Seoul Eats

Announcement: Seoul Eats Revamp

2012-01-10T20:13:00.001+09:00

Dear Readers,

I would like to thank you all for reading my blog. I never thought that I would be able to live such a foodie's life in Korea and I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. I wanted to let you know that a new chapter in Seoul Eats starts soon. The site is going to be revamped and you'll be able to read it on our new platform (hopefully soon). I hope there isn't going to be major delays on the blog and hopefully tomorrow, you'll experience the new Seoul Eats.

Bye for now,

Daniel

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Review: Burger B: A Taste of Home in Hongdae

2012-01-10T16:39:00.000+09:00

Yay, another review written by a user. I guess we have 4 people now in the running for a Valentine's Day Dinner. Here Cheeselover writes a review of Burger B in Hongdae. Submit your own review and get in the running to win a free dinner or dining tour for two here.

Review: Burger B: A Taste of Home in Hongdae

Written and Photographed by CheeseLover

Ultimate Burger at Burger B

I love a good burger, and every once in a while I really get a craving for one. While walking around Hongdae one day, my boyfriend and I followed our noses to a restaurant called Burger B (it really does smell mouthwatering from even outside).

The first thing I noticed is that Burger B looks like a pub you could find in the USA-my home country. There's a jukebox in the corner, and those kind of kitschy decorations that are so familiar. Your utensils (knife and fork, no chopsticks here) come in a pail with some mustard and ketchup. There's also Guinness on tap as well as a few other decent beers.

The menu is in English first followed by a Korean translation. There's obviously a burger section, as well as salads, sandwiches, and snacks which are kind of your standard pub fare.

My boyfriend was intrigued by the Ultimate Burger, one that came topped with truffle aioli, Gruyere cheese, and caramelized onions, with a shot of vanilla milkshake and French fries on the side. I ordered the Gorgonzola Burger which has arugula, pesto aioli, Gorgonzola cheese, and mushrooms.

Gorgonzola Burger at Burger B

The food was as good as it smelled and looked. Though, like most places in Korea, you couldn't choose how your burger was cooked, it came with a tiny touch of pink and was still quite juicy. The beef is clearly high quality and the toppings were fresh and delicious. The bun was good and plenty sturdy for the burger. The taste of milkshake we got told us they are quite good here as well. The fries weren't exactly hot when they came out, but were somehow still tasty (I like shoestring fries, and they were crispy and salty).

I wouldn't say the service was anything special, although most of the servers speak English well, and both times we've been the person at the cashier was very friendly and struck up a nice conversation with us.

Surprisingly both times there were few other foreigners in the restaurant. It wasn't too crowded either time but it wasn't empty either.

If you're looking for a delicious burger - the best I've had in Seoul so far, and better than many American burgers too - look no further than Burger B in Hongdae."

$ Under 10 USD

*** 3 Stars: Recommended: A place you would recommend your close friends

Burger B (버거비) Mapo-gu Seogyo-dong 362-7 Seoul South Korea

Phone: 070-8870-9220

Visited on October 2011 with Wife/Partner
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Review: 원터골 통갈비 (Wontuhgol-tonggalbi):Where have you been all my life?!

2012-01-10T09:41:00.004+09:00

Yay, the second review written by a user. I guess we have 2 people in the running for a Valentine's Day Dinner. Rikey Spicy has written a review of Sloe Bistro in Shinsadong. Submit your own review and get in the running to win a free dinner or dining tour for two here.

Review: 원터골 통갈비 (Wontuhgol-tonggalbi): Where have you been all my life?!

by Rikey Spicy!

The Spicy Soup at Wontuhgol-tonggalbi

Being bored one day and wanting to find a restaurant that had some spicy goodness (I am highly addicted to spicy foods ), I found a place on naver and decided to go try it with my lovely girlfriend. This is how I was able to find: 원터골 통갈비 (Wontuhgol-tonggalbi).

Upon arrival you get an immediate feeling that this is a restaurant that has been around for quite some time and for good reason. This place is famous for their "spicy pork back ribs." The ribs come to you swimming in this delicious, soupy, spicy concoction that I will probably never find the recipe for. In the soup you will find some onions, peppers, and green onions. It is very simple but the soup is what most people come for. Like most great stews, it only gets better with time as it cooks and reduces.

