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

Story of My Life - UMF Korea 2013

One of the biggest events around the world is Ultra Music Festival (UMF). It is so big that it is an event that pretty much everyone travels around the world just to see. Held in Jamsil stadium this year, there have been many who traveled to Korea from other countries just to experience and see the sets of world famous DJs which include, but are not limited to: AVICII, Kaskade, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand, Cazzette, Boy George, Shut Da Mouth, and Carl Cox.

It is a two day party of chaos and fun with three stages, over sixty acts from mid afternoon until night time with after party of course! UMF is such a big event that there are people who are willing to pay $150 for tickets the day of events. Yes, just that big. There is not only a VIP section, but a VVIP section. The amount of fun and chaos that goes on is just beyond explainable. The best part is being able to share it with those who are not at the event, but able to listen in online.

Lucky for me, I got the pleasure of being backstage of Shut Da Mouth’s set along with the emcee Pinnacle TheHustler. It was definitely an experience to be behind the scene, meeting a ton of awesome people which includes the unforgettable DJ Agent Smith (because of his awesome fro) and at the end of the day, enjoying the main acts through the night. Of course, this comes with a price of lots of energy drinks as well as pain with the crowd jumping up and down and squeezing to the front of the acts. Being able to immerse myself to the music and enjoy every moment of it was something that made the not so great experience, pretty awesome, after all. Nonetheless, it was something to experience and always a great memory.

This definitely makes it another great experience and explains how awesome it is to live in Korea. The number of people you meet, the connections you make, it just makes you remember and feel grateful for every experience. Not everyone is as snobby and as stuck up as you think they could be after "making it." That is probably the best part about going out to gigs like this.

It tops my experience last year with World DJ Fest by meeting a ton of awesome DJs and people in general. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for me! Photos definitely do no justice for the day/night that I had.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Grains Cookies

Grains is a healthy option for those foodies who are looking to splurge a little on their diet. Made with healthier grains and flours, these hard cookies are extremely cheap and freshly baked. For just three dollars, cookies are weighed on a scale and roughly eight to ten pieces for the price of one bag. You are able to select and mix up your batch of goodies and the best part is, samples are offered before you purchase! The luxury of shopping in Korea always blows my mind. 

Served and packaged in a resealable bag, these cookies are made to last for a period of time, but I can never last more than a day without consuming all of them. Definitely an addiction that I have to sweets, but I am normally not a fan of hard cookies. Grains changed my mind with just one sample and dunking it in a cup of milk or coffee takes the taste to a whole new level. Be sure to check out the food court of the many department stores in Korea where you can find a Grains stand. This was picked up at the local Lotte Department Store in Kongdae.

Restaurant Review - Mad For Garlic

Mad for Garlic, a restaurant chain in Korea that is known for their Americanized dishes which includes pasta, seafood, and steaks. It is definitely my one favorite Korean chain restaurant for Italian and steak. The decor is like those back in America, a great meal that brings me back home. The food is delicious, but it is one of the pricer chain restaurants in Korea.

One of my ultimate favorite appetizers is garlic bread. The garlic tower, which is a half loaf of freshly baked bread topped with garlic and cheese, is brought to the table standing and served by a waiter. The tower of garlic and cheese goodness on top is stuffed into the loaf of bread. It is then ready to be cut up and enjoyed. 

Their entrees are also extremely tasty. With dishes that average at $20, it is definitely worth every penny. The Mushroom Risotto is one of my ultimate favorite dishes. Topped with a freshly baked chicken, it all blends and compliments each other. For those who are looking for a pasta dish, their Alfredo sauced pastas are comfort food as well. There are a handful of choices, but none with tomato sauce. A recommendation is the seafood pasta or shrimp and lobster that is served with linguine pasta.

For those who are dining in, it is suggested to order a bottle of wine rather than going for a cup of soda at $8 a cup. If you are on a budget, you can definitely share sodas with your significant other. It is common among locals so they know to provide you with two straws.

Overall, the experience was great, they even have an English menu for those who cannot read Korean. It definitely helps to make a pit stop for Korean foods every now and then, especially for those who are living in Korea for quite a while. Mad for Garlic is a restaurant that is highly popular with locals as well!