Restaurant Review - Woorijip

Woorijip

12 West 32^nd Street

New York, NY 10001

One of the most popular Korean restaurants in Ktown, Woorijip is known for self-serve foods with set lunches that are extremely cheap. With dishes starting at the price of $1.50, Woorijip is a definite visit for those in the city who are looking for a quick meal that is authentic Korean. Woorijip serves all types of dishes which include snacks, soup, rice, and desserts, and other good eats. In addition to weigh in meals, Woorijip has mini-steam ovens that keep prepared lunches ready for pick up.  

When visiting Woorijip during lunch hours, there will be an extremely long line that wraps around the store. This line moves rather quickly with a full set of employees that are ready to get New Yorkers out quickly. 

The best thing about Woorijip in addition to their cheap prices and quick foods is the late hours Woorijip is open. Woorijip is opened most hours, from 6am-2am on Fridays and Saturdays and 24 hours every other days. These hours are scheduled to change, but it is great to go out for a cheap and quick bite after a night of late night fun. 

Cute Eats - Noodle Box

One of the famous Korean chain restaurants in Seoul is Noodle Box, a fast food joint that whips up Thai food. It is probably one of the cutest eats in the world because your meal is actually serve in a replica of a Noodle Box. The concept is fun and makes it that much more appealing to enjoy your food, minus the metal bar that always gets in the way. For anyone who actually follows tips from buzzfeed, you'll know the real way to eat out of a noodle box is not from the opening at the top. The concept of Noodle Box is that the box can be opened into a flat plate so you're not digging into an extremely hot base of food. 

On average, a dish at noodle box costs $7. The dishes range in spicy levels, but they do have a wider selection that is not offered in a lot of Thai restaurants. One of the popular choices of course is the traditional Pad Thai, but the Mongolian is also great for those who are able to tolerate a bit of spice. Because this is a Korean chain restaurant, you have to keep in mind that the taste will differ from location to location. Nonetheless, it is a great place to go to grab a quick bite in a cute box. It probably wouldn't be the best place to take a date, but there are a lot of couples who visit Noodle Box anyway!

Kongdae location:

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. 

Hidden Treasures - Deli HeinzBurg

Deli HeinzBurg is one place to rave about for their amazing brunch, cold cuts, burgers, lunch, dinner, and everything included menu options. Deli HeinzBurg takes a traditional menu and cooks up everything that is anything but traditional. The way they are able to incorporate fresh ingredients of holidays and cultural foods is amazing. 

They break from the cliche sandwiches and burgers, even the drink menu is something amazing. The one thing that Deli HeinzBurg is a true staple for is their dishes that are over the top, literally. They are stacked in a way that makes it impossible to consume with one bite. Eating a sandwich or burger from Deli HeinzBurg involves you to get down and dirty. Break from the fork and knife that they offer you, you need to take a big bite in to get a full blast of flavor that they cook up. This is no place for you to be cute and eat girly.

The most recognizable sandwich from Deli HeinzBurg is the turkey cranberry and cheese sandwich that is piled on top of an amazing bread and bed of salad. You just might have to pull out a knife and fork and consume this as if it was a salad. Nonetheless, it is absolutely amazing in taste, the perfect blend of all things good. In addition to their Thanksgiving holiday sandwich that you can get on any day, their Dracula burger is also to die for. This burger is it's own take on the traditional bacon burger with melted cheese. An addition of onions, lettuce, and a spicy sauce that takes it over the top makes you crave for its juicy goodness. With so much more on the menu, ordering everything from their soups to salads is a recommendation to make. There is just a wide menu that makes you want to go back.

In addition to the amazing food, the drinks are over the top. Served in a mason glass, they offer a selection of ades that are meant to be shared between two. It is the cutest way to promote a date setting and an excuse to get close to your significant other. Although the atmosphere does not call for a date, it is one place that you should take a date. The food is amazing and there is almost always a wait. Locals and foreigners jump on the opportunity to get in line for a seat at Deli HeinzBurg to sample their goodies which range from $10-20. 

Address: 534-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul

Phone: 02-541-8780

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 until you see the Fossil store and take a left into the small block. Deli HeinzBurg will be at the next block on your left, right on the corner with indoor and semi-outdoor seating.

