Restaurant Review - Sushi Palace

Sushi Palace is one place that is popular for all who are able to fill a belly with an unlimited amount of food. The concept is simple: all you can eat Japanese. This beats out all the Japanese restaurants that have all you can eat sushi. Such restaurants limit their choices to just sashimi and sushi rolls, but Sushi Palace breaks from the concept. 

They support the title of all you can eat by providing all you can eat everything from appetizers to sashimi to sushi rolls to dessert! Yes, all you can eat everything. The best part about Sushi Palace is the simple fact that they make it fresh as you order. This definitely tops all the other all you can eat restaurants that keep the dishes out for quite a while, maybe even overnight! Sushi Palace ensures that food is fresh which is crucial for those raw items. 

Story of My Life - Spoiled By Korea

What better way to update you and compare the life of Korea to that back in New York than a post on how I am spoiled by Korea. Trust me, reading this just may give you the urge to travel the sea!

1. Food. Number one on my list is always food. So what makes Korea's food so special? There's always a side dish that is FREE. Banchan 반찬 is a side dish paired with your meal, Anju 안주 is that paired when drinking. This includes the famous kimchi which is the number one banchan, but you can't drink without some awesome anju that practically keeps coming. This brings me to number two:
2. Service. The exactly translation of the word service is customer service. Koreans take customer service to a whole new level. What does this mean? Free food with your order, free ice cream at karaoke, extra time at karaoke, free drinks at the bar or with your meal, free products which includes masks and random gadgets, free anything they can give you. How does service work? Simply dine in, drink, and shop at their store. They will throw everything they can at you for free and you'll know this when they say "service." 
3. Service by clicking a button. Having trouble getting the attention of your waiter? Looking like a fool waving down your waiter? No problem in Korea. Simply click a button that rings a bell (sounds like a door bell most of the time) with flashing light on a screen by the cashier that brings to the attention of ANY and every waiter who will attend to you within seconds. 
4. More service. Clicking buttons to get other's attention. How about sitting around and waiting your turn instead of standing in line? When going to a bank, cell phone store, post office, and anywhere that requires a long wait has never been so relaxing than in Korea. Upon entrance, there is someone with a banner across their chest asking you what service you need. He or she then clicks a button and you will receive a paper with a number. Sit around, watch some television, enjoy a cup of coffee and wait until your number is called. Talk about "service" on drinks and not losing your place in line if you have to go bathroom.
5. Customer service. Customer service in Korea is amazing. They're always willing to help you find a size, give you their opinion, and best of all, there's no judgement. Since I have been in Korea, I have only met one sales representative with an attitude. Back in the states, we meet cranky people all day, but not here in Korea. They are always willing to help to the best of their abilities, with a smile and feel horrible when they cannot help.
6. Free Wifi. NY and most of the world definitely needs to catch up with this. Wifi is almost everywhere, not just in big department stores. This includes train stations, coffee shops (free or with a purchase) and even in the streets! Can't beat getting lost or running out of data and needing to connect to wifi in a foreign country for free.
7. Computers in the streets. Say what? Yes. There are computers in the streets of Gangnam; these computers are also in the train stations for you to find your way through the city. They also allow for you to search for POI close by, and even browse the internet as you wait for a friend. Better yet, they have a webcam so you can take a photo, design it, and send it to yourself. Some of these computers are even equipped with chargers so you can charge your phone and other electronics. 
8. Upgraded train stations. The technology in Korea is amazing which makes taking the subway easy. Train stations have computers that tell you how far your train is based on how many stop away it is (up to about 3), when is the following train is coming, and a melody that alerts you that your train is arriving. More updated trains have a light that signal the direction, alert you of the current stop, next stop, and following stops the train will make. The pronunciation of stops in different languages, and the most basic of what cart and door you are in front of to make meeting a friend on the train easy (the number on the floor and on the outside of the train doors).
9. Never miss a bus. Just like the trains when you know when the next bus is coming, there is a screen that tells you how far away your bus is. It also shows what bus is coming and the best part is you never have to miss a bus. Why? Because technology allows for you to listen to the number of the approaching bus so you don't have to squint your eyes to search for your bus. This definitely comes handy in the middle of the night. 
10. Bathrooms are everywhere. There are bathrooms in all buildings and most importantly, in the train station. These bathrooms are constantly cleaned, fully stocked, and open to everyone for use. This beats the dirty MTA bathrooms if that is even an option. 
11. Lockers. I think everyone underestimates the value of lockers being everywhere until you travel or shop a lot. Train stations and department stores have lockers for the simple fact that people do not have to carry their things with them everywhere they go. It can be a fuss to carry things that you need at night with you during a day of shopping so the convenient of a locker does help to eliminate the trouble. One time use, NY should definitely consider making some space for this.
12. Automatic doors. The best part about going into a restaurant and any store in general is the automatic doors. They're practically everywhere in Korea and if they're not automatic, all you have to do is press a button and slip right in. Amazing for those who are extremely lazy and have no idea which way to push a door.
13. More gadgets. Electronic vibration alerts are used in the states only when you wait an hour plus for a seat at your local Applebees or other chain restaurants. In Korea, these electronic alerts are used in coffee shops. The disgrace of American technology is the fact that some of these gadgets even have  a television built in. Nothing like watching some TV while you wait for your coffee to be brewed at Dunkin' Donuts. This definitely beats being crowded around the bar area as you wait for the barista at Starbucks to scream out your name or fight over a drink with someone who has the same order as you. 
14. Rainy days. Ever have to deal with wet floors or having to throw your umbrella in a bucket by the door, knowing there may be a chance that someone will take it? Almost every store (shopping places, restaurants, coffee shops) will have a funny looking stand with plastic bags upon entrance when it rains. What is this for? For you to put your wet umbrella in, preventing wet floors, promoting safety, and allows you to carry your umbrella where ever you go. On the way out, simply remove and throw your plastic bag in their garbage bin next to the exit. 
15. 24 hour BANGS. No, not a bang, a 방 which a room for a variety of things to do, at any hour of the day. Study rooms. Okay so this may not be the best place on your mind, but it beats a 24 hour Starbucks with people talking when you want peace and quiet to study. 24 hour fun of eating, drinking may be your style. Noraebang (kareoke), PC bang (computer games), DVD bang (movies), Multi bang (for electronics and game systems) and even a Jjimjilbang (shower rooms which also provides you with the option of sleeping overnight for an extremely low price-totally beats sleeping at a hotel when you're on a budget or can't find a place to stay before the trains start to run). 
16. Lastly, amazingly nice people. Coming from NY, having your guard up always is the number one thing. Korea is full of friendly people so letting my guard down is acceptable. Why? Because only in Korea (with an exception of some) will you find people who will return your wallet and cell phone to you without any missing items. Only in Korea would you be able to trust the directions and even get into a stranger's car (I did a few times). Be wise about it, but the moral of the story is that it is okay to open up to others.

