Chimaek(chicken & beer) night

Seoul, August 11, 2014

When Koreans are asked what goes best with cold beer, there is no hesitation for their answers. It's fried chicken. The combination is so popular that a new word was invented to describe it: Chimaek(치맥 in Korean), chi from chicken(치킨) and maek from maekju(맥주 for beer). 

Chimaek is beloved for both delivery and an evening get-together after work. It's not easy to resist temptation for a pairing, especially in summer. Monday was one those nights for me. 

My friend and I went to a chicken house in a Sadang area in Seoul and ordered spicy fried chicken and beer. The beer was so cold and refreshing!  

Then we headed for an iced coffee to ease the spicy flavor from chicken. I ordered Guatemala Antigua, which was rich and strong. 

Saturday evening dinner

Seoul, August 9, 2014

Ladies' evening on Saturday!

I made Earl Grey milk jam early in the morning before meeting my friend. She never tried this, so I wanted her to get a taste of it. This time it took more than 2 and a half hours to get them jammed. I was so glad when she made a big smile at my small gift. 

I met her in a huge shopping mall called D-Cube City in Sindorim. We had to eat, so we went to a Japanese deli called Mist on a 5th floor. We ordered a bowl of rice with fried shrimps, ramen(noodle), pieces of fried chickens, and iced teas. 

This shrimp rice was so good! I liked the shrimp's crispy texture so much. 

The soup was seasoned with Japanese soy sauce, not that salty. As the noodles were made within hours before we ordered, they were al dante and chewy. 

We also had fried chicken legs with a side of salad. 

After we're done with our early dinner, we headed to The Coffee Bean for coffee. I ordered hot vanilla cafe latte, which I needed so much at the moment to keep the air conditioner from chilling my body. I loved its creamy and soft foam and the sweet taste!

Next morning, I went to work. It was Sunday, haha!

Brunch cafe T.G in Itaewon

May 30, 2014

My friend and I had some delicious chicken salad in brunch cafe T.G in Itaewon, Seoul. The menu says it is Asian chicken salad. It had grilled juicy chicken, cucumber, tangerine, sliced almond, hard-boiled eggs, and other green vegetables. Simple, but yummy. 

 We also had Eggs Benedict with salmon on top, which was so-so. I guess I did not like the style of red-rimmed plate that had the food. Well, tableware totally matters.

@T.G, Seoul

How to get to T.G

Address

1. 13, Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea

Telephone

(local) 02-749-8005

(abroad) 82-2-749-8005

Transportation

The nearest subway station is Noksapyeong on line #6. 

Use the exit #2 at the station. 

Price
Eggs Black Stone 13,000 won
Chicken salad 11,000 won

Free iced coffee at Starbucks

July 25, 2014

It's 15th anniversary of Starbucks in Korea. They had a special event to give out free iced coffee for an hour. I couldn't miss it!

When I got to one of those many(or too many) Starbucks stores in the Gwanghawmun area, I found lots of people lining up. I added myself to the long line with my friends. It was so hot and humid outside.

I got my coffee after I waited for 40 minutes. Some might say 'what a waste of time' for just a cup of coffee, but well, it's fun hanging out and chatting while waiting. 

After we got the coffee, we went inside the store. It was so cool and fresh inside as the air conditioner was turned on.  

The event was supposed to continue until 4 p.m., but the line wasn't getting shorter. Good luck, everyone! :)

Korean noodles at Sabal

July 14, 2014

I like spicy foods, in particular spicy noodles. Mom-made spicy Bibim(mixed) noodle is my favorite in summer. 

When I have a craving for it in Seoul, however, I often go to this small restaurant, called Sabal(사발 in Korean). Located in a Gwanghwamun area, this place sells 13 kinds of Korean style noodles. They are served in 'sabal,' meaning a bowl in Korean, hence the name.

The cold pumpkin porridge served as an appetizer is also good. It is a perfect match with cinnamon powder. 

@Sabal, Seoul

How to get to Sabal

Address

1. 1. 34, Sajik-ro 8-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

Telephone

(local) 02-720-4845

(abroad) 82-2-720-4845

Transportation

The nearest subway station is Gwanghwamun on line #5. 

Use the exit #1 at the station. 

Price

9000 won~11,000 won

Takeout Drawing cafe in Itaewon

May 30, 2014

Located in Itaewon, Seoul, Takeout Drawing(테이크아웃 드로잉 in Korean) is a gallery and book cafe. The inside is full of art and design books, stationery and other stuffs.

It was a Friday evening, so my friend and I took the seat outside. The deep blue sky right after the sunset, gentle breeze, green plants and the lighting made our time there more enjoyable.  
We got there after having dinner, so we ordered patbingsu(팥빙수 in Korean) or ice flakes with red bean, and a scone for desserts. Such a perfect combination!

@Takeout Drawing, Seoul

How to get to Takeout Drawing

Address

1. 244, Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea

Telephone

(local) 02-790-2637

(abroad) 82-2-790-2637

Transportation

The nearest subway station is Noksapyeong on line #6. 

Use the exit #2 at the station. 

Price

patbingsu 14,000 won

Scone 2,500 won