Pork Ribs

The pork ribs are great and tastes much better once they start to marinade in the broth and starts to fall off the bone. I won't lie, I wouldn't mind eating it right now if it wasn't so darn far from where I live.

Regarding their service: It is pretty much your general Korean restaurant service. If you don't ask, they won't help you, so get ready to yell ""yu-gi-yo"" (meaning: ""over here"") and its not ""yu-gi-oh"" dont get that confused. :) You will only need to ask for more sides (ban-chan) or soju. Simple!|

Bonus Tips:

- This place gives you a complimentary serving of ""su-jje-bi"" which is pretty much wheat dumplings that are torn into small bite size portions and added to your soup.

- What I like to do when I go is cut the carrots they give you into about an inch and toss it into the soup. It adds a nice sweetness that you will probably need for the spicy, lava soup (oops i meant "lovely").

Summary: Overall, this is a great place to go with your friends after a long day of work or the weekends to just relax, share good stories, and sweat out all your joys and sorrows. If you like spicy foods like me, you will start to salivate thinking of this place once you leave (after the burn wears off, of course).

원터골 통갈비 (Wontuhgol-tonggalbi)

*** 3 Stars: Recommended: A place you would recommend your close friends

$ 10- 20 USD

Nowon-gu Sanggeh-dong 725-103
02-937-2487
Hours: 10:00 ~ 24:00"

Visited on January 2012 with Wife/Partner
Photographs by Maro

Predictions: Food Trends in Korea in 2012

2012-01-10T09:24:00.000+09:00

This is a food trend report prepared by O'ngo Food Communications and KoCTA (The Korea Culinary Tourism Organization. Even though Korean food is gaining popularity all over the world, it is not trending in Korea. There are aspects of Korean food that are gaining popularity, but for different reasons than in other parts of the world.

*Disclaimer these are our opinions on food and we are looking at this issue from the idea of the whole country and it is not solely expat focused. Seoul has a 10.5 million Korean people and only 250,000 foreigners. The opinion of the masses can make or break restaurants here.*
A Look Back at 2011 South Korea is always changing and it is quite interesting to see the new food trends that pop-up and die so quickly here. In 2008, there was Roti Buns and Pappa Roti that spread like fleas during the black death (I know...not the most appetizing analogy). During that year and the next, these shops were on every corner and they thought they had the right formula for success in Korea. • Hot and Homemade • Not too sweet and fluffy and doughy • Easily packaged so they can be shared with everyone at the office. These buns were like Korean traditional rice cake in a way. The problem was that they franchised too fast so people's fascination with the bun was too easily sated. Also, once the buns cooled, they became a bit oily and a bit soggy- ultimately, something that was not endearing when you gave it to your dear mum and dad.
Cupcakes have tried several times, but never really took off. These small cakes that are not easily shared and often the icings are too sweet for Koreans. The only places these shops tend to work seems to be in areas where many of the guests have traveled or lived overseas such as in Itaewon and Garusugil. 2011 was supposed to be the year of the taco. Taco Bell did their big launch in the expat district of Itaewon. They had made claims of having 50 franchises by the year's end, but my research shows that there are only 10 or so restaurants now open so far. From what I have seen the stores in Itaewon and in Hongdae seem to be quite busy. While I was over at D-Cube City (Sindorim's new shopping complex), the stand-alone store was almost empty on a busy Saturday afternoon. Tomatillo taco has started franchising as well and I have seen new restaurants sprouting up here and there. They do California-Tex style Mexican food. Their emphasis on fresh ingredients and use of rice seems to make this a good lunch spot for casual diners. While other's have tried to capitalize on the Mexi-Korean taco trend that was happening in America, the idea of bulgogi tacos and kimchi fajitas seemed too "fusion" and second-hand so this never really became a trend. The new Vato's Taco that just opened in Itaewon is the only new establishment that seems hip enough to make Korean tacos cool. We'll see how they'll do in 2012.
2011 was the year of the pie. Tartine's sweet pies have been popular for years and they have just opened a new larger space across from their old shop. Other shops like Retrona Pie has also done well in the extremely competitive Samcheongdong area. Jester Pies has been setting up franchises all around Seoul and Bundang and it looks like this is one trend that will stick around for 2012. The pies have the right formula to be successful.

