Bottoms Up - Bubble Beans

It is almost impossible to find a bubble tea spot in Korea that is centered around it being a real cafe for locals to hang out at and enjoy a good drink. Bubble Beans is the one place that offers an indoor and outdoor seating for guests to enjoy a relaxing atmosphere for bubble tea. The best part is that they offer a take out menu that provides discount to guests, even at their already low price of less than $4 a cup. 

With free wifi and brunch on the menu, Bubble Beans also offers desserts and deliciousness that allows guests to stay all day at the cafe. It is definitely different to have bubble tea served in a refreshing cup that is styled in a way that you want a continuing refill. Bubble Beans offer a stamp coupon that allows for guests to get a free drink after a number of visits which is always popular for bubble tea.

Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight for almost 3 blocks. Bubble Beans will be on your right, right before the next intersection.

Hidden Treasures - Kung Fu Tea

Kung Fu Tea is one of my ultimate favorite bubble tea spots back in New York. You don't understand when I say I crave for this thing so for those of you who have the advantage of drinking it, DRINK UP. For the rest of you who are living in Korea, they finally opened a small branch in the Gangnam train station. It was about time that this international brand was going to make its way to Korea because of all the other popup and crazy bubble tea joints like Gong Cha, Share Tea, Cha Time, Quickly, and the rest of the bubble tea knock offs like Bubble Pong. Moral of the story is shop til' you drop in the Gangnam station on line 2 and get some bubble tea! You'll find it right next to the Gong Cha. 

The only thing is that there's a slight difference with the taste. Unlike the New York versions that I always get, there is less of a milk flavor here. Koreans just do not believe in milk. They would prefer to have more of an actual taste of the beverage. On another note, the bubbles are a tad bit smaller and chewier, just not cooked the same way. Basically what I'm saying is do not go for the traditional milk tea because it tastes nothing like the one back at home. Go for their fruit flavors and opt for their jelly drinks, you won't regret. You will also notice that it's not filled to the top, really Korea? This is definitely not the first time it's happened to me, and this is the smaller size!

Charlie Brown Cafe

Previously blogging about the themed cafes of Korea, the Hello Kitty Cafe is one popular one in Korea, but the Charlie Brown Cafe is also a worldwide chain that originated in Hong Kong. It of course, focuses on all things Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the other characters with their well-recognized cakes and desserts made of character heads. The desserts at Charlie Brown Cafe are just too pretty to eat as well. 

Like every other cafe and coffee shop, the Charlie Brown Cafe offers a handful of other menu choices as well as beverages.  Because the branches differ in the countries, the Hong Kong branch serves up actual meals which include spaghetti dishes and burgers. In Seoul, you'll find smaller sandwich options as well as breakfast options of muffins and such. Although the coffee beverages aren't decked out in character heads, they are a staple to have when in Korea. 

With all things Charlie Brown from cakes to drink containers to the store in center pieces and displays, the Charlie Brown cafe is family friendly and can be found in a few locations around Seoul. Although the signature cakes are a little pricey to order, the rest of the menu options are pretty average and comparable in price to other options in Korea.

Daily Refreshments - Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer

Kirin Ichiban Beer is known to be one of the popular Japanese refreshments in Seoul, Korea. For that very reason, a lot of people go to visit the many locations that have Kirin Ichiban Beer. One of the unique touches to this Japanese beer is the fact that it comes with a frozen foam. This frozen foam is the rave in Seoul because it helps to keep your beer cool as you consume it. It's definitely the go to for anyone who loves beer, with waits in the Sinsa Garosu-gil area for an hour. An hour just for a frozenbeer, yes. Although it is the most recognized pace to go for the frozen beer because of atmosphere and it's a popular tourist area, the Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer can be found elsewhere as well. The concept is still the same where you are poured the Kirin draft beer and topped with the frozen foam that comes from a soft-serve like machine. On average, look to pay $8 for a cup of this popular beer. It's definitely worth it to try once, but then again it can be just a hype considering you can get a larger amount of beer for the same price. 

