Hidden Treasures - Cofioca 커피오카

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a total bubble tea fanatic. I have been exploring all of Seoul for the best of the best bubble teas and I have found the spot for the best smoothie versions. Cofioca 커피오카 in Apgujeong offers blended drinks and one of my ultimate favorite is the combination of coffee and milk tea. Yes, coffee and milk tea the traditional way of half half, Ying Yerng, Ying Yang, the one go to! They of course, offer a handful of other blends and it is an extremely small shop that is whipping up a lot of amazing blends and flavors. For just $5 a cup which is not too expensive compared to other places that offer smoothie drinks, Cofioca is the one place that is a go to for sure.

With two Cofioca locations, one in Myeondong and one in Apgujeong, the one that is a must visit is the one in Apgujeong for the chance to bump into a celebrity. Yes, the area in Seoul is the fancy rich area that all of the upper class likes to hang around. For this very reason, there are a handful of celebrities that work in the area and need their bubble tea intake as well. You'll find the walls of the small Cofioca shop filled with posters and paper writings of celebrities who have all visited the branch. For the Apgujeong location, take exit 6 of the Apgujeong Rodeo station on yellow Bundang line. Go straight until you pass H&M and see a coffee shop on the next corner. Take a left at the coffee shop and take a right on the second block in. Cofioca will be on your left.

Address To Apgujeong branch: 659-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong Seoul

서울특별시 강남구 신사동 659-9

Telephone number: 02-515-3032

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Hans Cafe and Patisserie

Being that I am always running around from cafe to cafe, trying out all the desserts Seoul has to offer, expectations for those in the fancy shmancy area of Apgujeong are high. Unfortunately, I cannot praise Hans Cafe and Patisserie for much other than their drinks and chocolate muffin. That's quite the bummer with such a wide selection of desserts that are extremely appealing in appearance.

Maybe it is because I have the sweet tooth that I do, I expect a lot out of their desserts. The tarts and "cake in a cup" concept are extremely captivating which makes you want to eat everything. Unfortunately, they are not sweet enough for my taste buds and do not hit the spot. The most appealing factor of the chocolate tart was the fresh scrapes of chocolate on top and the "cake in a cup" is literally all crème. There's not much to rave about there.

Unexpectedly, the chocolate muffin was the best of all desserts maybe because I didnt' expect much from a chocolate muffin, but they were able to make that perfectly fine. In fact, it probably had a little bit more of a chocolate taste in a muffin than expected. If you’re looking to visit Hans Café and Patisserie, be ready to spend roughly $15 for a drink and a dessert. My suggestion is to definitely go for a drink only. Then again, you can practically find the drinks at another spot for cheaper. The one recommendation to order is their tea which is actually served in a small tea pot, giving you more for your money’s worth.

The environment at Hans Café and Patisserie is recommended for a date setting. It has sort of an elegant touch which fits the Apgujeong area. It is a place to enjoy a nice and relaxing chat with bright lights and open windows that allow for you to look out to the side streets of Apgu.

There are a few other locations in town, but this is the Apgujeong branch's information:

Phone:  02-515-4677

Address: Gangnam Gu, Sinsa Dong 570

강남구 신사동 570 (압구정 직영본점, 1F)

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - La Pomme

La Pomme, a dessert and furniture cafe is captivating just for the name. Because it is labeled as a furniture cafe, there are random pieces of furniture that range in price from hundreds to thousands of dollars. La Pomme was recently opened as a second branch of the Be Sweet On dessert cafe in Hongdae. Serving up practically the same dessert options that are oh so mouth watering, it is the best addition to the Garosu-gil shopping area in Sinsa.

Currently with a menu that caters to only dessert, it is more than enough to bring us in.  As mentioned before in the Mille-Feuille Chocolat Au Lait is amazing, although pricey, but worth the splurge. All desserts are pretty much worth the splurge, but if going with a group, go for the Green Tea Patbingsoo set which is easier on the wallet and offers a wide variety.

Served with an overload of shaved ice (patbingsoo), the set is paired with a green tea roll that is full of flavor. In addition to this, La Pomme includes a small pitcher of fresh green tea, mochi balls and extra green tea flavoring for the dessert. Honestly, the shaved ice tower is amazing to look at, but if you are not a fan of green tea and red bean shaved ice, do not order this. Even though it is paired with an amazing green tea roll, you are better off splurging on their other amazing desserts, trust me!

