Restaurant Review - KO Cafe Gome Home

KO - Cafe Gome Home is probably one of my favorite healthy Korean locations in Itaewon. Their mottos is "Korean Healthy Food, Served Fast" which they live up to. They offer a whole new take on incorporating traditional Korean eats of bibimbap which allows you to choose the topping of bulgolgi (thinly sliced meat), chicken breast, of tofu and the best option for those who cannot tolerate the spicy kick of traditional chili paste, you can also choose the alternative sauces of sour spicy chili paste and  lemon soy sauce that is not spicy at all.

They also serve up simple rice dishes, glass noodles, porridges, soups, and even dishes paired with salads and other types of meat.  There is also a Korean-American fusion of salads which allows for you to decide on your own dressing of ginseng, perilla seeds, Korean raspberry or say sauce and olive oil. They have a small selection of sandwiches and traditional Korean desserts that are in the shape of a hexagon called 고메홈육각과자 which you can also pair with ice cream. They offer a handful of combos and specials that won't set you back too much and is perfect to share between two. 

The one recommendation to make to go for their drinks option. They offer a wide selection that beats the cliche coffee drinks, catering around healthy options. There are oriental teas that can be ordered hot or cold to your liking, along with a handful of herbal teas. In addition to this, they have fresh juice and smoothies that are made from real fruits. They have a seasonal menu that is probably one of the best, using fresh fruits and even incorporating vegetables and other healthy options. It is extremely difficult to find fruit and vegetable smoothies in Korea, but this is the place to go! 

For those looking for booze with their meal any time of the day, there is a small selection of alcoholic beverages which includes wine and beer. KO Cafe Gome is a great place for healthy choices that won't have you budging too much. The prices are extremely acceptable and it is a friendly environment, not too loud at all. 

Hidden Treasures - Tu CAN

Tu CAN is a small restaurant in Noksapyeong known for their chicken and chips combo. With a limited menu of jerk chicken and orange chicken, the main entrée is sided with salads, rice, and other delicious goodies. With a small menu, the must order is the chicken where you can share half a chicken between two. The more popular order is the jerk chicken that is served with a barbecue sauce and a ton of herbs spiced into the chicken. The orange chicken is served with an orange sauce and the chicken topped with fried garlic slices.

The two differ in taste and varies on customer’s taste. Personally, the jerk chicken at Tu CAN is more favorable because of the sauce that is served with. Nonetheless, both chicken are baked up the same way, slowly oven roasted and not dry at all. Because the chicken is small in size, it is able to obtain its juices and bring in the crowd. Served with a bed of freshly deep fried potato chips and its own sauce that is recommended to be dipped with the chicken, Tu CAN is a must visit.

Aside from good taste, the price of this chicken is extremely affordable and welcoming. Chickens are priced at just $12 for half and $22 for two halves of both the jerk and the orange. In addition to the chicken, they serve Mango Salad for just $10, a side of rice and beans for $3 and a handful of drinks that range in price. The recommended is the naranja con leche, fresh orange juice and milk which is a great combo for the meal. They also have caipirinhas, mojitos, pina coladas and more!

This extremely small restaurant seats roughly 20 guests at one time, but it is constantly packed with people who are peeping in to get a seat. This spot is famous among the Koreans as well as foreigners which goes to rave about the food at Tu CAN. That and it’s pretty impossible to find jerk chicken, a Caribbean and Brazilian cuisine in Korea. Their bright colored décor is extremely welcoming for a group of friends to enjoy a great meal. Just keep in mind the wait time for a chicken to cook up if they run out!

Address: 658 Itaewon 2-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

용산구 이태원2동 658

Phone: 02-749-9966

Directions: Take exit 2 from Noksapyeong station and go straight until you see a green underpass that takes you across the street on the right. Take the underpass and exit on the left when reaching the exit. Cross the street to the other side and take a right. Tu CAN will be on your left with a few steps going up.

Restaurant Review - Pizzaria D’Buzza

Pizzaria D'Buzza is one of the most popular pizza restaurants in Seoul. Known for their wood oven that bakes up the pizza to perfection with a purposely burnt crust, many rave about the restaurant. It is popular among locals and foreigners who know a good pizza. Because it is such a legendary place for pizza, plan to always wait for seating in the restaurant. With a new smaller spot in the Galleria shopping complex of Apgujeong, getting a sample of this good eat is not as hard as it was before.

