Fresh on the Market - Ramen and Co

Ramen and Co.

100 Maiden Lane
New York, NY 10038

With the hype of ramen burgers on the menu, Keizo Shimamoto just recently announced his newest store, Ramen and Co. located in the Financial District. With a soft opening that allowed the FiDi locals to consume his goods during lunch hours from 11 AM to 2 PM, it is official for the rest of the world to experience the ramen burger, hopefully with shorter lines. With a bun made of ramen and a patty made of extremely tender, juicy meat topped with a mouth-watering sauce, the ramen burger is something to try. Although I am personally not impressed with the ramen bun itself, it is definitely something that everyone should try for the simple ideology of FOMO.

Co-workers of mine rave about the ramen burger, but I personally preferred the juicy meat and freshly fried potato chips instead. The ramen could be a bit of a heavy touch for many, especially since it is composed of noodles. The unique presentation of the dumpling wrapping is something that makes you appreciate the little things that Ramen and Co. create, but going for a bowl of ramen here is definitely suggested. 

An average lunch will set you back about $10 which is honestly not bad at all. Going for a quick bowl of ramen on a cold winter day is probably recommended, but there's nothing wrong with a summer splurge. Although the address is written for 100 Maiden Lane, the actual restaurant is located at the cross section of Pearl Street, right around the corner of the Chipotle, next to Terri. 

Fresh on the Market - Cafe J BROWN

One of the newest chains to make its way over to Korea is the Artisan Chocolatier Cafe J BROWN.  Coffee shops are all over Korea and there's nothing special about a lot of the new ones. It is definitely great to find a new cafe that is specializing in all things chocolate and sweet, all desserts and drinks are paired with some kind of chocolate made fresh in store. With a new branch that opened in the Hongdae Hapjeong area, Cafe J BROWN is a must visit for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

As you pass this store on the corner, you may think it is just a storefront that sells desserts packaged to go, but in fact, there is a cafe downstairs. The concept is a little different where you pay separately for your dessert and drinks at the two different floors. Entrance is where all the dessert goodies are where you pay for your piece(s) and they will bring it downstairs to decorate and plate for your enjoyment. When you go downstairs, you will be given a drink menu where you pay again for your drinks. 

Desserts and drinks vary in price, on average costing about $6 a piece, a cup. Quite a splurge on an afternoon dessert, but this is actually average for drinks in Korea. The one good thing is that you feel as if you are getting more for your money because of the fact that they are dedicating a lot of effort into presentation. You may think that you are getting some kind of regular drink or dessert, but in fact you are in for a surprise. Desserts are decked out with some kind of chocolate addition, macarons included. The best part about the drinks is that they are all served with some kind of chocolate which makes your drink that much more amazing. Because many do not know about this, you can practically skip out on the dessert if you are consuming alone.

The one complaint to make about Cafe J BROWN is the fact that their Napoleon dessert is nothing like the traditional Napoleon that is made with layers of chocolate and cream. The Napoleon, like many other desserts in Korea is made their own way, with their own twist. Rather than using layers of flakiness, it is an actual cake. This cake is in fact great in presentation, but definitely not something I recommend for someone who is looking for more of the traditional cake. On another note, although this cake concentrates on chocolate, its cream and cake layers are overpowering to the point where you cannot really taste the chocolate, not the best splurge for $6.

Address: 298-10 Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong
마포구 서교동 298-10
Phone: 02-324-7676

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

Fresh on the Market - Brew 3.14

Brew 3.14 is a cozy spot in a hidden street by the famous tourist area of Jong-ro where all the traditional Korean locations are. The only thing is, Brew 3.14 is not so traditional. Serving up fresh pizzas and calzones to order, it is the perfect place to grab a drink as well as a bite without splurging your wallet. Pizzas are made on a fresh pizza base that is thin and crispy like a flat bread, topped with fresh ingredients. 

This small bar opens at 5pm, catering to the foreigners in town that live in the nearby hostels and hotels. It is the perfect place to go to for a drink that ranges from beers to their twist on bombs. Incorporating fruits, beer, and alcohol, it is a way to satisfy a big kid's stomach in a way that keeps you lingering around. 

