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. 

Restaurant Review - Flying Pan Blue

One of the well recognized brunch locations in Seoul is Flying Pan Blue for the simple fact that they serve brunch all day. With three locations, it makes brunch easy to access anytime during the day, taken to a whole new level in Korea. The menu includes the typical breakfast dishes of eggs, bacon, sausages, and a wide range of carbs that will have your stomach going yonkers. The restaurant has a few other options of pancakes, waffles, toast, salads and more. 

Because the praise is over their brunch, it is recommended to get a serving of brunch. The only problem is some of the dishes are taken away from the more traditional American brunch style and incorporated in with Korean tastes. The ricotta cheese is a lot thicker and nothing like those served back in the States.  Their egg benedict is something that is worth picking up because of the poached eggs and perfect compliment of taste. The pancakes are average on taste, but the dried fig is caramelized and soaked in syrup which can be a little too sweet for most.

The atmosphere is different compared to other restaurants. They offer a long table that is split between guests to enjoy a meal over. The idea of a long table that is much like Le Pain Quotidien in New York which is extremely friendly and weird for many, but definitely a different dining experience in Korea. Because Itaewon is full of foreigners, the concept is a lot more open.  The restaurant seats roughly 20 which makes it hard to get a spot if you're going on a busy day which means the weekends.

Although the prices are rather expensive, on average $17 a place, a lot make a visit to this small cozy restaurant. It is very much like Butterfingers, the foreigner's favorite for American brunch in Korea. Nonetheless, it is still worth making the visit to Flying Pan Blue for a change of taste if you're always going to Butterfingers. Personally, I am not the biggest fan because the basic menu that they offer. Food is not amazingly over the top to pay almost $20 a plate. I sure wish the pancakes were a little more on the burnt end, but it just felt as if things were rushed because there is just so much going on. 

Directions: Take a left immediately after exiting Itaewon station exit 2 on line six and Flying Pan Blue is on your right downstairs into the basement before reaching the end of the street.

Hidden Treasures - The Baker's Table

The Baker's Table
is one place by the Noksapyeong station of Itaewon-Haebangchon area that has all of the foreigners raving. Baking up fresh bread daily, it is the go to place for a handful of bread and pastries that range on the menu. The best part is that this small cozy shack uses their fresh breads in their menu with selections of panini, sandwiches, and breakfast goods that is the most popular option for many.

Incorporating the all American and European breakfast, many of the locals and foreigners visit the Baker's Table. The only problem is the small number of seating that is available which means that it is always packed. For this reason, many locals drop by to have sandwiches and baked goods for takeout. 

In regards to the menu, everything is listed at an affordable and not outrageous price which is how most brunch locations price their foods. There is a lot of rave behind Baker's Table. The only problem is I didn't find much hype behind some of their food. The chicken and cilantro panini seemed to be on a little of the dry end with not so much of a cilantro kick. The bread was definitely on point, but the combination did not do it for me. 

The potato wedges on the other hand is a must order. Fresh potatoes are sliced, coated with seasoning, pan fried, deep fried, and served with a side of salsa. This unique kick definitely offers something different and because it is made fresh, it may take a bit of time to whip up, but definitely worth the wait. 

On average, sandwiches cost $7 and breakfast plasters around $11. Portions are average, but satisfactory for the price. Breads and baked goodies range in price that start at $2. With great combinations and a wide option that does not subject to just the Korean take of bakery items, grabbing a few pieces to go is recommended. Their goods are extremely fluffy and tasty, something that is worth sharing with others. 

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go straight across the street. Walk straight for almost two blocks, past Craftworks and Once Upon a Milkshake and you will see the Baker's Table on your right.

Address: 244-1 Noksapyeong daero Itaewon-dong Yongsan Gu, Seoul, Korea
녹사평 대로 이태원동 용산구 244-1
Phone: 070-7717-3501

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bloom and Goute 블룸 앤 구떼

The concept of Bloom and Goute is a café centered around flowers. It is one of the most famous cafes in Sinsa for a luxurious meal, drinks, and a selection of desserts to enjoy. Bloom and Goute is the one cafe that serves baked goodies, coffee and many other drinks with the amazing aroma of fresh flowers. Bloom and Goute breaks from the traditional coffee shops that center around coffee as a theme. They offer fresh flowers as a view and use them as a center piece for each table. The theme is centered around a garden layout with wired metal bench seating and open windows to enjoy the outside view. 

It is also a place to enjoy food with a simple brunch menu that brings in guests of all kinds. The most common of course, is their drinks and dessert options. Drinks and desserts at Bloom and Goute are a bit pricier than other locations, with an average of $8 a drink, desserts at $6 and special desserts costing over $10 a plate. The café also serves foods for brunch and snacks that can be ordered, but most guests attend for the enjoyment of fully bloomed flowers and their drink selection. 

Because the café is small in location, seating is for an average of two or three guests which usually revolves around couples or a girl’s brunch, tea time. Bloom and Goute may be hard to find since it off of the main street of Garosugil, but it is worth visiting for their outdoor concept indoors. They are recognized for their strawberry cheesecake, but it is nothing like what we are used to in New York. The strawberry cheesecake is made with berries inside the cheesecake which is different, but still good.

The cakes and pastries take a different take on the more traditional tastes by incorporating a variety of flavors as well as infusions. Although it is not the perfect blend of taste and combinations, their drinks are on point. Bloom and Goute serves a strong full-on flavor of teas and coffees that are over the top and worth the splurge. 

Located between the Apgujeong and Sinsa station on the orange line 3, Bloom and Goute is in the hidden back street of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street. It is extremely easy to miss the store because it is deep inside a back street that is hidden by many other stores. The easiest way to get here will be from the Apgujeon station exit 5, straight four blocks and take a left into the back street. After three intersections, Bloom and Goute will be in the middle of the following block on the right.

Address: 545-24 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul
서울 신사동 강남구 545-24 
Phone: 02-545-6659

Restaurant Review - Buccella

Buccella in Sinsa-dong right off of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street in the Apgujeong area is my favorite place to go to for a good sandwich. The most basic sandwich is decked out and paired with a cibatta bread that is absolutely amazing. It takes the sandwich to a whole new level by incorporating the most basic ingredients of fresh vegetables and cold cuts. 

The best part about the sandwiches is that it is paired with a small salad for a measly price of $9 which is no splurge at all. The one recommendation to make is the steak sandwich which has a little more of a salty taste, bringing more flavor to the sandwich that is topped with an over the top mustard. 

It is hands down, one of the best sandwich places in Seoul which you want to avoid during peak hours when traveling with a big group. Because seating is limited, there is almost always a wait. Simply put your name down on the list, shop the Garosu-gil shopping street and you will get phoned when it is your turn in line. 

With two locations in town, be sure to visit one at the very minimum!

Apgujeong address: 534-22 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Phone: 02-334-7334

Hongdae address: 330-19 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Restaurant Review - Stone Wall Brasserie

One of the most famous places in Bundang which is south of Seoul is Jeongja-dong for the street of coffee shops. In addition to having the best coffee shops and outdoor setting, brunch is one recommendation when you are in town served from 10Am to 3PM. Bundang is known to be a quiet residential and family area which is the perfect place to enjoy an outdoor brunch, especially at Stone Wall Brasserie. 

Stone Wall Brasserie is a spacious restaurant that offers outdoor seating to guests to enjoy during a sunny day. The best part is their menu. The brunch menu offers a plate of deliciousness served American style. Everything on the menu is a recommendation, but the one thing that definitely does stand out is Sunday Brunch - the French Toast platter. Served with a slice of french toast made fresh, two eggs, sausage, bacon, and fries are served on a huge plate with the option of a coffee or orange juice. It is an extremely filling meal to have for just $15. 

With friendly service and a menu in English, eating at Stone Wall Brasserie makes life easy. It is particularly hard to get an American breakfast, especially for Sunday brunch, but this is the one place to go. It makes it that much better that you escape the crazy city life in Seoul. Able to enjoy fresh air and family-oriented neighborhoods is one thing that is needed every now and then.

Address: 101 Paragon, 13-1 Jeongja-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-shi, Gyeonggi-do
Telephone: 031-719-1542
Directions: Straight from exit 4 of Jeongja station on the yellow Bundang line. Take a left at Woori Bank and a right at Waffle Bant. Stone wall will be on your right between Paragon 104 and 105 with a stone exterior.

Bottoms Up - Twosome + Coffee

Teddy's Twosome + Studio is an upgrade from A Twosome Place coffee shop that is the place to go for their signature black toast sandwich that looks like burnt toast. For just an average of $5 per menu item of sandwich and coffee, the menu is not limited to just these two delicious choices. The coffee shop offers an open fridge of pre-made sandwiches, soups, salads, yogurts, pastries, and many other desserts that are ready to be picked up and prepped to be served on a plate for your satisfaction. 

Teddy's black toast is served on a plate with melted cheese and heated filling. It is the perfect place to grab a quick and even healthy bite. Themed around music, this cafe differs from the rest with more upbeat music playing at a louder frequency. Promoted by Big Bang, this more urban coffee shop is the place to go to for hip hop and up tempo music, mostly American, to bump to over a cup of coffee or brunch. This urban cafe offers three floors of black and white themed seating as well as an outdoor setting for nice weather. 

It is extremely popular among college students being that is it located right next to Hongik University, but it is also the spot to go to for many tourists as well. Because of the environment, it is a location recommended for grabbing food and or chatting with a friend. This would definitely not be the location to go to if you are trying to get some work done! Located from exit 9 of the Hongdae train station on line 2 (the green), it is located across the street from Nescafe and Starbucks. The easiest, but longer way to get there is to go straight from exit 9 until the light. Take a left and go straight to the end (you'll be facing Hongik Univeristy). Take a left at the light when you see the grey buildings of steel (do not walk past the gates) and the cafe will be on your right. 

There is a second branch in the Garosu-gil shopping area of Sinsa-dong. Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street and you will see Twosome + Coffee on your left within a block's radius. 

Bottoms Up - Chloris Tea & Coffee

Chloris Tea & Coffee is a more traditional looking tea location recommended for brunch. They offer a more tasty and blend of traditional tea in their drinks which is something different than what you find at regular coffee shops in Korea which comes from a tea bag. With so many drinks offered, the most popular is the milk tea selection, which also includes the Milk Tea Snow Blossom which can be shared between two. 

This open window second floor cafe offers food along with their tasty tea and coffee drinks allows you to take in the breeze of the outdoors. It is one of the best places to people watch since it is on one of the busier streets of Hongdae. For a more calmer environment from the overwhelming number of Hongik University students, Chloris Tea & Coffee is definitely the place to go to hide from the loud, busy life.

Straight from exit 9 of Hongik University station, take a left at the light. Pass one intersection and it will be in the middle of the block on your right after Ho Bar and before the Lotteria store.

Address: 마포구 서교동 358-18 (홍대점, 지오다노 2층), 서울특별시

Bottoms Up - VB Cafe

VB Cafe, a healthy cafe in Sinsa-dong of the Garosugil street is the one place to go to for a drink and healthy eats without feeling guilty of a splurge. VB is a cafe on the first floor and a diet lab on the second floor, offering products and services for guests. 

In the VB Cafe, the drinks are all made of healthy ingredients, with the most popular being red ginseng. It is extremely strong and overpowering taste if you are not a fan of ginseng, I do not suggest going for it. The VB fruitade is a suggested drink that is recommended for anyone looking for a cool refreshing drink. 

The best part is the healthy desserts VB Cafe offers which include a strawberry roll cake and a green tea soy cake. Made of all healthy ingredients and even vegan, VB Cafe is the one place to go to for anyone on a strict diet or looking to maintain beauty.

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the famous Garosu-gil shopping street until you reach the corner where VB cafe is on the left.

Phone Number: 080-023-5454

Bottoms Up - HOW 何友 Tea House

HOW 何友 Tea House is a location that is recognized for their architectural concept. With two floors of seating and a mini garden along with an outdoor patio, it is one of the most recognized locations internationally amongst architects. The concept of the tea house is built around traditional Korean tea with an urban twist. The owner reconstructed a two floor building to create a first floor of traditional Korean sit down tea areas that are separated into rooms for privacy and a second floor of old English inspired seatings with vintage collections of decoration and furniture. The second floor consists of open spacious tables and seatings for guests to enjoy, even a large private room in the back for those who are looking for a private setting. 

The concept of the tea house is based around organic foods and a healthy life style. Although this is not a popular place for lunch, it is a perfect place for brunch, tea time, and even wine enjoyment. The owner customizes a small menu of all organic food, with very simple ingredients to promote healthy eating. This includes both wester (sandwich sets, salads, and cheese platters) and traditional Korean eats like the glutinous rice 찹쌀. It is the perfect place for a relaxing talk with friends, even a date setting.

Removing your shoes upon entrance is a must to keep the facility clean and it is a way to maintain traditional Korean concept of no shoes in the house. They provide guests with slippers for the outdoor patio if needed to be used. This outdoor patio is constructed as a place to enjoy the view of plants and flowers, with window panes that shines light into the second floor during the day. There is also an outdoor location for those guests who are looking to enjoy a smoke. 

Although this is a hidden location, it is extremely popular among local businessmen and women and those who are looking for more a traditional way to enjoy their time. How Tea promotes a relaxing and healthy diet for all guests, serving radish tea that helps to cleanse the system. They are not only recognized for their architectural efforts, but also the efforts to maintaining good health and service. Staff is extremely friendly and warm in providing their best efforts, making the time at How Tea that much more enjoyable.