La Pomme is an interesting place, full of fun furniture that provides a great environment of bright lights and attractive colors. It is the place to go to with a group of friends and even on a date setting. With a semi-open kitchen that allows for you to see your dessert come together, it is definitely worth making a splurge on the goodies.

The owners of La Pomme is starting to branch from just the dessert option by providing a small selection of baked goods which includes sandwiches and actual small eats. Opened earlier in the day, they are hoping to bring in a larger crowd with more choices and filling options for shoppers of the Garso-gil area. Be sure to be on the look out for that!

Foreigners and tourist tips: There's someone that speaks English!


Address: 534-8 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

서울시 강남구 신사동 534-8
Directions: Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Take a left and a right at the following block to walk parallel to the Garosu-gil shopping street. Go straight and you will see La Pomme Furniture Cafe on your right on the second floor.
Phone :  02-545-4508

Restaurant Review - Shy Bana

Shy Bana is the one restaurant in Seoul that's been around since 1997 offering Southern Comfort food that is actually pretty amazing. Their motto is "Eat Today Diet Tomorrow!" which is probably the story of my life as well! Shy Bana is probably the the closest you get to Soul Food with the traditional eats of biscuits and gravy, fried steak, Jambalaya, steak tips soaked in applesauce, grilled pork chops, and amazing vegetables. With so much to choose on the menu, finding the right option might be a little difficult.

For starters, two pieces of biscuits and gravy costs almost five bucks, but the biscuit is baked up fresh. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it actually melts in your mouth. The golden texture allows for the biscuit to break apart which you can drown in the gravy sauce that some actually love and dunk practically everything in, but I am personally not a big fan of only because I was never a fan of white sauces to begin with. The gravy is extremely creamy, a little too milky for my tastes but it is a great dipping sauce, just not too much.

On the flip side, their entrees are something that must be raved about. They have speciality dishes depending on what's fresh. The grilled pork steak served with a side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw is one of the must raves about. Marinated to perfection and grilled where it is cooked evenly, the pork steaks are served with an amazing mouth watering mashed potatoes. With chunks inside and melted cheese, it is something to die for, a must order.

Another dish that is worth visiting Shy Bana for is the pork chop steak that is topped with applesauce. Yeah, applesauce. Chunks of pork are sliced and topped with a sauce that compliments the meat extremely well. This sweet tangy drizzle is dripped over steak that is cooked to perfection and served on a hot sizzling pan which keeps the meat tender and warm. Paired with a side of crispy vegetables, it is the ultimate reminder of American home cooked meal that hits the spot.

In addition to the chopped steak, a famous Souther comfort food is country fried steak, also known as fried chicken steak for the reason that it is deep fried batter. This country fried steak is topped with the same gravy served with their biscuits, but also with a side of tomato sauced rice. This is definitely the staple of Southern comfort food. The very last thing on the menu that brings me back is the Jambalaya. This seafood mix is served in a hot sizzling pan and topped with chunks of hot dog as well. Although this doesn't quite taste like the traditional Jambalaya, it is something that satisfies the cravings for the time being. 

Dishes at Shy Bana may be a little small in size in regards to Southern Comfort food, but it is filling for the Korean taste buds. Dishes range from $15 to $20 which is a little pricey for a home cooked meal. Nonetheless, it is a temporary satisfaction and I will revisit for the different steaks they have. With six branches in town, finding good food is not too far away. Ordering is made easy with an English menu that is broken down into different options.

Address to Garosu-gil Branch: 525-23 Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-Dong, Seoul

서울시 강남구 신사동 525-23

Phone Number: 02-545-4281

서래마을, 강남역, 광화문, 청주, 판교

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - La Eskimo

La Eskimo is a small bakery serving up some amazing desserts and bagels on the second floor of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. They are well known for the number of tart choices they have that is filled with all things from cremes to fruits. In adition to that, there are pound cakes and laof cakes that are over the top and filling.

My one favorite from La Eskimo is their bagel section. This is one of the very few places in Seoul that offer different kinds of fruits, nuts and toppings baked into the bagel. Toasted and served with a homemade cream cheese without the extra charge, it is my recommendation for just $2.80. In addition to the many good dessert choices, there is a wide selection of drinks from coffees to refreshing lemonades.