Address: 서울 중로구 인사동 95-1번지

Jongno-gu Insadong 95-1

Phone Number: 070-418-3014

Fresh on the Market - Share Tea

Share Tea is labeled the number one bubble tea spot in Taipei, Taiwan. Being that I have traveled to Taiwan (will be going back in December again this year) I definitely do miss having Share Tea every day. I'm glad they opened a branch in Hongdae 홍대 because I've been dying for the bubble tea. It's nice to have traditional taste when it comes to milk tea and not made from powder.

The one thing that sets Share Tea from every other bubble tea chain in Korea is the fact that they actually have pudding. PUDDINGGGGGGGGG ! You do not understand how difficult it is to find the traditional Chinese pudding in Korea, but I'm glad to have it here!

Share Tea is extremely small in size so I would not recommend lounging out for a while. There is a total of rougly ten seats in the store, in a very small space as well. Nonetheless, it is a must visit for anyone craving for pudding with their bubble tea the traditonal Chinese way. 

Directions: From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight to the next light. Keep going straight past the light and you will see a row of buildings. Share tea is on the bottom section of the two floor of buildings and food.

Hidden Treasures - Once Upon a Milkshake

Once Upon a Milkshake, every big kid's fantasy to have a whole store devoted to milkshakes, ice cream, and all things good. Living in Korea, it is difficult to find a place that makes a good milkshake since it varies from place to place as well as person to person who makes it. Once Upon a Milkshake dedicates their everyday to making the perfect milkshake. Coming from Singapore, the first branch just opened in Seoul, bringing a menu that is just above the rest. 

They offer a handful of choices which range from fruit flavored to sweet classics and even new twists that you have never heard of before. The best part is being able to have the option of choosing the texture of your milkshake. This is one thing that is not offered anywhere. The dense taste of the milkshake is also adjustable to your personal buds by adding extra flavor if needed. 

With three sizes of mini, regular and large, milkshakes start at $4 a pop. Because there is so much to choose from, which can be difficult to make a choice, they offer a swirl of goodness by incorporating two flavors. The most popular mix at Once Upon a Milkshake which is unexpected is the cookies and cream with condensed milk mixture. If wanted, the option of mixing up to three flavor is allowed as well, but a rare case.  Using a high quality puree with 100% real fruits, no artificial flavoring, items are not that sweet but can be altered to your taste. The recommendation and most popular ones on the menu are: the classic cookies and cream, condensed milk, and tiramisu. It may be a little pricey, but if you crave for it, you'll understand the splurge.

For those who are looking for an alternative to milkshakes, there is the option of ice cream. Single scoops are just $3, doubles for $5.50 and a triple for $7.50. Plain in taste, the store is considering toppings but this is totally breaking from the Korean norms. The most popular being chocolate, cookies and cream and black currant (a sour fruit that is much like a blueberry but tartier) which is served in a regular cup.

Once Upon a Milkshake is closed on Mondays, opened Tuesday to Thursday from 10 to 10 and Friday to Sunday from 10-11pm. With free wifi and an open area, it is a relaxing environment for a chit chat and enjoying with a group of friends, even to do some work. BEST PART. Someone speaks English.

Take exit 2 from Noksapyeong station and go straight until you see a green underpass that takes you across the street on the right. Take the underpass and exit on the left when reaching the exit. Go straight past Craftworks and Once Upon a Milkshake is an eye catching purple storefront with opened windows cannot and should not be missed.

Address: Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Noksaypeyong 242
서울시 용산구 녹사평대로 242(이태원동)
Phone: 070-7435-313

Fresh on the Market - Dunkin' Donut's New York Pie Donut "Cronut" 뉴욕파이도넛

So the fad in America, which originated in New York is the "cronut" and the rest of the world, everyone and their mother is copying this thing. It wasn't going to be long before the Cronut reached Seoul. Who would have ever thought that Dunkin Donuts would be the first to replicate the Cronut and name it the "New York Pie Donut" 뉴욕파이도넛.  Although the lines aren't as ridiculous here in Seoul as they are back in New York, there are people lined up for the New York Pie Donut 뉴욕파이도넛. They only have it in a select number of Dunkin Donuts around town which include, but are not limited to: Jamsil, Myeondong, and Gangnam. Be sure to check the list (get a Korean friend to do it to expedite the process) and keep in mind that they are serving it during certain hours.

