Thursday, February 16, 2012

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - C'lucy

One of the only chocolate cafes that I have seen in Korea that I just could not resist. Presentation and quality of goods are along the higher end of the market which explains the price as well. Although pricing is on the higher end, the interior and decor is a great place to sit back and enjoy an afternoon of coffee with the girls.

The chocolate cake on the right which is approximately palm size, has an outer coat of a thick chocolate syrup and topped with two pieces of chocolate which include the C'lucy logo as well as a thin fan designed chocolate.

For those of you who have a sweet tooth like I do, the chocolate cake which is probably the sweetest thing on the menu may not be enough. Luckily for you, there is still the options of the hot chocolate and other chocolate drinks on the menu. Korea is not known for having overly sweet desserts and items, but it does help to satisfy cravings that I have had for a long time. On average, a dessert and drink costs $5-6. I definitely suggest stopping by the Ewha, the Women's University in Korea to give this dessert a try.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Happy Valentines Day & Winner Announcement

First off, HAPPY VALENTINES DAY! For those of you who are celebrating with a loved one, I am a little jealous because I am all alone in Korea without the love of a significant other or family, but I do have a handful of loving friends. With that said, I decided to pick today to share my love with you all and announce the winner of the giveaway. Packaged with love and beauty, the winner of the Korea giveaway is Miharu Julie [please message me]

This giveaway includes the Slim Face Massage Roller, the Daiso values of False Lashes and Paper Soap, the Missha cleansing tissue, and a few of my favorite stores that I have yet to blog about: Etude House's Black Charcoal Chin Pack, Tony Moly's Floria Youth Energy Mask Sheet, and the saem's I <3 Natural mask sheet.

Thank you all for participating, there will be more giveaways to come! Korea has just too many beauty products and snacks goodies that I just can't keep up with and I would love to share with you all. Be sure to subscribe and spread the love <3

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Street Food Yum - Hotba

Fish on a stick is an extremely popular Korean street food yum and no, I am not speaking of a whole fish with the head and fins on a stick. Fish meat and other types of seafoods are actually broken down until its textures becomes like that of mashed potato. This batter is then formed into different shapes and sizes prior to being deep fried.

When purchasing from a street food cart, the Hotba is usually made of fish paste or cuttlefish. Depending on the cart you are purchasing from, the combo varies. The most common forms of fried fish sausages includes the fish paste with a sesame leaf, shrimp tempura, crabmeat, plain, and of course, one with a hot dog. My favorite combination is one with shrimp tempura or plain. Be sure to lather some ketchup on top and eat it fresh! 

This cheap eat us usually a dollar or two, maxing out at three dollars and can be found in most street vendors. The best one I have had by far is the one that only serves fried cuttlefish sticks in Myeongdong. They even have a few guts standing around making the actually stick there as you order!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Street Food Yum - Waffles

One of the most popular sweet tooth satisfactions in Korea that is also a street food yum is the waffles. For only a dollar on average (in the streets), you can have a waffle topped with half honey and a cream of your choice. It is absolutely delicious and a quick pick up for anyone who loves waffles the way I do.

Because waffles are a popular snack to go with coffee, you can find waffles in may coffee shops, on average for a price of an American equivalent three dollars, but they are usually smaller in size. The best part about eating a waffle in a coffee shop is the many different toppings that you can have with your waffle which includes fruits and ice cream. 


The main difference between a street waffle and those in a coffee shop is the texture of the waffle. For those that are quick pick me ups on the street, it is usually the classic American thin waffle that is made with a  waffle pan. These are crispy and flat whereas the coffee shop's waffle vary in texture. Some may be flat, but usually it is a fluffy thick waffle that is made fresh. Regardless of what kind of waffle it is and the texture of the waffle, I believe Korea has one of the best waffles in the world!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Restaurant Review - Twoot


Twoot, a bonchon chain in Korea, is a place that cooks up a whole chicken and serves it on the plate. Because the chicken is a smaller size, the meat is juicier and still tender after being deep fried. Many restaurants who use a big chicken are negligent of the final product they are cooking up. Having dry deep fried chicken is probably one of the worse things that can happen, but gratefully Twoot does not do do and they are still able to marinade a delicious plate of chicken. Hence, my current obsession with the restaurant!

Depending on the chicken you normally eat, there are a variety of sauces that can satisfy your taste buds. My ultimate favorite and a must order is the chicken terryacki which is deep fried sweet deliciousness! In addition to this another popular dish is the garlic chicken which differs from the American soy garlic. This chicken is deep fried and drowned in garlic which is then grilled over a bed of raw onions. Regardless of which dish, a plate of chicken can fill a stomach of two.


Pricing on chicken averages at $16 a plate, but it does include the service of chips, grilled egg, a soup and other dishes depending on the chain restaurant you visit. Be sure to throw out your scraps of bone in the mini trash can that is provided and follow the Korean dining etiquette. This includes using two forks to eat fried chicken where one of it acts as a finger to hold down the chicken and the other slides the meat off of the bone.

Friday, February 3, 2012

Beauty Review - Skin Food

After hearing about one of the natural and organic beauty stores in Korea, I have been itching to try the products at Skin Food. One of the best things about Skin Food is the variety of products from head to toe, literally. I love the integration of food goods in their beauty and skin care products because every fruit and vegetable has its own health benefits. Absorbing the best vitamins and nutrients from the variety of foods and delivering it to your body, Skin Food is a must visit beauty store in Korea. 

For starters, I picked up two hair products which include the Lychee Essence Mist and the Cherry Tomato Wax. A cherry tomato combination sounds to be a bit peculiar, but this combo is very gentle on the hair which helps to achieve a light natural look while keeping the frizz out. I am in love with this product because I have yet to find a wax that is soft and smells good. 

Another hair product that is a must have for those with damaged hair due to perms or color treatments is the Lychee Essence Mist. Using the wonderful extracts of lychee vitamins, it brings moisture to the hair and can even help to prevent split ends. Be sure to mist a thorough and even spray!

The last and my favorite product that I picked up from Skin Food is the Green Tea Boots Fresh Spray. It is evident that no one will always have the best smelling feet or pair of shoes and there should be no shame in admitting so. With this fresh pray, it is like deodorant for your feet which helps to eliminate odors and keep your shoes smelling fresh. This is extremely important in Korea, especially if you have a shoe cabinet where the smell can add up. 


Another great thing about shopping in Korea is the number of samples that you are given. It does help to draw you into the many other products that they have and is a great way for someone with extra sensitive skin like myself to test the product before purchasing. I do have a few things that I am excited for and I look forward for my next shopping splurge at Skin Food, but until then, happy shopping!

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Street Food Yum - Sweet Pancake (Hoddeok)

One of the popular street food yum in Korea is this sweet pancake that may be filled with different foods depending on the stand. Battered up with a pancake mix and pan fried, this goody ranges in size and price that is equivalent to the American fifty cents, maxing at a dollar. It is one of those that I just can't get enough of!


You will surely be able to find this goody by the train station where there is a lot of traffic. If you see anything that is rolled up like a ball and slapped onto the frying pan, it is the worth making a pit stop! Most stands will whip you up something that is filled with cinnamon syrup and maybe a few nuts, others will have a variety of nuts and fruits in their mix. Location to location varies, but it is worth trying out for less than a dollar.