Hidden Treasures - Aux Epices

Aux Epices
121 Baxter Street
New York, NY 10013
(212)274-8585
http://auxepicesnyc.com/
Hours: 11AM to 10PM Daily

This hidden treasure is definitely a golden catch for amazing food along with great service. Located south of Chinatown, is it the one place that I can honestly recommend to anyone looking for good food and a good vibe. This small cozy restaurant is Malaysian infused French taken to a whole different level level. With a decent sized menu offering you all the good stuff from appetizers to desserts, this is the place to be.

One of the must orders, my personal favorite for starters is the extremely tender ribs that actually slides right off the bones. For anyone who is a clean eater and hates ribs for obvious reasons, this will definitely change the game for you. You will definitely be able to enjoy a nice rack of ribs, knowing you do not have to use your hand to eat! 

In addition to the ribs, the A La Plancha is another customer favorite with an amazing sauce that is perfect for a bread dip. Fish is the one recommendation for entrees which includes my all time favorite Ikan Panggang and the Tumeric Salmon, but of course there are a ton of other tasty dishes as well. The staff is always on point with their recommendations and will even offer the special lunch of the day which just might be Aux Epices' next upcoming dish to put on the menu. 

The one suggestion to make is to save room for dessert and order it ahead of time. Because desserts are made fresh and when ordered, the kitchen staff at Aux Epices must have sufficient time to prepare for it. Nonetheless, pastries and cakes are extremely fresh and hits the mark with it's French influences. The best part is probably it being served fresh and hot with the right touch of sweetness.

For bigger groups, be sure to make reservations ahead of time. With seating designed for pairs, the restaurant is able to cater roughly 25 guests at one time. The staff is extremely friendly in accommodating your every needs alongside a wonderful owner who actually interacts and eats with his guests. Providing superb customer service, you can feel good about every meal at Aux Epices. Within a second visit, the staff recognized me and soon lead me to become a weekly regular with the rib cravings and addiction to genuine customer service.

With a menu that is constantly updated and fresh new items, it is definitely a place that keeps you going back. Promoting a cafe, all hours of the day is a perfect time to visit Aux Epices for the amazing complements of food. 

Offering an online and call in delivery service, Aux Epices is one recommendation I stand by. It is the perfect place for a date night, girls night out, and even just a bonding session. With dim lighting and cozy seating, the atmosphere is just perfect for conversation without overpowering the table next to you. The friendly vibe allows for you to feed off of the positive energy that the staff fills the restaurant with.

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 - Bonjour Hawaii

Bonjour Hawaii is a new restaurant in Hongdae that is bringing the concept of Hawaii to Korea. It is one of the cutest concept serving French and Pacific food over three floors of indoor and outdoor seating. Even with indoor seating of air conditioned space, it is the one restaurant where outdoor seating is more preferred. With colored beach umbrellas and plastic school-like seating, the best time to visit Bonjour Hawaii is  during the day where you are out in the sun, but an evening at Bonjour Hawaii to enjoy the food is recommended as well.

With dishes averaging about $15 a plate and topped with a flower, it is the perfect date spot to go and enjoy a few BBQ dishes. Almost all dishes are served with a side of fries, salad topped with sweet dressing and an American corn on the cob. That's right, it's not the Korean chewy corn on the cob, but a yellow buttered BBQ corn. Although the taste isn't amazing because it is a little on the dry side, it is the only places in Korea that serves actual foreign corn on the cob. Another recommended dish is their meat loaf that is topped with gravy and two sunny side up eggs that is the perfect dip for your fries immersed in their gravy. 

The concept of Bonjour Hawaii centralizes around tiki and outdoor seating with coconuts that you can enjoy a drink with friends. Because of this, it is more recommended to visit if you're looking for a place to lounge out and enjoy a drink. With a menu in English as well, ordering is extremely easy. When entering the premises, you simply order before going upstairs to the seating area. Paying first, they provide you with a buzzer that will ring when your food is ready. Simply pick it up from the second floor along with utensils and enjoy your meal. Once finished, someone will clean up after you so you don't even have to worry about putting things back.

Bonjour Hawaii is in a hidden area in between Hongdae and Hapjeong station off of the main street which may make it difficult to find. Be sure that once you see the Castle restaurant, you take a right into the smaller streets and another right after that. 

Address: "Rainbow Street" 395-112 Seogyo-Dong Mapo-gu, Seoul

마포구 서교동 395-112  

Phone Number: 010-9756-5406

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

Hidden Treasures - Macaron by Ruben Ian Adriaan

Macaron in Hongdae is definitely on the top of my list of world's best recognized macarons as a dessert. For the simple reason that Ruben Ian Adriaan not only incorporates two flavors into his macarons, but for the simple fact that there is two flavors in the center. Most places only concentrates on one filling of flavor, but Macaron offers something different. 