Lucky for me, I did not have to wait to try this "Cronut." To be honest, I probably wouldn't be so happy if I had to. I assume this is nothing like the original for the simple reason that it is not topped with icing. Koreans definitely do not have a sweet tooth like us foreigners so sprinkled sugar is enough for them. Nonetheless, although the New York Pie Donut 뉴욕파이도넛 has been out for a while, it is still flaky and I think the best way to eat it is by peeling. 

Honest to say, the top layer was the best and although there was a 2 per person limit, I'm glad I didn't go for the second one. I enjoyed the layer by layer texture of a croissant, but for the simple fact that it wasn't topped with icing was a downer for me. I would definitely have it again, just wouldn't stand in line for it. So I suggest if you must go, go on a weekday!

For the Jamsil location: take exit 3 of the Sincheon station. Go straight following the path for about four blocks and you will see Dunkin Donuts on the corner. 

Address: 송파구 잠실본동 242-9

Songpa-gu Jamsil 242-9

Hidden Treasures - When Pigs Fly

When Pigs Fly is a new Italian restaurant that opened in the Nambu area offering a twist to traditional restaurants. The concept is simple, amazing food paired with music. When Pigs Fly cooks up the basic Italian dishes which includes salad, pastas, and of course pizzas. They incorporate a mix of different pasta noodles, and ingredients to each dish that they make, offering something different each time. 

Although the salads and pastas are more on the cliche and common types that you can find anywhere, their pizzas are over the top. They incorporate ingredients that makes their pizza stand out. For starters, there is no one who tops a pizza with and over easy cooked egg or with actual pieces of shrimp. When Pigs Fly definitely blows the fish out of the water with this concept. 

Another great thing about the restaurant is that they stray away from skimping guests on their food. A lot of restaurants that uses seafood in their dishes use the smaller portions, smaller sizes. When Pigs Fly actually goes for the gold with meatier pieces and chunks that you can taste when biting into. There is a full blast of flavor and the choose to keep it that way. 

In addition to fresh ingredients and great food, they offer wine and special events that allows for their private room to be utilized. The facility can be rented out where they cater to small parties. The one thing that When Pigs Fly offers that other restaurants do not is a special event of music held twice a month. Their "Salon Concert" theme is used to create a new type of environment that people are not able to experience on the regular. They theme the night around two dinner sessions used to promote music of Korean performers in the area that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

The concept is simple: an hour or so of music that allows for you to "set the mood" for a special night or just to enjoy as a luxury hobby. Followed by that is a dinner of a set menu that the restaurant offers and stirs up fresh. There is nothing better than being able to enjoy a live performance in a romantic setting with a menu of Italian goodies. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to make reservations for these events because they do go fast since it is just priced at $49 a person. The service there is amazing, with a manager that speaks English, catering to the foreign community, encouraging all guests to attend and enjoy their facility. 

Address: Seoul Seocho-gu Seocho 3 Dong, 1446-11 Hyundai Superville 101
서울 서초구 서초3동 1446-11 현대 슈퍼빌101호
Phone: 02-523-5277

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bens Cookies

Ben's Cookies is a new store that recently opened in Itaewon serving soft freshly baked cookies. Soft is emphasized because Koreans do not believe in soft cookies (even those at Subway are over baked compared to those back in America). All cookies are baked daily on the premises with traditional flavored cookies and new mixes. It is the one recommendation to be made for anyone looking for a hot cookie fresh from the oven with melted chocolate chips, yes it is that good. It is totally worth paying $3 a cookie because it is impossible to find soft baked cookies in Korea! Cookies are rather thick compared to those found in America which is why they are soft. It is the closest thing to an under baked cookie so settle for the thickness of it!

This small shop is baking up goodies right behind the cashier, attracting all guests with their open window display of cookies and red interior. Soft, fluffy, crispy on the outside, they are all worth a taste. Straight from exit 2 of Itaewon station, go straight for about three blocks and it will be on your left.

Update: There is now a small shop right outside exit 9 of the Hongik station on line 2. Bear a left at the exit and you will see it on your left!

Fresh on the Market - A'Pieu Apple Acid Perfect Salt Scrub

One of the newer cosmetic stores to open in Korea is A'Pieu and I couldn't help but to pick up a goodie. I was in need of a new face scrub and found the Apple Acid Perfect Salt Scrub which is perfect for those with sensitive skin and psoriasis! Totally in love with the product that is gentle to the skin and smells exactly like green apples. This scrub is extremely mild in chemicals and it is an extremely light scrub that will not scratch or harm the skin. It is a definite recommendation for anyone who thinks that scrubs with exfoliations are too rough for the skin.

