Seoul Girl

I am overwhelmed with emotions as I am preparing to say my farewell to Korea and all the wonderful friends I have made during my brief time here. Before I close one chapter of my life and return to the states, I like to personally “Thank” a few special ones who have made my stay that much special and will always be in my mind and heart as I cherish and reflect on our friendships:

Hee-yun, Kim: We first met when I arrived here in early December 05. Since she’s a bilingual Korean-American, She helped with the translations and explained how to establish a bank account and pay utility bills. But  she also offered so much more than that. She gave the emotional support when i became quite ill and always encouraged me to try and sample new Korean food and JjinJayBongs (Korean spas). But I think the pivotal moment that defined our friendship was when she and I still maintained our sense of humor after an hour struggle of trying to pop out the wine cork after breaking it off in half and then continue to open it after breaking off the bottle opener screw as well.  We never laughed so much before that night. Although she left one year later, she and I still remain in contact.  Currently, she’s working at an architectural firm in NYC, and I hope to visit her soon!!

Linda (Lee Jin Sook): One of my first Korean friends here in Seoul. I frequented Sortinos Restaurant when she worked there as a waitress. Over time, she and I finally exchanged our numbers and became quite good friends. She introduced me to so many great Korean restaurants since she knew I love good food.   She also took me a noodle shop, which soon became one of my favorites in Korea.  I continued the tradition by frequenting the restaurant with new friends.   Also, whenever I needed help with translations, she was only a phone call away. She too has moved on and now lives in Pennsylvania.

Stephanie Marie Sneed: We met summer of 06 when she and I were recruited to help with a summer camp for an English Hogwon. The owner took the children to a camping trip near a lake, so we had a lot of time to talk and bond, which was a lot of fun.  We instinctively clicked. She loves to eat like I do and was very open minded and adventurous unlike most North Americans.  We love sunbathing and visited  Boryeong Beach a couple of times. We also took the train to Pusan to visit the beaches and a famous spa.   We also let loose and partied since we both love to dance.  Although our musical tastes varies,  she is more of an hip-hop girl and I am an electronic music lover,  we always compromised and took turns going to different music venues. On our last trip together, we traveled extensively throughout Vietnam. That trip was so memorable and amazing that I will always think of her in the same regards . Also, She has the cutest feet, and I must have hundreds of photos of them. She too has moved on recently and is currently living in Beijing, China.

Terry (Unju) Rah: We met end of the last summer at a mutual friend’s going away party. We instinctively clicked and talked about our passions for food and wine. Ever since then, She and I have been on a mission to find the next great restaurant and wine bar all over Seoul. and of course, we shared soooo many great conversations and philosophies on life and how it should be. La Dolce Vita (the sweet Life in English) is one of my favorite movies of all time, and we both felt that’s how life should be.  We shared this philosophy with our friends by co-hosting some wicked parties with great food and wines. Over time, our bond became stronger and it flourished into a sisterly love. Although she’s currently still stationed here in Seoul (she’s Korean but lived most of her life in Malaysia) , she too has moved on her life at least professionally. She no longer works as an advertising executive manager and decided to pursue more of her passions of Food and life-style business venture as a party planner/caterer/food manger. She’s the party planner for my farewell party on March 8. Please see the flyer for the further info.

Bada Lehner and Udo Lee: Two German dudes that i am fortunate to call my friends. We share our passion for good electronic music in minimal techno, tech and acid house, etc. Although we met in club settings in the beginning which may appear superficial, but we eventually moved over our conversations to the restaurants, coffee shops, etc; where ever we can shared great music and laughters. Udo began his career as a DJ in Germany and Bada recently began Djing here in Seoul. I am honored to have them DJing at my farewell party. “Thanks guys!!”

Jessica Wiliam-Chadwick: We met about a year and half ago at Brix Bar in Itaewon where they host Ladies Thursday Nights. Over time, we became good friends. She’s wicked, quality, crazy which can only translates as “fun..fun..fun”. I still remember her and our other friend, Elinza, romping and wresting at 7/11 store at 6am in Sinchon. Good times!! and yet, she can be refine, proper English woman and host one of the wickedest tea parties. But my favorite moment is when it was just her and me at DVD bong and watching the movie “Chingu” which translates as “friends”. She too will be moving on this summer and joining her boyfriend in Greece. I will miss her dearly!!

Tatjana Kulibabo: We met shortly after I arrived Seoul at a French restaurant. I was dining with my friend Heidi for her farewell, and Tatjana too was there for her friend’s going away as well. She and her friends were the loudest and having most fun in the entire restaurant. So I bought a round of lemon drop shots and thus blossomed a beautiful friendship. As an eight year resident, she shared her knowledge on how to live in Seoul as a foreigner and make the best of it.  She also explained the downsides and frustrations that many foreigners encouter living here as outsiders.  She was so positive, sweet, and helpful that I couldn’t get enough of her infectious enthusiasm for life.  Although our friendship was brief since she return to Canada about 5 months later, I will always cherish and remember our good times. Thanks!!

A new club, Volume, in Itaewon is scheduled to open on February 29, Friday. One and only, a long time veteran Canadian House  DJ, John Acquaviva is expected to help kick-start the grand opening party. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to see him live. This will be his second appearance in Seoul. www.john-acquaviva.com

I had the privilege to see John perform through out the world from intimate settings in his personal friend’s restaurant, Porccini in Windsor and  his hometown in London, Ontario to a top notch, world class clubs in Ibiza and Chicago to music festivals in Barcelona and Detroit.  No matter the sizes of the crowds and venues, he never fails to deliver the goods to his fans.  While some international DJs are too caught up with the portrayal of rock-stars and notoriety,  John has always remained humble and true to the ground-zero, underground music culture where the electronica sounds emerged from and is in tune with what his fans are all about.

