehwa Station Exit 2. Follow the map below:<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUDCv10e7kK5zpzU74-6mEu8DoT1Mt_1G4Oqfe5axxwpdKW0ZBlE50VLi0FLBuuJqQItgohyphenhyphenKvoOinjTOe5tSd6M0R12GKAVOAI-HkxaF_9KKCrCGB2fHvfMII5vUBMNa8L-iVycb1OjCJ/s1600/Cafe+1812.jpg"><br /></a> </div><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2c2b56507562c6d&ll=37.58295,127.00279&spn=0.001488,0.00228&z=18&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2c2b56507562c6d&ll=37.58295,127.00279&spn=0.001488,0.00228&z=18&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">1812 Sandwich Cafe</a> in a larger map</small>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-66475689385416256112010-07-21T04:26:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:55:24.833-07:00Sala Thai<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8SksDS886f3SOMWW-pA5oEHez0X5gB5mF53fQgLpK6Bd_tYTXg2q7S3ilqH6tRCRTwFxuGvoJwjLXIQ0-0EX1IPhtXmup82aDjSL5kk-auRLFBc0ROA7tH_ic2XJjm99W8jQOpraZVJp/s1600/Sala+Thai.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG8SksDS886f3SOMWW-pA5oEHez0X5gB5mF53fQgLpK6Bd_tYTXg2q7S3ilqH6tRCRTwFxuGvoJwjLXIQ0-0EX1IPhtXmup82aDjSL5kk-auRLFBc0ROA7tH_ic2XJjm99W8jQOpraZVJp/s320/Sala+Thai.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496319943358009138" border="0" /></a><br />Sala Thai has several locations in South Korea. We frequent the Jeongja, Bundang establishment. The green curry with chicken calls to me longingly every time I eat there, but this time I forced myself to try one of the many other options. I added chicken to this dish of thick noodles, vegetables, basil and spicy thai sauce and it did not disappoint. It was full of chicken and vegetables and just spicy enough. Also on the plus side, there were enough green curries ordered by the table that I was able to negotiate a taste trade to satisfy my green curry craving. The spring rolls and Thai iced tea are also popular among our crowd, although I don't have a picture here. The Thai iced tea is a milky black tea but tastes much better than it sounds. The food is reasonably priced. Most dishes fall between 9,000 and 13,000 won. The restaurant has a really nice atmosphere and is a good place to come and enjoy some delicious food with friends or a date.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGTcnskE8_pz1z-fPE2bNwGCF38mVgIQWAj-OPR77kKhgh3UhJDpbfzdCEKp6bd_Ey3xw71q6yJzY_0GDtC3G2I0MZA27ckVkpMntZ_Gof4icwqx7PePVr77yN4iOBpzRJnacAX2uKVr0/s1600/Sala+Thai+2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 301px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvGTcnskE8_pz1z-fPE2bNwGCF38mVgIQWAj-OPR77kKhgh3UhJDpbfzdCEKp6bd_Ey3xw71q6yJzY_0GDtC3G2I0MZA27ckVkpMntZ_Gof4icwqx7PePVr77yN4iOBpzRJnacAX2uKVr0/s320/Sala+Thai+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5496320446137655186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Map of Sala Thai Locations</span> (Bundang, Jamsil, Bucheon)<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2c54e4216d94a94&ll=37.497742,126.908569&spn=0.381338,0.583649&z=10&output=embed" width="425" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2c54e4216d94a94&ll=37.497742,126.908569&spn=0.381338,0.583649&z=10&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Sala Thai</a> in a larger map</small><br /><span><u>Sala Thai Jamsil</u></span><br /><br />Go out Exit 7 at Jamsil Station and go into the Lotte Castle Gold. The Sala Thai is on the second floor.<br /><br /><span><u>Sala Thai Jeongja (Bundang)</u></span><br /><br />Go out Jeongja Station Exit 4 and walk north along the main road, so that you are walking parallel to the river and the river is on your right. Keep walking until you get to the 폴라리스 Building. Sala Thai is on the third floor. (see the map)<br /><br /><span><u>Sala Thai Bucheon</u></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />On the eighth floor of the Hyundae Department Store. The closest subway stop looks to be Songnae. You can navigate the map above to find directions.Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-55133282706579371032010-07-21T02:44:00.000-07:002010-08-19T06:56:55.295-07:00Spain Club, Apgujeong<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXounHoO8GHgZ_5U7rQzIowToG6MYm_cak-EIvyXDeikLqNdi-SAm4_4JTmkYahQg8O1pkyIrRBc99oLhAHD6jI0x73KK-O4w15kVQ5fnS-2Roz0zOPo5gcg3YI4nL64snl8HW0wyHm9k/s1600/Spain+Club+1.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXounHoO8GHgZ_5U7rQzIowToG6MYm_cak-EIvyXDeikLqNdi-SAm4_4JTmkYahQg8O1pkyIrRBc99oLhAHD6jI0x73KK-O4w15kVQ5fnS-2Roz0zOPo5gcg3YI4nL64snl8HW0wyHm9k/s400/Spain+Club+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502894886224970098" border="0" /></a>I really enjoyed dinner at Spain Club. We ordered an appetizer of mushrooms stuffed with jamón (ham) in a sizzling hot pot of oil, followed by the paella for an entree. As usual the food looked so good when it came to the table that we forget to take a picture before we started dishing it out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGJPaz9Ek9FP3cPS7vacAotegMOj9X_A3l47_v2f73gL_AGphJhBfdCYj9pN7U-lOj7_YCyGRnkve2YAX1mMffcxqpSou4junItr3YrtJncLYxcOiA7NFxYe5wJbEOxi4Si3CcCmV8lA/s1600/Spain+Club+2.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnGJPaz9Ek9FP3cPS7vacAotegMOj9X_A3l47_v2f73gL_AGphJhBfdCYj9pN7U-lOj7_YCyGRnkve2YAX1mMffcxqpSou4junItr3YrtJncLYxcOiA7NFxYe5wJbEOxi4Si3CcCmV8lA/s400/Spain+Club+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502894897993842978" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakzAR9lLeWE4fJY-ZPxaJUvTenYucg_sqzLpzP75mAa-ViL5LZl8VgsZZRPS15EBR4aRs6yDSkrk-XKnVNRLRxBZR-fK4WopHYwGqOwsNrYFrDf9P3X6ETz9YguX8Qlqxmac4HAT8fGY/s1600/Spain+Club+3.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhakzAR9lLeWE4fJY-ZPxaJUvTenYucg_sqzLpzP75mAa-ViL5LZl8VgsZZRPS15EBR4aRs6yDSkrk-XKnVNRLRxBZR-fK4WopHYwGqOwsNrYFrDf9P3X6ETz9YguX8Qlqxmac4HAT8fGY/s400/Spain+Club+3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5502894920291013122" border="0" /></a>We were expecting the paella to be a giant dish for two people, but it was a bit smaller than we expected. However, we ended up scraping every last bit of toasted rice that had formed on the bottom of the pan (the signature of a good paella). We each had a glass of house red which complimented the meal nicely. The bill totaled $60 which I think is not bad for a romantic dinner for two.<br /><br />If you're looking to get a really authentic taste of Spain, Spain Club also offers its own jamón ibérico (meat sliced off of a huge hamhock that has been cured in a traditional way). However, it's a bit on the expensive side, at 28,000 won for a plate. There are also some really good looking cheese plates.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Directions: </span>Go out Sinsa Station Exit 8 and walk straight. Turn at the third left. This is the main Garosu-gil street (shown in yellow and running north-south on the map below). At the first opportunity, head left and cross over one block, to the next street that runs parallel to Garosu-gil. Walk up this parallel street and Diner Pub will be on your left. See the map below:<br /><iframe width="425" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2d7b45a12bc4155&ll=37.519002,127.021362&spn=0.005957,0.00457&z=17&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048e2d7b45a12bc4155&ll=37.519002,127.021362&spn=0.005957,0.00457&z=17&source=embed" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left">Spain Club</a> in a larger map</small><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfrUlq9nnJ_KRGemSZy5dAF0x9frBNqTeO506zzpUrgDMPpWJrAwUwgFEVBXktIEYOP5mYJ5KuKGG1XjJhcIOFtQN0LLuWc7BwqXeUz1zsFuD8LRU5mb243ypBOId8y-5l9OVEbZ6pzk3/s1600/Restaurants2+013.jpg"><br /></a>Meghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11604313186446869574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-78045841747881766832010-07-21T00:57:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:45:47.352-07:00Ganja: Indian Food in the Seoul Finance Center, Gwanghwamun/Jongno, near City Hall<div>When I first went to Ganja (<a href="http://www.ganga.co.kr/">website</a>), I went to the location on floor B2 of the Seoul Finance Center in Jongno, near Gwanghwamun Square and close to City Hall. However, I did not realize that there were actually 9 locations (including one in Busan and one in Daegu). This review is from the Seoul Finance Center location, though I hope it applies to other locations as well:<br /><br />Ganja is good. I like Indian food, and really, it would be hard to objectively rank all the Indian restaurants I've been to in Seoul, just because a lot of them are so similar in quality and in food offerings.<br /><br />But Ganja is good. Their curries were extra smooth, extra creamy, and extra savory, brimming with just the right amount of meat. While perusing the internet before writing this review, I saw that the new ZAGAT Seoul guide called Ganja's curried "addictive," and I would have to agree. Especially good was the chicken makhni, an orange curry, which I would have licked out of the bowl if it would have been socially acceptable.<br /><br />The naan was the perfect texture, not with a significant number of burnt spots like some places pieces, and tasting soft and buttery. The samosas and chicken appetizers were bursting with flavor.<br /><br />In short, everything was exactly how a good Indian meal should be.<br /><br />The atmosphere was very blue (though according to the Ganja website, the other Ganjas have different looks.) The only downside really was the prices, which were a bit expensive. Compared to Yeti's 3-person set for 45,000 won, Ganja's least expensive set is 35,000 per person during dinner. A curry by itself will run about 15,000-20,000 won. Nevertheless, I would highly recommend it, though I can easily understand if you want to do more budget-friendly Indian.<br /><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Directions:</strong><br />Ganja has seven locations in Seoul. You can use <a href="http://www.ganga.co.kr/">website</a> to get directions, but the maps are rather vague in my opinion. Take a look at the interactive map below showing all the locations:<br /><br />(map coming soon)<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><strong></strong>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-62871187746659526982010-07-20T01:05:00.000-07:002010-09-05T20:47:04.533-07:00Dos Tacos: Mexican in Gangnam, Hongdae, and Bundang, and Several Other LocationsDos Tacos is taking over Seoul. There are currently eight locations (as of July 2010; but by the time you read this, there may be more).<br /><br />Dos Tacos offers high-quality Mexican in a small, trendy setting. (And there's actually cilantro, if you're into that kind of thing). It's not weak, Koreanized Mexican. Nor is it the anemic burritos of Pancho's. It's both reasonably authentic and objectively delicious. Die-hard Mexican purists will probably tell you to hit up Taco Rico instead, where the food is cooked an an actual Mexican person. But hey, let's not kid ourselves; Dos Tacos is really good. The portions are a bit small, though, so I normally end up ordering several things and spending more than I'd like there.<br /><br /><u>Note for vegetarians/vegans</u>: there are vegetable, fried vegetable, and potato burritos on the menu. For vegans, though, you will have to request no cheese, sour cream, etc.