They are not too small
They travel easily
They are hot
The crust is not too greasy
The fillings are diverse and filling (starch on starch seems to work in Korea)
They are savory (Koreans can eat very sweet, but only a little of it)
They can be boxed to take and share with friends and family (Korean restaurants love take-out because the guests won't take up room in their restaurants. Also patrons don't tip in Korea.)

According to my Aussie friends, they tell me that the pies are not like those in Australia. For those looking for something authentic, I recommend the Aussie Shop. This was the place that I tried these pies in Seoul. Sadly, this restaurant didn't capitalize on the opportunity. However, it could try to ramp up production and see if they can get Korean patrons to come try a pie made by a real Aussie.

Here are some of our food trend predictions for 2012.

You can download the rest of the report here:

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Review: Sloe Bistro

2012-01-09T11:58:00.001+09:00

Yay, the first review written by a user. I guess we have 1 person in the running for a Valentine's Day Dinner. Yunmay has written a review of Sloe Bistro in Shinsadong. Submit your own review and get in the running to win a free dinner or dining tour for two here.

Review written by Yunmay

Good, affordable wine with pasta, and tapas Sloe used to be Eco Deli in Cheongdam-dong. The owner is a wine aficionado, so they have a great selection of wines at affordable prices. If you go for lunch, they have a fantastic lunch menu, 17,000 won for two people. You get a pasta, a pizza, and coffee/tea for that price. I've been to the restaurant four times and each time it hasn't been crowded; the service has been attentive and the atmosphere quiet. For dinner, everything I've had has been excellent: pastas, meats (lamb especially), oysters, pizza, and desserts. The location is a bit odd, it's in the basement of a building in an area full of plastic surgery hospitals, but it's worth a visit! Sloe Bistro 비스트로 슬로애 http://cafe.naver.com/bistrosloe/

When did you visit? December 2011

Who did you go with? Wife/Partner

Rating: **** 4 Stars: One of the finest eats in the city of Seoul (and possibly the world)
강남구 신사동 591번지 02-545-7448
$ 10- 20 USD
Gangnam-gu Shinsa-dong 591bonji 02-545-7448

Directions: (From Apgujeong station, take exit 3 and walk about 300 meters. The entrance is just after Paris Baguette.)

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Marinated Clams and Fried Oysters at Yeojaman

2012-01-06T11:24:00.001+09:00

Cockles at Yeojaman

When some friends that work in the restaurant industry asked me to show them around, I had was excited to do so. Although, I regularly do food tours, with people in the restaurant industry, I am able to go a bit more extreme and go to places where I really enjoy going. One of my favorite makgeolli places in Insadong is Yeojaman which is known for their excellent seafood and their rice wine. It is an old place that has been around for over 10 years and the first restaurant is in the basement along the main drag (sorry, I know where it is but I can't describe it because it would sound like gibberish. Let me say this: it is near the hotteok shop on the corner that also sells the walnut red bean desserts). The restaurant has another restaurant on the Insadong main drag as well, but I like the rustic feel of the first restaurant.

The food here is not cheap, but it is expertly cooked. We had the 꼬막무침 which is a plate of marinated cockles. The soy-based marinade on the shellfish was delicious enough to drink and the cockles were fresh and flavorful. Since it was oyster season, we also got some pan-fried oysters. The oysters tasted like a chicken that took a swim in the ocean and then fell into a vat of oil. The light egg batter sealed in the freshness and the pop of the sea oysters. Yum.

We washed this all down with some green tea makgeolli (which just tasted like rice wine) and some citrus, "yuja" liquor.

Yeojaman
1-1 Insa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
South Korea
02-725-9829

Egg battered Oysters

Yeojaman

Friendly atmosphere at Yeojaman

Here is the past article I wrote on this restaurant:

Double Entendre Makgeolli at Yeojaman 여자만

High Class Korean Food at Ondal Restaurant at Walkerhill Hotel

2012-01-06T11:08:00.000+09:00

Neobiani at Ondal Restaurant

Opulent Korean Food at Ondal
Written by Seouleats

In the past, Royal Court Cuisine was a mystery for most in Korean society for only the royalty and nobility could enjoy it. The descriptions of colorful, artistic foods made with exotic and opulent ingredients would capture the imaginations of the working class. The main principles behind the cuisine is that it should be a harmonious balance of color, textures, and of ingredients from the land, sea, and mountains. Traditionally, the king would sit in a room as servants would bring tables set with food for him to dine by himself. The food would be brought out all at once and the king would be able to see all the products of his kingdom before him. By tasting pollack from Inje, the tofu from Paju, or apples from Daegu; he would be able see how his people fared. These days Royal Court Cuisine is typically reserved for special meetings and guests. In the top restaurants in Korea, families might meet to discuss the marriage of their children and it is also a place where important contracts and meetings are held. The cuisine is an important marker in a person’s life.