Traditional Korean Eat - Cold Noodles 육쌈냉면

Nangmyeon is a popular traditional Korean eat, especially in the summer time because it is served in a bowl of ice. Although it sounds to be peculiar, it is probably the most refreshing meal that you can have. The best part about nangmyeon is many restaurants serve it in addition to their signature dishes. 

육쌈냉면 is one Korean chain restaurants that is favored among locals for this traditional Korean eat. Because the store focuses on the traditional eat of cold noodles, there is a very basic menu to order from. Most order either the regular or spicy nangmyeon. Each order is served with a marinated BBQ pork without the need to order (unless of course you want a bigger portion). This extremely cheap eat will only set you back $5. SAY WHAAAAT? Five bucks for noodles with BBQ meat? Yes. Because it such a cheap eat, there is almost always a line. Service is usually rather quick since there is a basic menu and customers expect a certain quality of food. 

Restaurant Review - 하동관 Traditional Korean Eat

One of the oldest restaurants, one hidden treasure, can be found in Myeongdong of Seoul. The big shopping area has more to offer than just beauty goods, it's a great place for food as well which includes one of the oldest restaurants this city has to offer. 하동관 opened back in 1939 and has been in business since. their specialty dish for just $10 is 곰탕 which is thinly sliced beef served over a bowl of rice that is embedded in soup. Top with your own greens garnish, add a bit of salt and pepper and you can enjoy this traditional Korean eat. This popular lunch spot closes at 4:30, caters to all of the local business people and tourists that come to get a sample of their goodies. With unlimited soup, kimchi and radish to enjoy with your food, it is the one recommended place to visit for an authentic and generation going lunch. Service is extremely quick because they only have a few number of dishes on their menu. Because it is a quick service get in and get out kind of restaurant, you must pay before getting your dishes to facilitate the speediness and efficiency of the restaurant. 

Address: Jung-gu, Myeongdong-1-ga 10-4 (서울시 중구 명동1가 10-4)

From 명동역 Myeongdong Station on the blue Line 4, take exit 8 and make a left at the first block. Go straight for about 5-6 blocks and the restaurant will be on your right.
From 을지로입구역 Euljiro Ipgu Station on the green Line 2, take exit 5 and make a right at the second block. Follow the straight path on the left and continue on your left until you see 하동관 on your left with a traditional and black interior.

Korean Traditional Eats - Raw Beef Bibimbap 육회

Koreans are the creators of the bibimbap which is a rice dish topped with meats, vegetables and a spicy sauce mixed to perfection. It can be ordered in a regular bowl or a hot stone which is my ultimate favorite because of the crispy rices. A type of the traditional bibimbap is the raw beef bibimbap 육회 which is the same concept, except the meat is raw. 

The importance of this dish is the meat. It must be marinated a certain way and cut in a certain size and length to be served to perfection. The texture takes some getting used to for someone who has never had raw beef before or likes their steak cooked well. It is suggested for those who are a fan of sashimi, but I have even witnessed individuals who never had raw meat and do not like raw fish to love this dish the first time they have had. Be bold and take that step to try this Korean traditional eat, you will not regret it!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Egg Tarts

Egg tarts are one of my favorite snacks for their flaky exterior and soft interior. A bit on the sweet side, there are a handful of different types which include the classic egg tart, bird nest egg tart, and the Portuguese egg tart which is a creamier version of the snack. 

This Chinese snack is an extremely popular afternoon snack, but it can be consumed at all times during the day. I definitely miss the fresh egg tarts in Hong Kong and Macau which is a lot more tastier than those in New York, but I would love to have one from NY now! It is definitely a Chinese tradition to have an egg tart for afternoon tea.

I sure wish they had this delicious snack in Korea, but the only thing that we can find in a Paris Baguette is similar, but they just don't have that same flaky crust. 

Todays Lunch - Omelet Rice

The omelet rice is basically the Korean vegetable fried rice wrapped in a scrambled egg. This omelet fried rice is usually topped with a red or brown sauce depending on the restaurant you eat at. It differs between ketchup and something along the lines of a BBQ sauce. The omelet fried rice is definitely a cheap eat in Korea ranging from $4-6 American equivalent. It is a satisfying lunch for the filling rice and satisfying price.