<br /><br />Take a look at their website (<a href="http://www.dostacos.co.kr/">http://www.dostacos.co.kr/</a>) for their menu and for their eight locations:<br />1. Gangnam Station<br />2. Apgujeong Station<br />3. Seoul Station<br />4. Seohyeon Station (Bundang)<br />5. Ichon Station (on the Jungang Line; the really light blue line)<br />6. Seorae (near the French Village and the Express Bus Terminal Stop on Lines 3/7<br />7. Seoul National University<br /><br />Here's a google map showing all the Dos Tacos locations to help you out (the website's own maps are rather vague at times). You can zoom in/out or move around at will:<br /><strong>Dos Tacos Locations</strong><br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048bdc2e4e92e39893e&ll=37.487935,127.034225&spn=0.190694,0.291824&z=11&output=embed" frameborder="0" height="350" scrolling="no" width="425"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048bdc2e4e92e39893e&ll=37.487935,127.034225&spn=0.190694,0.291824&z=11&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Dos Tacos Locations</a> in a larger map</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5151675702074990178.post-48252416960416241492010-07-20T00:34:00.000-07:002010-08-19T19:32:46.629-07:00Brasilia: Seohyeon's (Bundang's) Brazilian Meat Restaurant (Churrascaria)Brasilia is a bit of a hike away from Seohyeon station, but it is worth it. <strong>See the map below for directions.</strong><br /><br />An endless supply of meat on skewers brought to your table by waiters: beef, chicken, pork, lamb, steak, sausage... An excellent salad bar, including several great hot dishes and a vast array of sushi. Ice cream for desert. Brasilia is a Brazilian restaurant that has it all. (for roughly 30,000 won a person including the VAT tax) Here's the breakdown:<br /><br /><strong>Salad Bar:</strong> Some Brazilian restaurant salad bars disappoint. Brasilia's salad bar is not one of them. It is the full spread. Feijoada, shrimp-fried rice with egg, a sweet and sour dish, usually another hot dish, an excellent crab soup, many different kinds of sushi, lettuce and all the normal salad fixings. Of course, don't fill up on the salad bar, because then you won't get your money's worth of:<br /><br /><strong>Meat:</strong> A vast array of tender meat. My favorite is the beef and the steak, especially when they bring out a skewer that's very rare. But of course, there's all kinds here: chicken, pork, sausage, lamb. It's an endless supply. Book a solid couple hours here with a group of people and you can eat, talk, jest, and be merry until you're all burstingly full. Ahh.......<br /><br /><strong>Desert:</strong> Then, just when you can't take any more meat, partake of the delicious cooked pineapple. The waiters will bring out pineapple cooked on a skewer just like the meat, often coated with some cinnamon. And then go back to the salad bar to get some ice cream (not soft-serve.)<br /><br />All in all, a great place to go when you're in the mood for a big, gut-busting meal.<br /><br /><strong>Directions:</strong> (Note: about a 15-minute walk from the station) Go out Seohyeon Station in Bundang, Exit 5. Walk out the doors of AK Plaza and keep walking straight until you get to the street. Cross the street and keep walking. When you get to the next street, cross to the far side, but stay on the same street. Turn right and walk. You will have to walk for a while (see map). When the street forks into a left and right street, stay on the right fork. Just keep walking. Eventually, you will see Brasilia in a shopping area off to the right of the street (It is hidden a bit from the road, but if you're looking out for it, you'll see it.) Make sure to check the interactive map below so you don't get lost.<br /><iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048be0425a41186b797&ll=37.384753,127.127051&spn=0.01023,0.019312&z=15&output=embed" width="450" frameborder="0" height="300" scrolling="no"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115661108245293072183.00048be0425a41186b797&ll=37.384753,127.127051&spn=0.01023,0.019312&z=15&source=embed" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: left;">Brazilia Location (Seohyeon, Bundang)</a> in a larger map</small>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0