Fresh on the Market - Espoir Bare Skin Complexion Cream

For everyone who is familiar with me, my skin is always dark. I mean, always. I am constantly tanning and bathing at the beach for the sake of my psoriasis so my skin is extremely dark. Since I've moved to Korea, my skin has gradually gotten paler and paler. The problem is, it is still too dark for BB cream. A handful of my friends have been telling me that they wear BB cream everyday, it is the Asian thing to do because BB cream helps to lighten the skin and clear dark marks over time. It's kind of like a bleaching mechanism that is not damaging to the skin. The only negative of BB cream is that with flash photography, you are able to see a big difference in the tone of your neck and your face. People will know that you have BB cream on (guys included). There are so many Korean guys here that use BB cream, it's pretty obvious and they have no shame!

Nonetheless, it is an extremely good product for those with acne marks and any dark spots on the face. These spots will diminish over time with the use of BB cream. I've been looking for quite a while for the darkest shade possible and it has been impossible to find. Problem is, no matter where I shop (America and Korea) there is the problem of lightness in my skin with the application of BB cream which I absolutely hate.

With no make up!

I have finally found my solution to this problem and found a product that I am absolutely in love with! A product that's fresh on the market, Espoir's Bare Skin Complexion Cream is a two in one. With a BB cream base and SPF 30 protection, it is the perfect everyday "BB lotion." I normally do not wear makeup everyday, so I am excited about this product because I am able to pat and blend the Complexion Cream into my face and it will absorb without even realizing I have makeup on! The cream is an amazing fix. It is white in color so a pump is enough unless you are looking for more coverage. Simply pump, blend onto the skin and watch the white color disappear.

How do you know its blending with your skin? For the simple fact that you can wipe off the Complexion Cream and you can see color on a white tissue. It's a pretty amazing thing to see and I am definitely looking forward to achieving a clear face of acne scars. This is one product that I recommend for anyone struggling to find a shade of BB cream that matches their skin. This one of the very few blending products that I have seen to actually work as if there is no makeup on the skin. In love and obsessed!

Update 10/04: With six months of use, everyone does say that there is a difference between my face and the rest of my body. Not necessarily a good thing, but at least it means the product actually works! Yes, my skin is actually whiter than my hands and I do notice the difference because I do not have to wear makeup anymore. I actually use pat on some CC cream and am on my way out the door. It saves on so much time in the morning, absolutely love and will invest in it again!

Fresh on the Market - Innisfree Home Spa Strawberry Yogurt Pack

The Innisfree Home Spa Strawberry Yogurt Pack is exactly like the way it sounds, just like strawberry yogurt. The smell, the texture, even the look of the pack resembles strawberry yogurt. There are even pieces of strawberry inside, just not as big as you would expect. Korea is known for their different packs, wash off packs and sleeping packs. This strawberry yogurt pack is equivalent to wash off pack. 

It is suggested to keep on this pack for 15-20 minutes, but within 5 minutes of use, there was a tingling feeling. Although I am a fan of the smell and texture of the pack, especially after washing off, I do not suggest it for those with sensitive skin. For those who can endure this product, you'll be happy with the result of smooth skin. 

Fresh on the Market - Innisfree Soybean Firming Neck Cream

One of the newest products in Korea to make it on the shelves of Innisfree is Jeju Island's Soybean Firming Neck Cream. What's so special about this product? Specialists say that they are able to determine the age of a woman based on the wrinkles on the neck. Regardless of how clear your face is, how young you look, without caring for the neck area, it is probably useless. The beauty of this product is to reduce and prevent the wrinkles in the neck area. 

Soybean is known to help beauty in a variety of ways, especially in increasing elasticity and thickness of the skin. Therefore, when applied daily, it will help to prevent sagging of the skin and wrinkles will fade within a few months of time. This is no miracle worker, it takes time, but it is suggested for those who are in their 20s to start caring for their skin which is much easier than fixing a problematic look. It is extremely light on the skin which is gentle for those with sensitive skin.

The Innisfree Soybean Firming Neck Cream is extremely light in scent. Apply a small amount of this thick lotion to the neck after showering in an upward direction. Remember, upward helps to reduce the sagging look. Most importantly, do not forget the back of the neck! Since the product just launched this month, it will take a while to see results.