The blend of two flavors of macaron is incorporated into every bite. The flaky and hard outer shell is combined with a soft bite into the center which provides you with a kick of two fillings depending on the flavor ordered. Macaron is definitely recommended for anyone looking for traditional flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and rose to the more modern take of cheesecake and berry, sakura, yuzu, and my favorite, salted caramel.

Although the macarons are taken up a notch, the prices are not. Macarons are priced at an affordable $1.50 per piece and $5 for a three piece combo. You can also purchase boxes as gifts to go which is definitely recommended because I have yet to have a better tasting macaron.

Address: 343-2 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul

서울시 마포구 서교동 343-2

Phone: 02-3144-0966

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Be Sweet On

Be Sweet On is a dessert spot in Hongdae that is constantly swarmed with people who are looking to enjoy a sweet tooth satisfaction. With pastries that are baked up fresh daily, there is a crunchy crisp to very flaky pastry, a fresh taste to every dessert. Sweets start at the price of $5 and can cost well over $10, but it is one place that is always packed with locals because the pastries are that amazing. 

The one suggestion to be made is the Mille-Feuille Chocolat Au Lait which is the perfect blend of a layered pastry consisting of mille feuille and chocolate creme topped with a sweet glazed orange, vanilla ice cream and a chocolate fan. It is then drizzled with caramel and plated to enjoy. The presentation of the dessert alone is worth splurging the $10, but the taste takes it to a whole new level. There is no perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and sweet in a pastry.

Opened in the afternoon, it caters to the later hours of the busy Hongdae area. 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 and Be Sweet On will be on your right on the second floor. 

Address: 339-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울 마포구 서교동 339-3

Telephone: 02-323-2370

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Ceci Cela

Ceci Cela, a bakery known for its croissants is baking up all things delicious starting as early as 6:30. Serving the early morning breakfast crowds, afternoon snackers as well as the night time desserts, Ceci Cela is open all day into the night providing French goodies for every meal, every hour of the day. With so many baked delicatessens to choose from, it is easy to find something that caters to the taste buds of all. 

The most recognized croissants are the traditional, sweet and salty ones that are all stuffed with a mix of  vegetables, meats, and even cheese. My ultimate favorite are the sweeter ones which include almond, chocolate, and the original glazed. In addition to the fluffy croissants, there are a handful of cakes, tarts, cookies, macarons, and all that feeds the heart of New York.

Restaurant Review - La Bonne Soupe

La Bonne Soupe

48 West 55 Street

New York, NY 10019

(212) 586-7650

http://www.labonnesoupe.com/

A little hidden French restaurant in uptown, La Bonne Soup is two floors with a little outdoor balcony upstairs. I had the pleasure of having a team lunch here and the food was more than what I expected.

The restaurant has some great lunch dishes that average $13 per plate. I had the Croque Madame which was a ham sandwich topped with an egg and a side of salad. It was one of the best hot sandwiches I have had, considering it was just ham and cheese. I was so full from the sandwich, I was not able to finish my salad, but I’m glad I did not order a soup as well because I would have been overstuffed!

This restaurant seems to be my company’s favorite since they tend to bring the team over when the opportunity arrives. The French onion soup looked so good it made my mouth water so I will definitely return and order that next time. I plan on having a dinner here, being that I hear extremely good reviews from upper management about this place. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - La Maison du Macaron

La Maison du Macaron

132 West 23^rd Street

New York, NY

(212)243-2757

http://www.maisondumacaron.net/

On a random craving for macarons at my last job, I randomly found La Maison du Macaron on my way home from work one day. With their specialty in macarons, there was a great assortment of goodies displayed in their window. I went in for a craving of one, but ended up buying a whole box that I did not share with anyone. Macaron were absolutely delicious, flavors are paired the right way with a flaky exterior and soft interior.

In addition to their delicious macarons, La Maison du Macaron carries breakfast goods, madeleins, tarts, and coffees. This little café is located right by the entrance to the Path and F, perfect for those who are on their way to work and home. Hopefully you can bite your tongue and fight your cravings! 

Today's Lunch - Le Pain Quotidien

Today’s lunch is from a well-known bread chain called Le Pain Quotidien. Known for their freshly baked breads and communal table, my lunch today from Le Pain Quotidien was the Curry Chicken Salad over bread with an organic Mint Lemonade. I was a little hesitant to use flash when eating on the communal table, I just wish the picture looked more appealing. The Curry Chicken Salad was a great finger dish that came with fruits, vegetables, and cranberry sauce that I topped my sandwich with. It was amazing with a light curry taste and sweet cranberry. Prices average $15 per person, but of course there are other signature dishes for a higher price. This is a must visit for their delicious breads!