Location: Near Capital Hotel in Itaewon. Noksapeyong Station (line 6 Brown) Exit 1. Keep walking on the sidewalk. Then 8 minutes later, you will see the hotel across the street.

Haybongcheun residents: Take bus 143 or 401 from near Noksapyeong Station heading South Bound towards the river. Off at the first stop and across the street.

Courtesy of Dan Gray:

If anyone is feigning for Mexican food like I am, then you should go to On the Border. Yeah, it’s a franchise, but the chips are warm and the Margaritas are slushy. They’re going to have all you can drink Margaritas and an all you can eat Mexican Buffet on Thursday, January 24 from 7-9:30pm W25,000

Here’s the info from Steve,

Come to Margarita Night on Thursday, December 13th

“Margarita Night @ On The Border in Shin-chone. Unlimited Authentic Margaritas and all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet with freshly fried chips, salsa, guacamole, chili cheese, Mexican rice, black beans, refried beans and chicken flautas. Prize giveaways, Mexican dress strongly encouraged! 7 pm – 9:30 pm. W25,000. 324-0683

Go out exit 4 Sinchon station- Green line, next to Hongik and Ewha University. Don’t make the mistake I’ve made once and go to Sincheon.

Go 100 meters and it’s in the same building as coffee bean.

A Taste of Mexico

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina is the largest Mexican restaurant chain in the United States, with over 140 locations, and it is also now the newest addition to the Seoul dining landscape. The first major Mexican restaurant chain to hit Seoul opened up their first store in Shin-chone and they are slated to open 6 more in the next year. Mexican food has been tried here before and met with varied success. Taco Bell left with their tail between their legs after trying to bring the fast food version to Korea once before. We’ll see if Korean palates have changed enough so that On The Border can succeed where others have failed. But at least for now, Korea has a great new place where they fry their own tortilla chips and they know how to use real rock salt to salt the rim of a margarita.”

Description

It’s always a good time and there is a good chance that I’ll be there. Wear something red and white.

January 18

Zelen Wine Party. It’s no longer a speakeasy and the hip have found their niche at Zelen. There is an array of Bulgarian cuisine and an all you can drink wine bar. Semi-formal dress code.

Wear something PURPLE for the special price of W25,000. 749-0600.

I recently tagged along with a friend to Antonio Ristorante in Cheongdahm, Seoul who was on an assignment as the main food critic for an ex-pat magazine here in Seoul.

I wasn’t overly impressed with the food. Nothing extra special for the most of the dishes we have ordered and shared. The linguine pasta cooked in oil with garlic had an unusual, funny aftertaste I couldn’t quite put my finger on. The barley salad with cut cherry tomatoes and herbs was extra oily, and the barley was extra firm which made it a difficult to chew and enjoy. Just as my expectation lowered with each dish, we were saved from an mundane ordinary dining experience with an unexpected a large white fish baked with a thick coat of sea-salt. ( The Spaniards too bake their fish in a similar fashion called Dorado A La Sal which is covered in sea-salt and baked in a proper open-fire pit. The key to a cooked “just right perfection” is the proper oven or fireplace.) The subtle flavors and moist meat is nothing quite like it. The decor and most other entrees may not to be worth bragging about, but the fish “wow” deserved my undivided attention”double wow”. Can’t wait to return for more…..

Direction: http://www.antonios.co.kr/eng/me_e06.htm (note: click on “Korean” and write down the direction in Korean to show it to the taxi driver).

The owner, Elly, is very welcoming. Though it has a cafe feel, they also serve wine and dinner specials. Word of advice: stick with Korean cuisines.  I don’t recommend some of the European or Indian fusion entrees.

Direction: Apgujeong Station Exit 3. A block up, a Minimart store on a corner. Turn left. Pass a playground. It’s on your right.

Mediterranean style home cooked affair. The ambiance is chilling and relaxing. The meals are hearty and it’s a great place to gather with your loved ones and friends. The same owners as the Buddha Belly Restaurant.

I recommend the chicken kabobs with risotto (rice).

Direction: Noksapyeong Station Exit 1. Take the bridge to across the street. Turn right and walk up along the ramp towards The Aussie Shop. It’s across from New Delhi Restaurant. Ape with Pipe is on your right.

Check out a great quaint winebar/restaurant in Samcheungdong, Seoul. I have never eaten at the restaurant so i can’t fairly assess the restaurant quality on food/ambiance but I would highly recommend the wine-bar. It’s dimly lit with the candles and interesting lighting artworks. The wine menu is extensive but they are a bit overpriced. But a great place to chill with a group of friends. Mostly made up with the Korean customers, but the wait-staff speak English. The downside is that it closes at 2am and stops serving alcohol at 1.

Location: SamcheongDong. Suway: Purple line Gwanghamune Exit 2 or 3 on the same side as Kyobo Book Store. Take a taxi: “Samcheong Dong”. Taxi heading north and turn right at the deadend. Turn left at the first street.

Map: http://www.visa-asia.com/ap/sea/cardholders/offers/includes/uploads/coupon_samcheongdong.pdf