Stay tuned for a second part of Spoiled by Korea as a tempt to come and visit!

Story of My Life - New Jersey

So being back in Jersey City was definitely breathtaking. I got to see the snow fall where my family still lives after all these years, walk along the Hudson where our house hovers and breathe the air that I longed for this past year in Korea. There have been many changes to the area, mostly upgrades, but the best part is being able to still find the same spots that I longed for since moving to Korea.

One of my ultimate favorite breakfast spots is Wonder Bagels, on Sip Ave, but of course there's one right by my house on 440 and Danforth now. Wonder Bagels bakes up the freshest breads and pastries to be served everyday. They cater to a pool of workers and attract the noses and taste buds of all ages. Nothing explains the texture and smell of the classic bagel with cream cheese at Wonder Bagels! Everyone knows how hard it is to get a good bagel in Korea so being able to get an EVERYTHING bagel was amazing. Toasted with cream cheese to perfection.

In addition to great bagels, Filipino food in Jersey City is amazing. The food is literally just home cooked with different dishes everyday at my two favorite places: The Philippine Bread House by Dickinson High School on Newark Ave and Rowena's on West Side Ave. There is just so much to choose from with fresh breads, BBQ skewers, and of course stewed goodies.

Another well recognized location in the are is Carlo's Bakery in Hoboken. Carlo's Bakery always has a line for the famous fourth generation baker, Buddy on Cake Boss of TLC. Recognized for his funny goofy attitude and great Italian pastries, locals and tourists wait on lines that can be two blocks long just to sample his deliciousness.

