dahl-ryuh-rah gae-mi by gae-mi-jip (달려라 개미 by 개미집)

dahl-ryuh-rah gae-mi by gae-mi-jip (달려라 개미 by 개미집) 

(or, if you're looking for a direct translation: run, ant by ant hill)

서울 용산구 녹사평대로46길 18, 2층

tel: 02-794-5955

what was consumed: makgulli (막걸리) and associated anju :D

i love the current trend/fad/popularity of traditional korean wine specialty bars. many of the bars make their own makgulli and all of them offer some sort of goodies that pair well with the makgulli. i, of course, just go to eat. hehehe.

after some delicious korean bbq (and after a few drinks elsewhere), friends and i make our way to gae-mi jip for some makgulli. gae-mi jip makes their own makgulli, and a few variations - we tried original, citron, and toasted rice (i heard the greatest number of compliments for the citron flavor). and, as some will argue is the correct way, served in metal teapots.

more importantly (for me) were the tasty treats. we, of course, ordered pancakes. gae-mi jip offered a few fusion versions of my favorites. kimchee pancake with cheese? chives pancake with beef? yes please!

there's something pretty awesome about going to places like this. a bit hip, a bit traditional ... a combination of all. i can't wait to go again!

the baker's table

the baker's table
244-1 Noksapyeong daero Itawon dong Yongsan gu
tel: 070) 7717-3501

what was consumed: brunch!

t is in town! and considering is 6am arrival (he actually didn't make it to seoul proper until a little later, but it was still pretty darn early), we didn't have difficulty nabbing a table for an early meal (note: it became difficult to nab a table soon after we sat down). 

the baker's table (and mira's bakery) has become the go to place for many expats when it comes to delicious and varied breads. they also offer a variety of different cakes that are great on a rainy day, with coffee, or at any other time of life. yum. it makes me glad that i don't have a glutton allergy and that i can enjoy (within reason? in moderation? oh, who am i kidding ...)

t and i went for brunch and we were not disappointed. mind you, we probably ordered for 4 people and did not hesitate in devouring the entire thing. but it was delish and would definitely be worth a wait. nom nom nom nom nom ... 

online: http://blog.naver.com/mirabakery and on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bakers-Table/166508706726020

robot kimbap (로봇김밥)

robot kimbap (로봇김밥)
multiple locations (my first was on gyung-ri-dahn-gil near noksapyong at 서울 용산구 녹사평대로46길 3)
tel: 02-794-9595

what was consumed: kimbap, dduk bokki, pork stir fry over rice 

i've been seeing robot kimbaps pop up in lots of different places. and i, for one, am happy about it as i can never have too much kimbap!

what makes robot kimbap different, though, is their healthy eating mantra - brown rice and natural ingredients, clean eating. i'm not the best judge, but i know when i enjoy what i'm eating.

when looking for a light meal or a snack or or or, i will look for a robot kimbap nearby. the kimbap is fresh and the various combinations of flavors is super yummy. they have a pretty extensive menu, though (as many boon-sik places do), and if it's anything like their kimbap, then i'm gonna say that it's worth the try. yay kimbap! yay robot kimbap!

online: http://www.robotfnb.co.kr/

swi:t b

swi:t b
yongsan-gu itaewon-dong 673, seoul
tel: +82-2) 792-0749

what was consumed: ice cream!

sometimes, fog machines just work. friend simon and i were walking past swi:t b after dinner and were drawn in by the magic that is the fog machine. lucky for us, they serve ice cream which was exactly what we were looking for.

swi:t b serve soft serve (and for whatever reason, soft serve is exceptionally delicious in korea) with your choice of syrup topping. they have a variety of flavors and can even make one that is not on their menu. they have a variety of other ice cream desserts that they make with the softserve as the center/base. 

note: swi:t b is a "brick and mortar" version of an ice cream stand. they put 2-ish sets of chairs right outside, but they're usually occupied (though not necessarily by swi:t b customers. oh well). the idea, though, is for one to purchase, then consume while walking. i like it!

online: http://www.switb.co.kr 

look at me! i'm so mesmerized by the fog ... hahaha

craftworks

craftworks

651 itaewon 2-dong yongsan-gu, myungsan buildling 1st floor, seoul 140-834 (one of multiple locations)

tel: +82-794-2537

what was consumed: beer! and wings. and chili cheese fries

lush or not, you can't disagree with the positive addition to the korean food scene - craft beer! craftworks has a variety of beers, all named after different mountains in korea. neat! you'll also frequently see craftworks' fare in local restaurants around town. so, enjoy!

and for the non-drinkers (i.e., those who just want to EAT), fear not! craftworks has some delish bar food. fries, wings, and specials that will suit your fancy any day of the week!

i frequent the noksapyoung location. in addition to it being close-ish to where i call home, it also has a semi-indoor, semi-outdoor set up (i.e., patio). it's super nice to be able to sit outside with good friends. and good food and drink!

online: http://www.craftworkstaphouse.com/