Restaurant Review - Shy Bana

Shy Bana is the one restaurant in Seoul that's been around since 1997 offering Southern Comfort food that is actually pretty amazing. Their motto is "Eat Today Diet Tomorrow!" which is probably the story of my life as well! Shy Bana is probably the the closest you get to Soul Food with the traditional eats of biscuits and gravy, fried steak, Jambalaya, steak tips soaked in applesauce, grilled pork chops, and amazing vegetables. With so much to choose on the menu, finding the right option might be a little difficult.

For starters, two pieces of biscuits and gravy costs almost five bucks, but the biscuit is baked up fresh. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, it actually melts in your mouth. The golden texture allows for the biscuit to break apart which you can drown in the gravy sauce that some actually love and dunk practically everything in, but I am personally not a big fan of only because I was never a fan of white sauces to begin with. The gravy is extremely creamy, a little too milky for my tastes but it is a great dipping sauce, just not too much.

On the flip side, their entrees are something that must be raved about. They have speciality dishes depending on what's fresh. The grilled pork steak served with a side of mashed potatoes and coleslaw is one of the must raves about. Marinated to perfection and grilled where it is cooked evenly, the pork steaks are served with an amazing mouth watering mashed potatoes. With chunks inside and melted cheese, it is something to die for, a must order.

Another dish that is worth visiting Shy Bana for is the pork chop steak that is topped with applesauce. Yeah, applesauce. Chunks of pork are sliced and topped with a sauce that compliments the meat extremely well. This sweet tangy drizzle is dripped over steak that is cooked to perfection and served on a hot sizzling pan which keeps the meat tender and warm. Paired with a side of crispy vegetables, it is the ultimate reminder of American home cooked meal that hits the spot.

In addition to the chopped steak, a famous Souther comfort food is country fried steak, also known as fried chicken steak for the reason that it is deep fried batter. This country fried steak is topped with the same gravy served with their biscuits, but also with a side of tomato sauced rice. This is definitely the staple of Southern comfort food. The very last thing on the menu that brings me back is the Jambalaya. This seafood mix is served in a hot sizzling pan and topped with chunks of hot dog as well. Although this doesn't quite taste like the traditional Jambalaya, it is something that satisfies the cravings for the time being. 

Dishes at Shy Bana may be a little small in size in regards to Southern Comfort food, but it is filling for the Korean taste buds. Dishes range from $15 to $20 which is a little pricey for a home cooked meal. Nonetheless, it is a temporary satisfaction and I will revisit for the different steaks they have. With six branches in town, finding good food is not too far away. Ordering is made easy with an English menu that is broken down into different options.

Address to Garosu-gil Branch: 525-23 Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-Dong, Seoul

서울시 강남구 신사동 525-23

Phone Number: 02-545-4281

서래마을, 강남역, 광화문, 청주, 판교

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. 

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!