The seating of La Eskimo is extremly fun and opening to guests. They offer a long table seating that can be shared with a group of people or just between strangers. In addition to that, there are round tables for bigger groups which is usually not available in Seoul. There are also seating for smaller number of guests and date settings as well.

Directions: From the Sinsa station on line 3, take exit 8 and go straight until you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on your left. Take a left at the corner and go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street until you see a sign for La Eskimo on your right, leading up to the second floor.

Address: Apgujeong 12 Gil 27
압구정로 12 길 27

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Palazzo del Freddo

One of my favorite gelato spots in Korea is Palazzo that has branches all around Seoul with quick stops in the famous shopping areas. A quick pick me up can have you going with a variety of flavors that you cannot find elsewhere. Their flavors vary from day to day with flavors that cater to the taste of foreigners as well as Koreans. The textures of the gelato depend on the flavor that they use with some being extremely thick and others that just simply melt in your mouth.

My ultimate favorite is sesame. Whipped up fresh, it is a full blast of sesame flavor and is so smooth that it just melts in your mouth. For just $2.50 a cone or to be neater to have it in a cup, you definitely can't go wrong with a quick sweet tooth pick me up! One of the most popular ones is Stracciatella among the locals which is another flavor that will melt with each bite. For those who are looking for something more flavorful and thick, definitely go for their chocolate. It is a darker infused chocolate with a taste so creamy and thick that you do want to savor every bite!

Restaurant Review - Burger B

Burger B is one of the best burger places in Hongdae for an outdoor seating over amazing food, burgers to be exact. It is the one place to enjoy an outdoor view over burgers, fries, and the choice of a beer or a milkshake. Better yet, you can get the Burger B platter that serves you an amazing burger with fries and a shot of milkshake. Yes, a shot of milkshake. You can then proceed to ordering your own or going for a beer as a refreshment.

Burgers are priced at a decent $8 which makes it easy for customers to get filled without splurging too much. The one thing that is recommended is to go to Burger B with an open stomach because the food is amazing. It is also a great spot to enjoy a drink with friends before heading out for a chaotic night in Hongdae. Burger B is extremely popular among locals and foreigners because foreigners know a good burger. The meat is definitely different compared to other burger restaurants in Korea, maintaing that juicy texture.

With an open balcony area, it is the perfect place to lounge around during the day, and at night. You grasp the crisp air from outside and it's very welcoming to conversations and booze. Burger B caters to both vibes of the Hongdae community with good food and drinks, one recommended location for sure.

With three locations in town which include the popular Hongdae, Apgujeong, and Sangnam, the location visited was the one in Hongdae at 362-7 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Duex Cremes

Deux Cremes has got to be the place for anyone looking for a good creme pie layered with cake and a flaky, crispy crust. Their Green Velvet Pie is made of a green tea creme with a vanilla cake on top of a chocolate brownie-like base that is all baked up on the most flaky crust ever. It is the perfect blend of everything that you need in one bite. topped with chocolate and fused with a soft cookie inside. Their Grapefruit Ade is also an extremely refreshing drink that is on the healthier side made with real grapefruits, freshly squeezed and whipped up. 

With two floors to the cafe that is based around a relaxing atmosphere that caters to couples and girl time, Deux Cremes is the place to go for a chat. Seating is extremely spacious with open windows to people watch and see the quieter back alleys of Garosu-gil. Goodies average at $7 a piece, but the pies are definitely worth the splurge. With a more modern touch to the cafe, finding the bathroom might be a little tricky, but it allows for a more creative touch. Sliding doors that are concealed leads you to a bathroom that actually is an upgrade with bidet toilet seats. 

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street and it will be on your right about four blocks down after the 7/11 further back from the street with black stairs going up.

Address: Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong 533-11 

서울 강남구 신사동 533-11

Phone: 02-545-7931

Hidden Treasures - Around the Corner

Around the Corner is a new concept store along the Garosu-gil shopping street of Sinsa Apgujeong area that incorporates a shopping store with a well established bakery by the name of Publique in Hongdae, Seoul. It is a collaboration that takes the shopping experience to the next level. Located on the corner, it allows for guests to sit along the corner of the busy Garosu-gil street to people watch and enjoy coffee along with the famous Publique pastries. 

This three floor store consists of an art gallery upstairs, a cafe and shopping area on the first floor and the basement of more shopping brands. Around the Corner carries brands that cannot be found in the regular shopping areas of Korea which makes it popular with locals and foreigners. The one Korean catch phrase to sum this store up agijagi 아기자기 which means all things cute. They offer many international brands and special items that only boutique stores will carry. In addition to the many clothing and shoes, Around the Corner carries accessories and cute gadgets that are extremely popular in the Korean community that is gradually branching out to the world around us.

Whether you are in the mood for coffee or a bit of shopping and exploration of the younger generation in Korean culture, Around the Corner is a must visit along Garosu-gil. It's always nice to break from the traditional styled stores by incorporating the best of Korea in one.

Directions: From the Sinsa station on line 3, take exit 8 and go straight until you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on your left. Take a left at the corner and go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street until you see Around the Corner on the corner.

Hidden Treasures - Pain de Papa

Pain de Papa "the bread your father made for you" is one of the most established French bakeries in Seoul and is recognized for being different and better than the rest. Using wild (natural) yeast which can take up to five times longer than the traditional ways leaves you with fluffy and moist breads that have a hint of sourdough flavors. Topped with a handful of different vegetables and flavors, it is definitely something to die for. The freshly baked bread is so fluffy in texture that you just cant help but to keep biting into it. There are a variety of breads that cater to the French menu, perfect for making sandwiches with.

In addition to the amazing breads and pastries the, they offer freshly baked pretzels that owner Lee Ho Young bakes up, he also incorporates American tastes with pretzels and cookies. The one special thing in the bakery to pick up is their rusk which is a twice-baked bread. This established and unique pastry involves taking chunks of dough mixing it with sweet potato and dried fruits, a second oven topping the pastry with butter gives it a crunch. It is then rolled in powdered sugar and costs less than $2 a ball. 

Although the bakery is small in size, there is a small seating area for you to enjoy your baked goodies as well as a few magazines to read to kill some time. As service with your bread, they offer olive oil to be drizzled or dipped with. Be sure to get there early if you are looking to sample a good portion of their menu. Opened from 9AM to 9PM from Mondays to Saturdays, it is located a straight walk from exit 5 of the Apugjeong station on line 3. Walk straight for about 6 blocks and take a left at the intersection. Pain de Papa is located on your left with a small parking lot in front of their yellow bannered building. 

Address: 548-5 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu

서울 강남구 신사동 548-5

Phone: 02-543-5232

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bonne Nouvelle

Bonne Nouvelle is a patisserie, boulanger, cafe, and chocolatier that is stirring up all things delicious with a wide range of French pastries. From the main location in Sinsa-dong, it is located in the lobby of a hotel. Upon entrance to Bonne Nouvelle, you are welcomed with breads and pastries and a handful of samples for you to try before actually picking up what you want. 

With so many goodies to choose from, it can get extremely difficult. Baked goods cater to all tastes, incorporating new flavors into each and every recipe. You can even get full by taking a sample of everything that they have. The extremely generous samples are so welcoming, you can't help but to love everything you taste. 

In addition to freshly baked breads and pastries, there is a fridge of all things amazing which includes tarts, cakes, pies, and macarons. There is just too much to choose from. When you do find yourself struggling, go for the best sellers because you won't be upset with that choice! For those looking to enjoy your selections, there is a small seating area to the right of the shop where they take your goodies, decorate, cut and serve it to you. Of course, you can make the purchase of a drink to wash those goodies down.

With three locations, the most popular is the one located in the Apgujeong area of Sinsa-dong for the spacious seating area that guests can enjoy their pastries from. There is also another in the Gyeongi-do province, north of Seoul where Ilsan is. Lastly, the small shop in the Express Bus Terminal that allows for guests to pick up goodies to bring home and enjoy with their families or as gifts.

Location in Apgujeong: 서울시 강남구 신사동 641-1

Seoul Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong 641-1

Phone: 02-549-7055

Address in Express Bus Terminal: 서울시 강남구 대치동 937

Seoul Gangnam-gu Daechi Dong 937

Phone: 02-531-2066

Location in Ilsan: 경기도 고양시 일산동구 마두동 753-4

Gyeonggi-do Goyangsi Ilsan-dong 753-4

Phone: 031-908-5580

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bloom and Goute 블룸 앤 구떼

The concept of Bloom and Goute is a café centered around flowers. It is one of the most famous cafes in Sinsa for a luxurious meal, drinks, and a selection of desserts to enjoy. Bloom and Goute is the one cafe that serves baked goodies, coffee and many other drinks with the amazing aroma of fresh flowers. Bloom and Goute breaks from the traditional coffee shops that center around coffee as a theme. They offer fresh flowers as a view and use them as a center piece for each table. The theme is centered around a garden layout with wired metal bench seating and open windows to enjoy the outside view. 