For those of you who are looking to visit the famous Kirin Ichiban beer garden in Garosu-gil, keep in mind there is a two hour down time from 3-5PM. It is definitely recommended to go on the weekdays where lines are shorter!

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street right after  the Fossil store. 

Address: 534-5 Sinsa-dong Gangnam Gu

신사동 강남구 534-5

Phone: 02-548-8858

Restaurant Review - Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨

Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is a Korean fusion chicken spot that is dispersed across Seoul. The restaurant offers something new to chicken lovers that break from the traditional Korean norm of chicken and beer. Chir Chir Chicken not only has amazing boneless chicken, but they top it with sliced almonds, Korean rice cakes and an amazing sauce of course. There are also chunks of fried sweet potato which is a Korean staple and nonetheless, a good combo as well. This Korean fusion breaks away from using potatoes and fries, but it is still nom-alicious. 

In addition to their popular saucy boneless chickens, they also offer fried chicken that is paired with a simple salad. Basic, but over the top for someone who loves chicken, but can't splurge on the extra calories. A bed of fresh salad always does the trick! It may make you feel less guilty about the extra calories from the amazing sauce, but be careful of the dressing. Because it is so delicious, you may consume a lot more than you plan to. 

Touching on the topic of chicken and beer. Chir Chir chicken definitely offers beer with their menu options because it is the most popular thing, but they offer something that many chicken places do not and that is American alcoholic beverages. Served in pitcher sizes, their refreshing drinks makes any chicken explosive. 

Being that Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is extremely popular for those who are drinkers, there are a few locations across Seoul, including two in the Hongdae area down the alley of fun. 

Bottoms Up - Mug for Rabbit

This two floor tea and coffee shop in Hongdae has an outdoor seating that is perfect the fall weather for guests to enjoy their cup of tea and a cupcake. With cupcakes and cakes made fresh, it is a perfect match for anyone looking to relax and enjoy. The concept of the coffee shop is "go green" with recyclables in store. In coordination with the concept, they look for ways to promote energy saving techniques.

The drinks are spot on and freshly made. In addition to the drinks, the suggested to order is the carrot cake. There are also a handful of baked goodies and cupcakes that is a vanilla based cupcake topped with a cream icing. It is not as sweet as other cupcakes so it is definitely suggested for those who are looking for something on the less sweeter side, especially if you are counting calories.

Drinks and cupcakes are a bit costly compared to other coffee shops, but it is worth it to lounge out in their open area. With drinks at an average of $6.50 and cupcakes for $5, it is a must try for anyone who is in the area. There is a set menu which combines dessert and drinks for a cheaper price which is suggested for anyone who is here on a weekday. There are also two other locations in Sinsa, Gangnam for those who are a bit far from Hongdae. 

Life in Korea - Doggy Cafe

A doggy cafe is exactly how it sounds, it's a cafe full of dogs running around and playing with you. It is the perfect compliment for coffee and animal lovers. For the most part, the dogs are of all ages, all different kinds. It is a great place to go to for people like me who are in love with dogs, but cannot have one. There are a few cafes in Seoul, Sunnyne Cafe, the one I visited is located in Hongdae.

Upon entrance, the dogs will run towards you, bark and go crazy, but once you simply sit down on a seat by the door, they will stop. After that, you will be guided to a seat where you can order a drink. Drinks are a little higher priced than coffee shops because it covers the entrance fee to interact with the dogs. They usually do not exceed the price of $10 so you are still getting your money’s worth.

You can play around with the dogs for as long as you want and most of them are extremely friendly. They will jump and run towards you once you sit down. Like people, there are different kinds of dogs which include more interactive and hyper ones, calm ones, and those who don’t care to interact with others.