Royal Court Cuisine is for the refined palate that is a harmonious balance of skill, color, and health.

One of the signature dishes is gujeolpan, a nine-section dish with delicate crepes in the center, which is a representative dish of Royal Court Cuisine. The meticulously julienned and colorful ingredients such as carrots, mushrooms, abalone, egg whites and yolks, and more are placed on a crepe and served with a mustard sauce. I was lucky enough to have been invited to Ondal Restaurant in the Walkerhill. Here I watched their chef team under the eye of Chef Lee prepare an entire royal feast.

Set on the lush, green mount Acha that looks over the Han River on the eastern side of Seoul, Ondal gives one a chance to get away from it all. Located at the Sheraton Walkerhill Hotel, this fine-dining Korean restaurant has hosted a number of dignitaries including participants during the G20 summit held in Korea. The restaurant sources the highest quality ingredients in Seoul and then diligently prepares them using modern and classical techniques. The vegetables in their gujeolpan is delightfully tender and their marinated beef neobiani is rich and flavorful while not not being overcooked. The abalone in the guljeolpan is a revelation. I have never had abalone that was so tender. The other highlights on their menu are the eel in raspberry glaze, Korean beef and mushroom bulgogi, and the grilled corvina fish.

Ondal is one of two Korean restaurants at the major hotels in Seoul so for those looking for real taste of opulent Korean food, this is one place you should visit.

Name: Ondal
Address: Gwangjin-gu Gwangjang-dong San 21 (광진구 광진동 산21);
Phone Number: 02 450 4518
Visited: December 2012
Who did you go with: Collegues/clients
Price: $$$$ Over 100 USD
Website: www.sheratonwalkerhill.co.kr/eng/dining/korean_info.php
*Disclaimer: I was invited to the restaurant by Walkerhill Magazine

Guljeolpan at Ondal Restaurant

Seafood Japchae at Ondal Restaurant

Ondal Restaurant Seoul

Chef Lee at Ondal

Ondal Restaurant Seoul

Yesterday's Lunch: Towers of Kimbap at O'ngo Food

2012-01-06T10:34:00.001+09:00

Kimbap Tower

Towers of Kimbap

Here is yesterday's lunch that Chef Hyejin and Chef Sunim made at our cooking school. It's Tuna Kimbap, one of my favorites.

Dan

User Submitted Restaurant Reviews: Win a Food Tour or Dinner for 2

2012-01-06T08:37:00.000+09:00

Big things are in store for Seoul Eats and O'ngo Food Communications this year. One of the things that we would really like to focus on is community participation. I would like to invite you to share your restaurant experiences with us on our website. It could be about a restaurant you love, your kinda love, or you hate (but please be honest and objective). You can easily submit your opinions using the form below. For the launch of this new program, one lucky reviewer will win a dinner for two at a fine dining restaurant and I will pick up the tab (150,000 won value). Or you can do a private food tour with me where I will take you to some of the best eats in the city. I will pick the winner by February 7th (just in time for Valentine's Day). The winner will be chosen at random among the list of published reviews. I hope that you'll participate and best of luck in the contest. Dan Loading...

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The Korean Street Truck Adventures: Chapter 4: Rage

2012-01-05T17:21:00.000+09:00

Two hours of my life I am never getting back.

Before we get to that story, I feel as though I should explain my absence for the last couple of weeks.

Unlike Korea, the Christmas and New Year’s holidays are a big deal here in the states and this year there was even a bonus. Since the holidays fell on a Sunday, well we picked up Monday as the “observed day” and everyone got a three day weekend!

This would be awesome except I’ve been waiting on my filing from the secretary of state so I could call the IRS so I can get a bank account set up, etc.

Now, with the three day weekend I was waiting longer than expected for the filing since Monday was the holiday and we all know what happens when we take a three day weekend: the work piles up and with everyone basically treating the Friday before New Year’s as a half day. So there are actually only 3.5 working days between December 23rd and January the 3rd. Yippee for everyone except for me.

