Hidden Treasures - 長壽갈비집本家

長壽갈비집本家 is my favorite BBQ place in Korea since the first time I had it. In fact, this was actually the first place I had BBQ when I first came to Korea. Since then, not much as changed about this place. 長壽갈비집本家 has years of tradition which many are oblivious to because it's so hidden off in the streets of Myeongdong. 

The one thing that caught my eye about this restaurant was the fact that there was someone grilling the meat out in front. That smell is honestly, unforgettable. Unlike other BBQ places in Korea where they put it on your grill and leave it as is to cook, there is someone here that cooks every piece to perfection. One order of their beef ribs is $9 which can be a bit pricey for a small amount of meat to some, but trust me when I say it is worth it. 

In addition to their must order BBQ beef ribs, there are other beef entrees that guests can order. They have an extremely small menu, with a sole concentration on beef. All dishes are served with a side of vegetables and jigae to be shared.

With two floors of seating, the restaurant offers a less BBQ congested area because all of the cooking is done in front. Therefore, you leave with the benefit of not smelling like Korean BBQ which happens almost at every other BBQ place. The restaurant caters to foreigners with the menu in English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it easier for guests to order. This is definitely a must visit for all.

Bottoms Up - Mug for Rabbit

This two floor tea and coffee shop in Hongdae has an outdoor seating that is perfect the fall weather for guests to enjoy their cup of tea and a cupcake. With cupcakes and cakes made fresh, it is a perfect match for anyone looking to relax and enjoy. The concept of the coffee shop is "go green" with recyclables in store. In coordination with the concept, they look for ways to promote energy saving techniques.

The drinks are spot on and freshly made. In addition to the drinks, the suggested to order is the carrot cake. There are also a handful of baked goodies and cupcakes that is a vanilla based cupcake topped with a cream icing. It is not as sweet as other cupcakes so it is definitely suggested for those who are looking for something on the less sweeter side, especially if you are counting calories.

Drinks and cupcakes are a bit costly compared to other coffee shops, but it is worth it to lounge out in their open area. With drinks at an average of $6.50 and cupcakes for $5, it is a must try for anyone who is in the area. There is a set menu which combines dessert and drinks for a cheaper price which is suggested for anyone who is here on a weekday. There are also two other locations in Sinsa, Gangnam for those who are a bit far from Hongdae. 

Hidden Treasures - Casablanca

Casablanca is probably hands down, the best joint in Seoul. This hidden treasure is the one recommendation to anyone for a special meal that is not only cheap, but delicious. What is there to know? You're paying $4-5 for a Moroccan sandwich that is made fresh from scratch, including the bread. Baked fresh everyday, the small restaurant opens at 5PM and closes when the bread sells out. Exactly that, the bread sells out as early as 8pm. 

The two brothers bake up a fresh crispy and flaky bread on the exterior and soft and fluffy on the interior. The fresh bread helps to accentuate the taste of the sandwich that is made with maokooda (a special spiced fried potato patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, olive, and pickles). Although the restaurant is known for their chicken sandwich, the lamb chili is the one recommendation to be made. If possible, buying the bread should be an option, but too bad it's not. 

It is totally worth it to make a travel up a hill just to grab a sandwich from the two brothers. Although the restaurant is extremely small in size, they try to serve up the goodies as fast as possible and take out is the way to go if there is no seats available. In addition to the amazing sandwiches, there is a small menu of cheap goodies which includes side salad and a small soup. This quick stop restaurant is the place to go to grab a bite and be on your way for drinks elsewhere in Itaewon.

From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go all the way up and after a long 5 minute walk, you will see an international market on your left. Past the market, you will see Casablanca on your left. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Ann House (앤하우스)

One of the cutest doll house cafes in Korea is Ann House. There are a few locations which includes the famous Gangnam and Hongdae spots. Attracted by the name and cafe house, I paid a visit to the Gangnam Ann House where there are separate rooms for visitors to enjoy their coffee, tea, dessert, and other goodies.

It is a perfect place to have a romantic date setting for one on ones, but it is also the best place for a girl's brunch or regular catch up. This pink doll house is accompanied by a bunch of good eats which include the Ann House Special Parfait, a handful of their smoothies, and a popular Korean eat of the cereal cookie. The Ann House Special Parfait may be a bit unique for many because it consists of ice cream, whipped cream, cookies, cereal, ice, topped off with a tangy cider-like drink. It was quite the touch, nothing like a parfait, so I wouldn't quite suggest this for foreigners. 

With a wide selection of drinks to choose from, pair it up with their free waffles and breads and you will find yourself sitting there the whole day chatting away. I am a big fan of privacy so Ann's House is a must visit in my opinion. Plus, the decor will have any woman taken away from reality for a second and mesmerized to be in a doll house. Tea time has never been so fun for an adult.

Korean Traditional Eats - 닭갈비

One of my favorite chains across Korea that cooks your food at the table is 유가네's 닭갈비. The concept is to share a large pan of Dak Galbi (chicken) between a group of friends. The extra things like ramen, noodles, rice, rice cakes and such can be added in for an additional price. The signature chicken is cooked with a bed of vegetables that include potatoes, scallion and cabbage. Quite frankly, the first time I had this dish I couldn't eat too much of it because it was ridiculously spicy but since then, I have been able to down a good portion of this meal. Regardless of how spicy it was, it was too delicious not to eat.

My first time at 유가네, I had the signature chicken with rice cake and ramen. Since then, I have gone back a few times and tried out a variety of other types which include a regular fried rice and a cheese fried rice which I hands down recommend. There's just something about fried rice, chicken, and cheese that is just too good to give up. There is also the sweet potato rice cake, cheese dduk that I ordered to try and it is a bit weird being that is a rice cake filled with sweet potato but I actually enjoyed it a lot. 

The best part about this meal in addition to the dish is probably the cheap alcohol that you can consume which includes beer and soju. The restaurant is a chill environment to hang out and have a few drinks with a bunch of friends. Best part about doing so is that you continue to munch on the delicious foods that is still heated within arms reach. 유가네 can be found all across Seoul, especially in tourist areas which include Myeongdong, Gangnam, Hongdae and many other locations. Because it is a chain restaurant, there is an English menu for you to order from! Then again, you can't go wrong with pointing at anything on the menu because this one of the few restaurants that I will eat anything from the menu! I have visited a number of locations across Seoul which shows how awesome this restaurant and dish is.

Bottoms Up - Adults Capri Sun

Depending on the area of Seoul you are in, you can have an adult's version of Capri Sun for an average of $6 that is made from alcohol in a little street tiki or van vendor. The cheapest I have seen this drink get sold for is $1.80, but of course there was very little alcohol in it, it tasted a lot like a regular capri sun. I do suggest giving it a try for its cute packaging as well as its look because let me tell you, this thing is delicious. I suggest the Sexy Mild which is a blue drink made with the famous Asian yogurt drink which makes this alcoholic beverage absolutely tasty! You can find it all around town in locations like Gangnam, Hongdae, Itaewon, and probably a handful of others as well. It's definitely adult's fun to have alcohol served in a capri sun look a like.

Restaurant Review - Saffron Restaurant

The Saffron Restaurant in Myeongdong, is one of the high end restaurants for Middle Eastern foods with prices for appetizers that are on average eight dollars and entrees for twenty. Although this restaurant is located in what looks to be a corporate building, it is one of the decent priced restaurants. The fancy interior composes of elegant throne chairs that serves as a royal setting.

A few of the must order dishes at the Saffron Restaurant include their hummus, naam bread, falafel, palak paneer, and the pot rice which includes chicken or shrimp that is mixed in with vegetables and topped with a thin bread that is ovened fresh. The dishes are so good, it may have you licking the plate. The food comes out fresh and steaming hot, I will definitely go back again for the good service and great foods.

In addition to food, the Saffron Restaurant also carries hookah sets for customers. I did not try the hookah, but it is sitting around ready to be served, especially for businessmen that eat in the restaurant.

Address: 59-5 Myeondong 1(il)-ga, Jung gu, Seoul, South Korea
Phone: 02-6361-8644
The restaurant is located on the first floor of the Ibis Hotel (SK Myeondong building) which is a straight walk from Euljiro 1-ga tration station from ine 2 exit 6. Take a left at the third block and you'll see a sign for the restaurant on your right.

Street Food Yum - Sweet and Spicy Chicken Nugget

These chicken nugget poppers are one of  my favorite cheap eats on the streets. Depending on the vendor, some may serve a tatter-tot that looks exactly the same so be sure to ask. I am in love with the sweet and a hint of spicy sauce that pretty much makes everything delicious. 

For just $2 a stick, sometimes cheaper, this cheap eat helps to fill up your stomach and keep you on the go, especially a night out or even a day of shopping. You can find these street food vendors all around town, even outside of the tourist attraction areas as well. But of course, no tourist attraction like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Itaewon, Gangnam, Insadong, and the many others will be a tourist attraction without one of these poppers!

Street Food Yum - Special Burgers

In the big tourist attractions of Seoul, which include Itaewon and Gangnam, there are the street food yums of Korean burgers. Why label it as a Korean burger and not a regular burger? These burgers put a twist to the traditional American burger.

For the stand in Itaewon, there is the special burger that includes the classic meat, lettuce, onion, and tomato but this burger is topped with an egg. As for the one in Gangnam, the patty is homemade and it sure is something special. This beef patty is actually stuffed with dukkboki, the Korean rice cake. For those of you who are looking for a regular burger to get that home good feeling, this is definitely not it.

Regardless of the reason that you are chowing down a burger from McDonalds or Burger King, Korea marks its staple with the traditional American burger and it is something to get used to. The best part is these special burgers help to satisfy those late night munchies!

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

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

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Casse Crouje Icecream

One of the most popular tourist spots in Myeongdong is the Casse Croje's one foot ice cream. There is usually a long line for just $1.50 cone which is definitely worth it. You can choose between two flavors of a chocolate vanilla swirl or the strawberry yogurt swirl. Compared to American ice cream, it is not as sweet and strong of a taste like those back at home, but it is absolutely delicious and cheap, worth the price! This one foot ice cream cone has all the tourists and locals waiting on line, just to show how much of a value and tasty it is!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Mochi Made from Honey Kkultaraeyeot 꿀타래

When shopping in Dong Dae Mun in Seoul, I made a street food yum that I could not help but to record. The traditional Korean Court Cake of the name Kkultarae 꿀타래 is also known as Yongsuyeom takes a hard chunk of honey and putting a hole in the honey, it is slowly stretched and powdered with corn starch constantly until becoming sixteen thousand three hundred and four thin strands of honey. 

These strands are then sliced and stuffed with regular sesame, black sesame, and sugar. Combined, it is the ultimate sweet tooth satisfaction. It is amazing how the strands of honey melts in your mouth, leading you to the inner stuffings. For just $5, you receive a pretty box of 8. It is probably one of the best inventions I have found in Korea yet! You can probably even pick up a box for yourself, only if you are able to understand Korean by visiting the Se Jong Food website. When eating, be sure to pop them out from the bottom rather than lifting it out of the container. You can find these little carts all around popular areas of Seoul like Myeongdong and Insadong, but each have their own unique filling which are relatively similar. 

Restaurant Review - Cornerstone Restaurant at the Park Hyatt Seoul

The Cornerstone Restaurant in Park Hyatt in COEX area, Seoul is a high class restaurant that welcomes those of all ages, even a family for weekend brunch. The elegant restaurant is a place that is a mix of a buffet style as well as a sit down restaurant.

Once seated, you are provided with a menu that includes drinks and a choice of three main course platters that is served as family style to the table. There is the choice of Assorted Grilled Meats, Assorted Grilled Seafoods, and the Home Made Pasta. In addition to the main course, there are a number of side dishes that are served alongside which include a broccoli pasta, tomato soup, egg soufflé, seafood mix and many others.

The buffet style serves a variety of dishes which includes salad, bread, meats, seafood, pastas, and a wide selection of desserts. The one thing I do not recommend is to bring a cake when celebrating because the restaurant does not allow for outside foods (in case of food poisoning). The regulation is understanding, but they are not considerate to the fact that customers will take responsibility for what they consume, not served by the restaurant.

Overall, I recommend the restaurant for those who are looking for something on the high end, $80 per person. The food is absolutely delicious and it is worth the price for the food you get, especially if you are a seafood consumer. 

Todays Lunch - Vecchia & Nuovo

A two floor classy and elegant brunch place in Gangnam, central Seoul, that brings me back home for a moment. Vecchia & Nuovo is an upscale and pricey place for a brunch, but the food and drinks are amazing! For those who are willing to pay $11 for a drink, and $22 for a kid sized meal that brings you back home, this is the place to go. Although the prices may be way too expensive, the quality of the food makes up for the prices. These dishes can be paired with those dishes in American restaurants for the good quality food. Also remember, there is no need for tips in Korea, another plus to eat out!

I apologize on skipping out on the photos for lunch, it was too much of a high class place that I did not want to seem like a tourist. For my lunch, I ordered the Earl Grey Tea Boba (everyone knows that I left America crying about not being able to have bubble tea again). I am grateful there was bubble tea here, even though it wasn't as great, it definitely hit the spot for me. 

As for my main course, I ordered the chicken penne pasta with parmesan cheese, definitely bought me back home for a second. Keep in mind these dishes are expensive because pasta is expensive in Korea as well! For those who are craving sandwiches, they bake their bread on the premises which ensures good quality. I took a bite of the curry chicken sandwich, and it was delicious! There is also the hot chocolate that is rich in flavor and topped with a heart shape steam milk creation, like those in cappuccinos. 

Lastly, a must have was the cheesecake. Who am I to not go for dessert! Most cheesecakes in Korea are not like those back home, made of pounds and pounds of cream cheese. In fact, cheesecake in Korea contains a bit of cakey texture, which takes out the wow factor. Because I ordered the regular cheesecake topped with a berry sauce, I was amazed at the quality of the cheesecake. It is measurable to those back at home that I pay a lot for. Therefore, the must have from Vecchia & Nuovo is the Oreo cheesecake, which I had to get one to go. Hopefully this $15 cheesecake that is the size of my hand will keep me content until my next discovery of American comfort foods!