Most of them will climb on you, on your clothes and bags latying around, jump on the table and such. Don’t worry about them stealing your drink or knocking it over because it’s least likely to happen. They are usually well behaved and are disciplined by trainers (in a good way) when not.

Doggy cafes also allow for you to bring your own pup to interact with the many new friends that are there. Some cafes also provide grooming services and other care taking items on the menu which allows you to leave your dog to get pampered and play around once done.

It’s definitely a place to go if you are an animal lover. You can have a blast of fun playing with all kinds of dogs and you’ll be surprised at how quickly time passes.

Bottoms Up - Hello Kitty Cafe

The name says it all, Hello Kitty Cafe, a cafe that is based around the popular Hello Kitty cat that many women and girls are familiar with since their childhood. With a few Hello Kitty Cafes in Korea, this pink-decked out cafe centers around the the theme of Hello Kitty. With Hello Kitty cups, Hello Kitty shaped waffles and many other Hello Kitty decorations, it is a paradise for many girls. A bit overpriced, but it is worth it to experience the girly Hello Kitty theme at least once in your life!

With Hello Kitty shaped waffles, cheesecakes topped with fondant Hello Kitty faces, Hello Kitty drinks, Hello Kitty souvenirs, and Hello Kitty everything inside the cafe, it definitely proves a bubbly feeling to any guest. This popular Hello Kitty theme is the center of attraction for the cafe, but the drinks and baked goodies are measurable to the name.

This generation to generation popular kitty stirs up cute everything and is a great place to lounge out with a fellow female. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions for photos. It is a great experience to share with others.

Bottoms Up - Prost

A popular and semi-fancy, yet casual spot in Itaewon with outdoor seating which is perfect for this kind of weather is Prost. The name comes from the German equivalent of "cheers" and the concept is to look someone in the eye and say "prost" when clinking the glasses together. The reciprocated guest should say "prost" or he or she will be deemed bad sex for the rest of their life. An interesting concept that just makes drinking a bit more fun. 

With 14 beers on tap, there is a wide selection of drinks and a great menu of fries, pastas, and steaks. It is a great place to go and hang out for dinner before the restaurant turns into a night club. Aside from the beers, there are a handful of other drinks and shooters that average $9 a glass. The selection of wine is wide, yet it must be purchased as a bottle unless consuming house. 

It is recommend to visit Prost for drinks only because service on food can be a bit slow. Heck, waiting for drinks can even take a great amount of time, but is a great area to lounge out with friends and enjoy an afternoon drink. Just be sure to seat yourself upon arrival and flag down one of the very few waiters that are around. The best option is also to order at the bar and tell them where you're sitting. This pub and grill is located from the Itaewon stop, exit 2, directly behind the Hamilton Hotel.

Story of My Life - Hong Kong Travels

Hong Kong, one of the few places that speak Cantonese is an extremely popular tourist spot for many. Life in Hong Kong is very much like Korea with everything that is available everywhere, advanced technologies and extremely good food.

Because the city is small, you can knock out all of the tourist attractions within three days if you really wanted to, but it is nearly impossible to eat all the good eats Hong Kong has to offer. My album consists mostly of landscapes and food in Hong Kong which is all you really need to know!

To keep this blog as short as possible, the must visit place in Hong Kong: Victoria's Peak, Big Buddha via a crystal 360 cable car, Lan Kwai Fong, and of course all the shopping districts and streets.

Number one rule in Hong Kong is to haggle and bargain everywhere you go, including department stores because "discounts" will be offered. Be wise about it because certain items are already on sale for a low price so haggling is just asking for someone to give you a mean face.

One thing to be aware of is that you will get rude comments and yelled at by the locals. For one, they speak a little louder than others and two, there is little patience because of the stress of making money to buy a home which is practically impossible because of sparse amount of land. For many foreigners, this is something that is unacceptable, especially in restaurants but expect it to come unless you are dining at a five star hotel for every meal.

Now for the more entertaining and better part of the blog: