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

Restaurant Review - Tomatillo

Tomatillos, the Korean equivalent of the American comfort food of Chipotle, literally. With branches all over Korea, you can get your Chipotle fix in Korea at any time that you want. Although it is not exactly the same as Chipotle, it is the closest you can get with a few exceptions. Nonetheless, it is an all time favorite place of foreigners, locals as well. 

With choices of quesadillas, burritos, tacos, tostadas, sides, desserts, and drinks (this includes alcoholic beverages), the choices may even top Chipotle. There are not many fast food joints in America that serve alcoholic beverages, smoothies, and desserts with your order, but Tomatillos is definitely on it. The popular eats at Tomatillos is the quesadillas and burritos, especially the California burrito. This special burrito is stuffed with french fries in place of rice. Not the traditional burrito, but it doesn't take away from the deliciousness of a burrito. You definitely can't find that at Chipotle! 

A meal at Tomatillos can set you back about ten bucks, but hey, you can't complain for the comfort food in a Korean Chain! For those who are looking for something more filling, you can order your meal as a set where you will be offered a side of rice, beans, nachos with salsa and a drink. 

Restaurant Review - Troika

Hidden in an alley of Itaewon, a Russian restaurant by the name if Troika, serves up some of the more traditional dishes for an extremely low price. Located on the second floor, this small, cozy restaurant may look to be a little sketchy, but it is a must visit for anyone who is looking to have some Russian goods which includes a lot of meat and breads. 

The sampled Russian dishes included, but not limited to: Mazurka beef salad, Kartofels gribami mushroom, Koleta pozharskaya, as well as Russian beer. The twist to the Russian Bajithka beer is the level of the alcohol goes by number. The most popular is number 7 which is definitely recommended, but the 9 is a great darker touch as well. 

Infused with its each flavors, every dish was a perfect blend of taste. The one must try is the chicken and beef entree which incorporates both meats in a meatloaf-like plate. If you're not sure what to order, definitely go with the most popular and recommended because it is extremely delicious. The best part about all of the dishes is the presentation. It definitely makes dining and plating look more appealing which provides an extra bonus in addition to good taste. 

All dishes are made extremely fresh when ordered. You can even see the chef leave the kitchen to grab his fresh ingredients which is located outside of the restaurant. That is definitely a plus in my book! Service is exceptional as well with English, Korean, and of course Russian services. 

Although the most Russians in Korea is not located in Itaewon, it is still one of the most popular places to go to for a sample of the world. Being in Itaewon takes you "out of Korea" with so much English around, you feel as if you are in a different country. It is definitely a good feeling to take a step back from all the Korean going around and interact in an atmosphere and with a language where you are most comfortable. 

It is definitely worth it to sample Troika's Russian goodies while bumping to Russian music. You may even recognize a few of the songs from the hit movie 007!

 

Bottoms Up - Prost

A popular and semi-fancy, yet casual spot in Itaewon with outdoor seating which is perfect for this kind of weather is Prost. The name comes from the German equivalent of "cheers" and the concept is to look someone in the eye and say "prost" when clinking the glasses together. The reciprocated guest should say "prost" or he or she will be deemed bad sex for the rest of their life. An interesting concept that just makes drinking a bit more fun. 

With 14 beers on tap, there is a wide selection of drinks and a great menu of fries, pastas, and steaks. It is a great place to go and hang out for dinner before the restaurant turns into a night club. Aside from the beers, there are a handful of other drinks and shooters that average $9 a glass. The selection of wine is wide, yet it must be purchased as a bottle unless consuming house. 

It is recommend to visit Prost for drinks only because service on food can be a bit slow. Heck, waiting for drinks can even take a great amount of time, but is a great area to lounge out with friends and enjoy an afternoon drink. Just be sure to seat yourself upon arrival and flag down one of the very few waiters that are around. The best option is also to order at the bar and tell them where you're sitting. This pub and grill is located from the Itaewon stop, exit 2, directly behind the Hamilton Hotel.

Bottoms Up - Self Bars

Self bars are a great place for foreigners in Korea because they are the one place that has a wide selection of beer and other cocktail drinks that many other bars do not have. They even have the beer glasses for each brand which helps to enhance the taste when consuming each type of beer. The best part is being able to get your booze whenever you want, without having to wait around for service (we all know how frustrating that can be at times). Simply walk up to the refrigerator, grab your drink and enjoy. For those who are lazy, there is also a bucket with ice that you can fill up with drinks to minimize the number of walks to the fridge. It's probably one of the best ideas ever and extremely efficient!