Today's Lunch - Katsuhama

Being as indecisive as I am for lunch, I had a friend recommend sushi for me. The first thing I thought of was Katsuhama, a restaurant that I had with a friend a while back. I remember there was sushi in front, ready to be picked up so I thought it would be the best selection for today's lunch. Upon my arrival, there was so many luxurious selections, I chose to give up on bland sushi. I picked up the Buta Kimchi Don which is Stir-Fried Pork and Kimchi over rice for $7 plus tax. Over the top, over filling.

There is just enough vegetables for me, two pieces of shumai as a perk. Flavoring is great and once again, I love how I can pop in, pick up what I like and wait two minutes for it to be reheated and walk right out. The only thing is the cash only rule. I run by credit cards!

Today's Lunch - Au Bon Pain

I have been super excited to try out the Au Bon Pain’s new menu for quite a while now. Being that I was under the weather yesterday, I got a little sick and actually threw up everything that I ate. After sleeping ten hours today, I decided today is the day to reward myself with the Lobster Salad Sandwich. Today’s lunch was probably the most expensive at $17 after tax, that I’ve ever had alone, but it was worth every penny!

I’m not going to lie, I was a bit hesitant to try this sandwich since it was priced at $12. When you hear the word salad, most people, like me, will think the sandwich is loaded with vegetables. I was skeptical and worried that it would have a lot of celery, but to my surprise, it was literally a quarter pound of lobster like advertised. Seasoned perfectly, loaded on a croissant, and topped with salad, this sandwich is only around until September 23^rd so I do recommend to give it a try if you’re a lobster lover like I am!

 

Of course every lunch goes well with cookies! I have the ultimate sweet tooth and I absolutely love little cookies so I got suckered in since it was placed right next to the cashier. Ah, the joy of last minute check outs! I wish my pictures look better, my sandwich got squished as it was getting wrapped, but you can see the chunks of lobsters! Yum!

A Solution to Pesticides

My Fruity Lunch

If you follow me on twitter or you're a friend of mine on facebook, you'll recall me complaining about my allergic reaction to the pesticides in fruits last night when I ate a peach and my lips and throat inflated like a bubble! It's such a sad thing when fruits are full of vitamins and is great for the skin. I used to eat fruits without eating dinner and looked forward to the after dinner fruits, though studies now say that it is much healthier to eat fruits before dinner to maximize the absorption of vitamins. I know I am not the only one that has this problem, but I have a solution! Salt water. Salt water not only prevents your fruits (apples, pears) from browning, but it also helps kill the pesticides.

I did a very basic fruit salad today for lunch: one peach, two kiwis, one box of strawberries. I simply washed them and cut the kiwi into halves, peach into fours, and took the tops off the strawberries. Add about a tablespoon of salt to your water and mix before placing fruits in to soak. Be sure to do a little rinse through prior to soaking (just to rinse off that outer later of dirt). Depending on how long you soak your fruits, and how much water you're using, you may want to use less salt because the fruits will soak up all the salt which will leave you with salty fruits. I soaked my fruits for an hour today before cutting them up and placing them in a dish. Of course, the longer you soak your fruits, the better it is, but of course be careful of having salty fruits! For those of you who are not allergic to pesticides, you can simply soak for a few minutes prior to eating to remove another coat of germs. Berries have a tendency to float so if your berries are floating on top and not covered by salt water, add a bowl on top to sink those berries in. If you like your fruits cold like I do, just remember to pop them back in the fridge for a little before eating or keep the bowl over an ice bath.

Normally, I add other fruits to my salad for a party of people but I wanted to keep it simple today. You can use any fruits to your liking, I love to add coconut gels which can be found in jars at the Asian supermarkets. I hate to separate Asian from American, but it is very unlikely that a Pathmark would carry a bottle of coconut gels. Coconut gels give your fruit salad a bit of a texture. It's chewy like tapioca pearls, and doesn't taste like coconut (I'm not a fan of coconut but I love coconut gels). If you like, you can add boiled egg whites to your fruit salad for a bit of protein. A last key ingredient I add to my fruit salads that not a lot of people use is mayonnaise, yeap mayonnaise. It may sound icky, but all you need is a dallop, mix well and you're good to go! If you're a bit hesitant to add this to your big bowl of fruits, try taking a small bowl of fruits and mixing very little mayonnaise to test it out first. 

A very simple lunch today for a healthy diet. Please remember to eat other foods to balance out your diet! Too much fiber is not good for you.