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 - Maman Gateau 마망갸또

Maman Gataeu is a dessert cafe as well as a baking academy that actually specializes in all things caramel. With a dessert menu that averages at $5 a plate and caramel for almost $1 a piece, it is honestly a must visit. They obviously offer other things on the menu, being it is a well-recognized baking school in Seoul. Maman Gataeu bakes up all things sweet which includes cheesecakes, roll cakes, layered cakes and more. They also offer a wide range of coffee selection and drinks for guests to enjoy, catering to the season and speciality items of that very season.

With two locations, one out in Hongdae and another in Sinsa, it is a must visit for anyone who is looking to enjoy some good dessert away from the busy streets. The location in Hongdae is closer to the Hapjeong station, where the quieter street of restaurants and coffee shops are in Hongdae. Although the Sinsa location is by the busy streets of Garosu-gil, you can definitely find peace at this dessert cafe.

Hongdae Location: 02-3141-9664 Opened from 12-11PM
서울시 마포구 서교동 395-113 (Mapo-gu, Seogyo Dong, 395-113)
Sinsa Garosu-gil Location: 070-4353-5860
서울시 강남구 신사동 524-27 1F Cafe, 2F Baking School (Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 524-27)

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

Restaurant Review - Japanese Kitchen 미카

Japanese Kitchen is a small cozy restaurant located in Sinsa behind the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil that is stirring up a lot of tasty Japanese dishes that range from udon noodles to curry dishes. The restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating that allows for guest to enjoy a cherry blossomed theme view with an interior that is based around a cherry blossom tree. The concept is extremely traditional, but offers a more modern and classic look. 

Japanese Kitchen serves a food menu up until 5pm where they switch over to a Hof-like location, serving dishes with their wide selection of sake bottles and Japanese beers. Being that it switches over to a Hof, you must order a small dish to consume. Dishes are rather pricey, ranging from $15 to $30, but it also has to do with location. Although it is a bit more expensive, their fried chicken is actually an amazing side dish to enjoy with your drinks. Fried crispy and topped with a sweet and salty soy sauce, it is an amazing combination. 

The one recommendation for Japanese Kitchen is to go during their regular lunch hours for authentic Japanese food. Going later in the night is perfect if you are looking to enjoy a drink with a group of friends. 

Directions to Japanese Kitchen: 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 to the very end and you will see Japanese Kitchen at the four way intersection in front of you. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Duex Amis

Duex Amis is the one place behind the Garosu-gil shopping area to rave about for layered creme cakes. Cakes served at Duex Amis are topped alternate between cake and creme topped with a mini macaron for your pleasure. There is quite the number of cakes and pies to choose from, but you definitely can't go wrong with their signature Salted Caramel which is a layer between chocolate and caramel. For those who are looking for something fruity, their Strawberry Tiramisu is also a hit.

Duex Amis has open seating which is perfect for the spring and summer seasons. They have a center piece of fresh flowers daily which definitely sets the girly mood and is the perfect place to hang around to give you that bubbly feeing. It is the perfect down time location when in the area for some shopping damage. Because it is located in the back street, you are away from all the noise and busy areas which makes it that much more enjoyable. 

Cakes at Duex Amis are extremely moist in taste and layered perfectly that makes it hard to resist. With cakes by the slice ready to order, making a selection may be difficult. If you're looking to grab a whole cake to go, they also have the option in the store which allows for you to bring home the goodies. 

Directions to Duex Amis: 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 Duex Amis on your right within the same block.

Phone: 02-3443-0030 

Address: 539-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong

서울 강남구 신사동539-9

Hidden Treasures - ONE CHU

ONE CHU is a small modern looking spot in Sinsa behind the streets of Garosu-gil that is serving a  creative churro with their coffees. Koreans sure love their coffee, but it's always the same baked goods over and over again. ONE CHU is a place that whips up fresh churros when ordered topped with all things amazing.

ONE CHU offers different flavorings for the churros they fry up, the best one may be having ice cream paired with your churros. Regardless of what flavor you choose, whether it be sweet or plain, it is the one place that guarantees freshly hot churros. They are definitely authentic to taste and not just the quick sprinkle of cinammon on top since they serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.

The drink menu varies from coffee to juices to alcoholic beverages. Their fresh sangria is one well-recognized thing on the menu that a lot rave about. The environment is extremely classy and spacious, allows for a great date setting and meeting for chit chat. They have a small outdoor patio that guests can sit, just a short walk from the main shopping street. Drinks and churros will set you back roughly $10.

ONE CHU Address: 서울시 강남구 신사동 551-1
Sinsa-Dong 551-1 Gangnam-Gu Seoul, Korea 135-890
Phone: 02-516-3202
Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-11pm

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

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.

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