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. 

Bottoms Up - A Twosome Place

A Twosome Place is a popular Korean coffee chain that specializes in a handful of drinks outside of the caffeine beverages that can be found at all cafes. A Twosome place offers coffee beverages, smoothies, juices, teas, desserts, and chocolates. Pricing is much like other coffee shops, averaging $6 a cup depending on size. 

The one thing that makes A Twosome Place different from the other Korean cafe chains is their frappe and latte list. They have a handful of flavors that you are not able to find elsewhere. One that I find to be eye-cathcing is the ginseng frappe. Ginseng is an extremely popular eat in Korea, but never did I think the herb would be infused in a drink, especially in a chained coffee shop. I have yet to try it, but I am big fan of a Twosome Place, especially since it is available in most CGV theaters. It definitely pays to have a cup of tasty coffee when watching a 3 hour movie in the middle of the night!

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.

Korean Traditional Eat - Fermented Black Garlic

Fermented Garlic, black garlic, is a Korean Traditional Eat which tastes nothing like a garlic. It has a soft, mushy texture which can be hard to consume for many because of its peculiar texture and tangy kick. Similar to a vinaigrette, this fermented black garlic is a health food that is one of the best. When consumed on an empty stomach, it helps to detox and gradually facilitate in the healing of psoriasis. Because it is shown to help build a strong liver, it is suggested to have three or four cloves every morning. You can also incorporate this garlic in your everyday meals to decrease the strange taste and still absorb all the nutrients.

I have been consuming fermented black garlic for over a month now. I have been able to see a change in my psoriasis with it getting better. I definitely recommend this simple detox for anyone who is looking to clean out their system because it does help. Furthermore, it will help to regulate your daily bowel movements so it is worth downing a few cloves as if it's medication. My trick is to quickly wash it down with lemon water!