Being back home meant that I had to take a visit to Rutgers, where a lot of memories of food are held. If you are familiar with the area, the number one thing that stands out to you is fat sandwiches from the Grease Trucks. Of course, there are a ton of Grease Trucks now, but nothing beats the original RU Hungry? That is the one place to get a fat sandwich (sandwich stuffed with all sorts of fried goodies and topped with a sauce) from. I am definitely considering bringing this concept to Korea just because it is AMAZING.

A few of the other popular locations in the Rutgers area includes Noodle Gourmet (for Chinese food), Thomas' Sweets (for ice cream and chocolates), and my ultimate favorite, I's Cafe (for bubble tea). Iris makes the best bubble tea in town and is always offering deals and discounts. She beats out the others by mixing all sorts of different teas and flavors together. She's not scared to experiment and is the most friendliest boba bar tender I have met thus far! Nothing beats a quick conversation with a tea specialist that pretty much remembers your favorites, even after all these years of not visiting!

One last location in the Jersey area that is worth mentioning is Sushi Palace, an all you can eat sushi buffet. The difference of this sushi buffet compared to others is that they allow you to order everything fresh rather having it sit out for a while. The best part is that Sushi Palace does not limit that things that you can order. Most all you can eat sushi restaurants only allows for you to order an unlimited amount of sushi, but Sushi Palace includes appetizers, sushi, sashimi, and desserts! Nothing beats a full-on unlimited amount of Japanese food.

Although many may not be a fan of the Jersey area and don't believe it to be recognized for much, is is one place to take a visit if you are in the New York area for the well-recognized foods and shopping. You sure will be able to save on luxury items because of the difference in tax! I sure stacked up on that prior to coming back to Korea!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Carlos Bakery

Carlo's Bakery of Hoboken, New Jersey, is known for the show Cake Boss on TLC. Furthermore, the Italian bakery has been around since 1970, famous for the freshly baked Italian baked goods and Buddy Valastro, fourth generation baker. 

Carlo's Bakery is a short walk, located two blocks from the Hoboken Path station along the main road of Washington. When walking to the bakery, you can barely miss it because there is practically always a line outside, many times reaching the next block. I definitely got lucky today with just small a line inside the bakery. The best part for locals is being able to skip the line and ordering goods, be sure to have your ID ready to show for though. 

Because there is so much hype behind the bakery, I was definitely excited to try it. I admit the cakes are extremely appealing and looks delicious, but I am a bit disappointed with the taste. I was warned prior to entering the bakery. I decided to take the risk anyway because I was already there and didn't have to wait in line. 

For a bakery in Hoboken, pricing may seem to be a little high, eight bucks for a cupcake, brownie and a cookie. I am definitely a fan of icing on a cupcake, but Carlo's Bakery uses whipped cream, with the exception of beautifully designed cupcakes. I ordered the chocolate peanut butter cupcake which has very minimal peanut butter taste other than the peanut butter cup that is placed on top. I feel that the baked goods are average, but everyone goes because of the hype of the show. I have yet to try the Italian pastries and I highly doubt I will return if there is a line just to try their other baked goods. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sweet Elysium

I’m a big supporter of homemade goodies for sale. Sweet Elysium, currently mastering macarons and cakes, is full of goodies for low prices. I got a box of macarons as a going away present and I am definitely feeling the love. They were so delicious and perfect that I was not willing to share with anyone!

For starters, I am in love with the green tea, sesame, pistachio macarons (very Asian, I know), and the chocolate of course! This is the one thing that I love about the sweet goodies is the originality and creativity behind it. There are just so many flavors to choose from that it is nearly impossible to do so. Sweet Elysium masters small goodies for gift bags and even cakes for small wedding receptions and engagement parties. If I was able to sit there all day and "sample" these goodies, I would!

Those who are interested in picking up these goodies and live in the NJ area, they can be found in a few restaurants and cafes which include I's Cafe in New Brunswick, NJ by Rutgers, and a few restaurants in the NJ area. Please contact Stacy for more information in where her goodies are sold. 

For those who are interested in making orders (soon to be shipped around the world), please contact Stacy at sweetelysium.sg@gmail.com. Mention blog for discounts!