Traditional Korean Eat - Cold Noodles 육쌈냉면

Nangmyeon is a popular traditional Korean eat, especially in the summer time because it is served in a bowl of ice. Although it sounds to be peculiar, it is probably the most refreshing meal that you can have. The best part about nangmyeon is many restaurants serve it in addition to their signature dishes. 

육쌈냉면 is one Korean chain restaurants that is favored among locals for this traditional Korean eat. Because the store focuses on the traditional eat of cold noodles, there is a very basic menu to order from. Most order either the regular or spicy nangmyeon. Each order is served with a marinated BBQ pork without the need to order (unless of course you want a bigger portion). This extremely cheap eat will only set you back $5. SAY WHAAAAT? Five bucks for noodles with BBQ meat? Yes. Because it such a cheap eat, there is almost always a line. Service is usually rather quick since there is a basic menu and customers expect a certain quality of food. 

Skin Food Fresh Apple Mild Pore Peeling Gel

Skin Food's Fresh Apple Mild Pore Peeling Gel is one product that many locals pick up because it helps to gently remove dead skin from the surface. This gel is simply to be rubbed on in circular motion and all of the dead skin will gradually become visible. It is not something that makes you proud to show others, but is a product that works to help remove any skin build up. Over time, this can help reduce the darkness of scars because because you are gently removing the outer layer of your skin. Because it is a gel, it is gentle and not causing a rough scratch to the skin like many scrubs that are used to remove dead skin. It is definitely recommended for anyone with sensitive skin!

Restaurant Review - Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos is one of the most recognized restaurants in Seoul, not only for its amazing take on Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but the whole menu. Vatos puts a twist on the traditional Mexican foods but taking it up a notch with newly incorporated flavors which includes the most basic thing on the menu which explains why they had to move from their original location with a three hour wait to a bigger space that has a two hour wait. 

For starters, the Kimchi Carnitas Fries is Vatos Urban Tacos' signature take on the traditional fries by incorporating bulgolgi meat, kimchi and a mix of salsa and sour cream over a bed of fries. The best part is the fresh ingredients and amazing flavor when combined. This is definitely a must order between friends or even for yourself because it's just that amazing. 

One recommendation for the entree that must be made is the chicken quesadilla. Vatos Urban Tacos is the only place that actually has a layer of cheese to top their already amazing quesadilla. Filled with chunks of chicken meat and cheese, the extra crispy and extra layer of cheese makes this quesadilla that much more amazing. Of course, a ton of fresh ingredients thrown on top takes it to the next level. 

In addition to amazing quesadillas, playing favorites is definitely not my kind of thing. The burritos at Vatos Urban Tacos is stuffed with meat, veggies and rice that you would never expect to have a full blast of flavor. Because there is so much variety in their burritos, the owners incorporate a different taste to the traditional burritos which includes a kick of cinnamon. Beans are infused with a hint of cinnamon which brings a taste that traditional burritos lack. With so many options on the menu, it can be difficult to choose the best.

The last of the traditional Mexican foods include tacos, soft and crispy shells. In regards to their tacos, many do not believe it is worth the splurge because Vatos Urban Tacos actually uses a different kind of taco shell. They deep fry their tortillas daily and use a plain flat tortilla, no option of a crispy shell. Nonetheless, although it breaks from the traditional norm, the shrimp taco is actually amazing. Battered, deep fried shrimp is topped with lime juice and a variety of salads and then of course the signature fresh salsa and sour cream. From a personal opinion, the Chili Lime Shrimp is a definite recommendation and for just $7 for two pieces and $10 for three, it is worth a try.

Lastly, it isn't Mexican without any booze. Vatos Urban Tacos offer the traditional beverages of frozen margaritas, and bull dogs but they also offer a twist on the traditional drinks. By incorporating a Korean twist of the Makgeolita, the best of both worlds: Korea and Mexico is bought together. The most popular among the foreigners just may be their iced tea in a mason jar which is nothing closed to an iced tea. Infused with a ton of alcohol, this drink can definitely get a night started. Although it is on the pricier end for about $15 a glass, it is quite the matchmaker with any grub at Vatos Urban Tacos. 

Quite frankly, is it worth it? Yes. You can get lucky on some days and even make reservations a day or two prior to enjoy the amazing food. With superb service and extremely friendly staff on board, it is definitely the go to place for amazing food and drinks in general. Although pricing is a little higher than what most would pay for a taco, it is worth the splurge at least once in your life. 

The Itaewon location's address is: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon Dong 181-8 Phone 02-797-8226 Take the Itaewon train station exit 1 straight and Vatos Urban Tacos will be approximately four blocks down when you reach the light before the McDonald's on your left. Vatos Urban Tacos is on your right along the hill that goes up.

With a second location opening in the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil today, Tuesday June 18th, the address is: Gangnam-gu, Sinsa dong, 532-11 on the Third floor of the Giordano building. Phone 02-548-8226.

