Restaurant Review - Pio Pio

Pio Pio is probably the cheapest place to have Peruvian. The restaurant specializes in all Peruvian goodies for a low cost and extremely filling belly. Their trademark rotisserie chicken is a must order, along with the rice and beans, avocado salad, and plantains. A whole baby chicken is roasted and served whole, maintaining all its juices. Simply pull apart and enjoy the tender meat that easily slices from the bones. 

In addition to the signature chicken, the avocado salad is to die for. Topped with their homemade dressing, it is the perfect way to start and pair with every meal. No Peruvian meal is without rice and beans, but dont fill up on this yum dish. There's just too much more in stored to enjoy, even if the menu is simple. 

Pair your meal with a glass of sangria or even a can of Peruvian soda. Its definitely a different kick that will have your taste buds going. Many order the sangria for an evening buzz, but anything will have your tastebuds going.

Their dishes can be ordered and shared between two, with more to spare. With a few locations across town, the menu is maintained in taste and price which is great for those looking for a delicious cheap eat. It is definitely one place that you'll find a lot of the locals going for because it is a great place for the wallet. The amount of food for the price that it is listed is definitely a no brainer for anyone who is looking for a filling meal. In fact, the meal can be shared a few ways and you probably still won't be able to eat it all!

Restaurant Review - Julio

The perfect place to get your Mexican fix on is Julio's. With a  few locations around Seoul including Gangnam and Jongno, this restaurant even beats out many Spanish restaurants back at home. I am a big fan that they actually have real Coronas for their Bulldogs, it feels good to have a taste of home! 

In addition to the booze, there are a handful of great dishes at Julios which includes their tasty, fresh made quesadilla, burrito, nachos, and enchiladas. Although it is a bit pricey, it is still worth it to have a Mexican fix. Keep in mind that all foreign foods in Korea is pricey, so this is average and extremely worth it!

The best part about Julio's is the mix of foreign music. It's great to take it back a notch and enjoy food over the music that you are familiar with. The best thing about the restaurant is that there is a great mix of foreigners and local, all who enjoy Spanish food. I love the atmosphere and open seating which allows for fresh air and sunlight to penetrate through the restaurant. It takes me back to New York and enjoying food out in the open, definitely a big fan of the restaurant and I do suggest going back. The food and drinks is just too delicious to give up! It is definitely worth spending $8-12 on a dish and a drink respectively. 

Restaurant Review - Mi Casa

An elegant restaurant located in a back alley hidden corner of Itaewon, Korea is one of my favorites for Spanish food. I have been itching to try this restaurant for quite some time now and extremely glad that I was able to not too long ago. Although it is on the pricier end of Korean restaurants to visit, it is a recommended place to go to for a girl's night out as well as a date. 

Because the menu differs from day to day, a few of the dishes that I have and absolutely will recommend is the Pork Soup, Eggplant Tapa, Seafood Paella, and the Rack of Lamb. I also recommend sharing a bottle between a small group of girls or even between two on a date. If you choose not to, there is always the option of grabbing it by the glass or the different cocktails as well. 

As for the food, the Pork Soup is an appetizer to be shared between a minimum of two. It is a great way to start off the meal after the service of bread and spread that is offered. It is best to share between a group of four or more who will have a little over one cup of soup, but between two is reasonable as well. Just save your stomach for the other goodies that are on the way! There is a period of time that you wait before getting your actual foods so it will give your stomach to settle in some of the food and eat later.

After the serving of soup, appetizers follow. I ordered the eggplant tapa which is topped with other vegetables and a fresh thick tomato sauce. It is more like a dish of mixed vegetables rather than saucy eggplant tapa, but it is absolutely delicious. It is definitely enough to share between two, maybe a little too small because it is that good!

As for the main course, I was only able to sample the giant pan of Seafood Paella and the Rack of Lamb. The Rack of Lamb is cooked to your choice, topped with a few asparagus and a side of cranberry sauce that helps the aftertaste. My one recommendation that all guests must have is the Paella though. Served on a blazing hot pan that is fresh from the stove, the Seafood Paella is still steaming hot when it arrives on your table. I like to leave it sitting around for a while to let the rice burn a bit. That crispy texture just gives the dish an extra oomph. Mixed seafood of baby shrimp, clams, tomatoes, beans and other vegetables, it is topped off with three giant shrimps. 

With so much to choose from in the menu, it definitely took me a while to decide. Overall, I am extremely pleased with the restaurant and will go back. The price may scare a few people away because it is on the upscale of Korean restaurants, but it does help to satisfy a few Spanish cravings without sacrificing class. Be sure to stop by Mi Casa off of the Itaewon train station, exit 1. Take a right at the exit into the back street and make a left when you reach the end of the block and go straight. The restaurant will be on your left on the corner.

Address: 119-21 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone: 02-790-0063