It is also a place to enjoy food with a simple brunch menu that brings in guests of all kinds. The most common of course, is their drinks and dessert options. Drinks and desserts at Bloom and Goute are a bit pricier than other locations, with an average of $8 a drink, desserts at $6 and special desserts costing over $10 a plate. The café also serves foods for brunch and snacks that can be ordered, but most guests attend for the enjoyment of fully bloomed flowers and their drink selection. 

Because the café is small in location, seating is for an average of two or three guests which usually revolves around couples or a girl’s brunch, tea time. Bloom and Goute may be hard to find since it off of the main street of Garosugil, but it is worth visiting for their outdoor concept indoors. They are recognized for their strawberry cheesecake, but it is nothing like what we are used to in New York. The strawberry cheesecake is made with berries inside the cheesecake which is different, but still good.

The cakes and pastries take a different take on the more traditional tastes by incorporating a variety of flavors as well as infusions. Although it is not the perfect blend of taste and combinations, their drinks are on point. Bloom and Goute serves a strong full-on flavor of teas and coffees that are over the top and worth the splurge. 

Located between the Apgujeong and Sinsa station on the orange line 3, Bloom and Goute is in the hidden back street of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. It is extremely easy to miss the store because it is deep inside a back street that is hidden by many other stores. The easiest way to get here will be from the Apgujeon station exit 5, straight four blocks and take a left into the back street. After three intersections, Bloom and Goute will be in the middle of the following block on the right.

Address: 545-24 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul
서울 신사동 강남구 545-24 
Phone: 02-545-6659

Hidden Treasures - Pierrot Strike 삐에로스트라이크

Pierrot Strike is one of the most recognized bowling alleys in Seoul. With all kinds of entertainment with a focus of bowling as their central means of entertainment, it is one of the must visit locations in Apgujeong with a group of friends or even on a date to show off your bowling skills—or not. Pierrot is practically the fanciest bowling alley in Seoul because of their black light bowling. With house balls that glow as you roll them down the lane, it makes for fun and games with a group of friends.

Pierrot focuses on fun and games for the grownups, with the option of booze of course. You can order a bottle between your friends with the service of one jug of juice at no cost or even sip on a few cocktails. They also have the option of non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water to cater to guests who do not drink. The best part of drinking is the food (anju) of course. You can pair your drinks with a small side of chips or even go large for some finger foods.

With so many tables both indoor and outdoor (in a patio-like area) available, it is the perfect place to longue around and enjoy a drink. If you are waiting for a lane, you can enjoy their other services available and they will alert you when your lane is ready. You can simply slide over to the bowling section and they will bring you your drinks and foods. If talking with a friend is not enough to kill time, for more entertainment purposes, there are a few pool tables and dart boards around. Guests can simply visit Pierrot to enjoy a drink, shoot a game of pool and even play some darts on a random day or night.

Bowling games are priced at $5 and $1 bowling shoes. Although the wait can be a big long because there are only about twenty lanes, it is still worth the wait for a friendly competition with your friends. Unlike bowling in the States, they are limited in lanes which means that your party of 6 will be stuck on one lane so for anyone looking for practice time and professional bowling, this is not the place to be.

On another note, there is no option of creating your own name or keeping track of scores, unless you are doing it on your own because guests are rushed off the lanes once games are finished because of popularity and the number of people waiting. Guests usually play a game or two, depending on the group. Common courtesy of lanes after you are finished bowling is to bring your ball back to the many different shelves to reduce the number of balls on lanes and availability of balls for bowlers.

It is definitely recommended to go during the later hours since it is opened until early in the morning, catering to the late party crowd. The pub is opened from 6PM to 3AM.

Simply take the train to Apgujeong Rodeo station (on the yellow line), exit 5 for the rodeo street. Walk straight for about two blocks until you see Pierrot across the street on your left. The building is made of a wooden exterior, not difficult to spot from the many buildings around.

Address: Gangnam-gu, Cheongdahm Dong 85-4
서울시 강남구 청담동 85-4번지, 디자이너클럽 
Bowling Phone: 02-6007-8008 Pub Phone: 02-6007-8889