Story of My Life - UMF Korea 2013

One of the biggest events around the world is Ultra Music Festival (UMF). It is so big that it is an event that pretty much everyone travels around the world just to see. Held in Jamsil stadium this year, there have been many who traveled to Korea from other countries just to experience and see the sets of world famous DJs which include, but are not limited to: AVICII, Kaskade, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand, Cazzette, Boy George, Shut Da Mouth, and Carl Cox.

It is a two day party of chaos and fun with three stages, over sixty acts from mid afternoon until night time with after party of course! UMF is such a big event that there are people who are willing to pay $150 for tickets the day of events. Yes, just that big. There is not only a VIP section, but a VVIP section. The amount of fun and chaos that goes on is just beyond explainable. The best part is being able to share it with those who are not at the event, but able to listen in online.

Lucky for me, I got the pleasure of being backstage of Shut Da Mouth’s set along with the emcee Pinnacle TheHustler. It was definitely an experience to be behind the scene, meeting a ton of awesome people which includes the unforgettable DJ Agent Smith (because of his awesome fro) and at the end of the day, enjoying the main acts through the night. Of course, this comes with a price of lots of energy drinks as well as pain with the crowd jumping up and down and squeezing to the front of the acts. Being able to immerse myself to the music and enjoy every moment of it was something that made the not so great experience, pretty awesome, after all. Nonetheless, it was something to experience and always a great memory.

This definitely makes it another great experience and explains how awesome it is to live in Korea. The number of people you meet, the connections you make, it just makes you remember and feel grateful for every experience. Not everyone is as snobby and as stuck up as you think they could be after "making it." That is probably the best part about going out to gigs like this.

It tops my experience last year with World DJ Fest by meeting a ton of awesome DJs and people in general. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for me! Photos definitely do no justice for the day/night that I had.

Restaurant Review - Buccella

Buccella in Sinsa-dong right off of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street in the Apgujeong area is my favorite place to go to for a good sandwich. The most basic sandwich is decked out and paired with a cibatta bread that is absolutely amazing. It takes the sandwich to a whole new level by incorporating the most basic ingredients of fresh vegetables and cold cuts. 

The best part about the sandwiches is that it is paired with a small salad for a measly price of $9 which is no splurge at all. The one recommendation to make is the steak sandwich which has a little more of a salty taste, bringing more flavor to the sandwich that is topped with an over the top mustard. 

It is hands down, one of the best sandwich places in Seoul which you want to avoid during peak hours when traveling with a big group. Because seating is limited, there is almost always a wait. Simply put your name down on the list, shop the Garosu-gil shopping street and you will get phoned when it is your turn in line. 

With two locations in town, be sure to visit one at the very minimum!

Apgujeong address: 534-22 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Phone: 02-334-7334

Hongdae address: 330-19 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Gentle Lady Cupcakes

Gentle Lady Cupcakes is one of the newest cupcake shops in Sinsa-dong located off of the popular Garosugil shopping street. The most popular flavors include the red velvet and carrot cake. Going for the earl grey which is not offered in many coffee shops, the cupcake was a little on the dry end. Topped with an extremely light whipping and chocolate flakes, the Gentle Lady heart is made of a white chocolate. 

Although the cupcakes are not something "to die for" the one recommendation to make is to purchase their "cookie" which is served in a packaged container to go. The almond cookie is literally to die for. Made with pieces of almonds, these bite-sized cookies melt in your mouth with consumption. They are made of fluffy air and deliciousness, a little too much sugar maybe, but totally worth the splurge. 

The shop is small in size, offering seating for roughly 10. It is worth it to take a break from all the shopping on Garosugil and pop into Gentle Lady Cupcakes for a drink. Served in over sized mugs, the earl grey latte is one recommendation to make with fluffy steamed milk that is not as bitter as earl grey tea and not extremely sweet to taste.

Contact Information Phone: 02-790-0259 Address: 533-14 Sinsadong, Gangnam-gu Seoul. 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 Garosu-gil shopping street until you see the Fossil store and take a left into the small block. Gentle Lady Cupcake will be on your right. 

Life in Korea - Cat Cafe

A cat cafe, which is similar to the dog cafe that I previously blogged about is a cafe with cats running around. You’ll find cats hiding in your shoes, jumping on the tables, running around, and sleeping in all hidden places. Upon entrance, you are required to change into a pair of slippers (cats are indoor animals after all) and clean your hands with a sanitizer before being allowed to interact with the animals.

Once you walk in, you will find a handful of toys to play with and cats everywhere, literally. They are not shy and they will jump around, maybe even go through your things. Some will even snuggle against your legs, but they do not have a habit of scratching so there is no need to worry about that. Like a dog cafe, the cat cafe requires you to purchase a drink that covers the entrance fee. Depending on the cafe, there may be a wide range of menu options. 

There are more cat cafes than dog cafes because cats are easier to manage so it is pretty easy to find one. Simply look for a huge cat sign, they'll point you in the direction of the cat cafe. The one I visited was in Myeondong, but you can also find a handful of other ones in the many other popular tourist areas. Gangnam, Hongdae, Sinsa are a few of the many in town. You should definitely make your way to one to experience what they have to offer, something a little more different.