The must orders are the Margherita con Bufala, Diavola con Olive Nere, and even their calzones if your stomach can hold up to it. Using fresh ingredients, they satisfy the palates of many with a thin crust pizza. 

Address to the original Itaewon location:서울 용산구 한남동 743-33 1층 Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam Dong 743-33 First floor Phone: 02-794-9474 
Address to the second Itaewon location: 서울 용산구 한남동 740-1 3층 Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam Dong  740-1 Third floor Phone: 02-795-9474 
Address to the Apgujeong Galleria location:서울 강남구 압구정동 494 갤러리아 서관 지하 1층 Seoul Gangnam-gu Apgujeong-dong 494 Galleria First floor food court Phone: 02-6905-3905 

Hidden Treasures - Crow's Nest

Crow's Nest of Itaewon is the one pizza place that is a must visit for anyone in Korea. Note to anyone going to Crow's Nest, go as a group. Why? Because the must order at Crow's Nest is the 28 inch pizza, the biggest offered. A group is definitely needed to finish this huge pizza in size. There are three toppings that can be ordered with the special 28 inch pizza, but the other smaller options of a 20 and 16 inch is considered still too big for a small group as well. 

The hype behind Crow's Nest is definitely for the size of their pizzas. Although it is popular among many, the pizzas are actually just regular in taste. They average in price of $16 to $30, with the exception of the 28 inch which costs about $60. In addition to the pizzas that they offer, you can simply add your own toppings for an additional $3 per topping. With a handful of other delicious foods that include pastas, seafood, salads, and more, there is a lot to choose from in the menu that range from $10 to $20. One thing that is recommended from the appetizers section is their calamari. They do it up just like back at home with legs and rings battered and deep fried, served with a marina sauce that is thick to taste. Crow's Nest also offers a lunch special and takeout discounts for anyone who is looking for smaller portions and other goodies to enjoy. 

Photos really do no justice for how big the pizza is and it is definitely a surprise to the staff when guests order a 28 inch. Even with a group of five starving girls, we had to call for backup. This meant two extra guys to come and help! 

Pizzas and foods are cooked up rather quickly, unless it is a packed house of course. It is recommended to go to enjoy with a group of friends or if you are looking to satisfy a quick pizza craving. This is not a date setting because of the cuisine and atmosphere at Crow's Pizza. Nonetheless, there is a nice outdoor patio area for guests to utilize as well. 

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon 1(il)-dong, 112-2

서울 용산구 이태원동 112-2
Phone: 02-749-7888
Directions: Take exit two of the Itaewon Station Exit and take the first left at the street. Make a right on the next street and Crow's Nest will be on your left on the second floor within 30 meters. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Tartine Bakery & Cafe

In a little hidden street alley of Itaewon, which is an area known as the foreigner's spot, has a tiny bakery and cafe called Tartine in Seoul, Korea. This very small and cozy spot has palm size pies and tarts that are absolutely delicious. In addition to the pies, there is also cookies, cheesecake, dessert squares and actually cakes. Because the popularity of Tartine, there is actually three locations to sit and they are directly across from one another.

I definitely recommend the cafe for their tarts. Do not get any of the other desserts because it's just not the same. Desserts vary from day to day so you may or may not be able to find the same items on the menu, but a definite recommendation is the dark hot chocolate, nanaimo bar, the key lime pie, and the banana cream pie which are usually available on the weekends. Tartine is known for their tarts and it should stay that way. The cheesecakes taste nothing like a New York style cheesecake and the brownie is just layered with cream.

When in the store, be sure to order their drinks as well. They have a wide selection of drinks that incorporate a handful of flavors that beats the cliche coffees. You'll be in for a pleasant surprise because mine included an actual blackberry at the bottom. One of the best things about Tartine is the service. On every fifth visit, you are able to score a free treat just for being a wonderful customer.

For just $2.70 single cookies to $7.50 for a palm size pie, it helps to satisfy any dessert cravings. Tartine is known for their pies, cookies, cheesecakes (the Korean style which is half cheesecake texture, half fluffy cake texture), butter tarts, rhubarb pies, chocolate taste, nanaimo bars and other special orders. Next time you're in the area, be sure to stop by and pick up one of these goodies! They can be found all around Seoul, including many of the department stores due to the popularity and high demand for the goods. For those of you who are looking to sample the real thing, definitely visit the store in Itaewon.

Address: 119-15 Itaewon Yongsan-Gu Seoul
용산구 이태원 119-15
Phone: 02-3785-3400