So I basically gave up on getting anything major done but as a consequence I had nothing to do. Trying to start a legit business is a major pain in the neck so in my down time, I considered robbery and all other sorts of scams and even considered doing them but then I got the filing from the secretary of state on the 30th. WAYY too late to do anything about the IRS of course.

I set myself a reminder to take care of what I needed from the IRS on Wednesday, January 3rd. Now I know that I could do it online but even their online system has hours of operations.

Here is where we are getting to those 2 hours or 120 minutes or 7,200 seconds I'll never get back. I spent that time having smooth light jazz piped through my cell’s speaker.

I should have known it was going too well with filling the application out online; I got all the way to the end when I got the following message. “We are sorry; we cannot fill this request using the online system. Please call XXX-XXX-XXXX , reference number ***”

Great. Just great. So I called.

“Due to a high call volume your wait will be greater than 30 minutes”

"Alright fine, I have some things I can do while I’m on hold," I thought. I still had plenty of time to get to the bank before they close 50 minutes later.

I’m going through all of this information again with the agent, company name, social security number, etc, and we get to the end and the agent says “Oh, you already have a number! Hang on it is…..”

Silence. I look down at my phone in sheer, gut wrenching terror: disconnected.

My 50 minute wait down the drain as my brain processes that I have somehow become disconnected from the IRS right as I was about to get what I needed.

So of course I did the only reasonable thing in this situation after I got my mouth to start working again.: I screamed.

Probably a good thing my upstairs neighbor wasn’t home or I would hope he would have called the police. After I got a fair amount of my rage out, I called the IRS back.

“Your anticipated wait time is greater than 15 minutes” Oh boy! Improvement, I might actually get through in 30 minutes! 55 minutes later.

Finally, I got what I needed and tore out of the house to make it to bank, two hours later than I had planned. Setting up the bank account was a breeze compared to dealing with the IRS, and now I can pay another lawyer to deal with the Feds on my trademark work!

You have to have a sense of humor when dealing with these kinds of things, I’m just thankful that I get to deal with just state and local government from here forward. Next week, I go truck shopping and hopefully there will be no light jazz.

The Korean Street Truck Adventures are the real adventures of a female chef that is starting her own Korean street truck business in middle-America. This is her true story. Names and locations have been omitted. You can leave Ms. L a message in the comment section of this post.

Here are the other chapters in this series:
The Korean Street Truck Adventures: Chapter 3: Sanitation

The Korean Street Truck Adventures: Chapter 2: Sexism in the Kitchen

The Korean Street Truck Adventures: Chapter 1: Insomnia

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Korean Raw Beef

2012-01-04T15:25:00.000+09:00

Korean Raw Beef: Yukhwae

It's not often that my friends say that we have to go to raw beef alley over by Jongno 5-ga. I mean even my most hardcore guests that come on my food tours will chow down on some live octopus but will stay away from raw beef. Korean raw beef is a delicacy. It's not aged so it has a very clean taste to it. They place pieces of the beef over matchsticks of Asian pear and topped with some sesame seeds and a raw egg yolk. The yolk adds a creaminess to the whole dish and it makes it taste so good that I think that someone should come up with a yukhwae bahnmi (I think this would be awesome!). It's good plain but you can give it a dip in the sesame oil and salt. This adds a bit of savoriness to the dish.

Lookie who is in the picture: Chef Ciaran Hickey of the W-Hotel

Yukhwae Jamae Jip

There isn't much else at there restaurant other than the raw beef dish. If you would like a mix of liver and cow stomach, they have that as well, but...I find the liver to be a bit too metallic for my tastebuds and the the stomach has a rubbery...ummm...carpety...texture.
You can find Yukhwae Alley in Kwangjang Market over by Jongno 5-ga station exit 8.

Dan

The raw beef with egg

Raw Beef and Pear and Egg

Roasted Sesame Oil with Salt for dipping

Chef Friends

Culturewalk: Changdeokgung Palace

2012-01-04T11:09:00.000+09:00

Food and Culture seem to be the main draws for tourists to come to Seoul. Here are some photos that I took while I was taking a stroll through Changdeokgung Palace on my lunch break.

Compass

Changdeokgung Palace's Secret Garden

Secret Gate

Monkey See..

Lake in the Secret Garden

Lone Persimmon

Changdeokgung

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Saturday Cooking Class Schedule: January 14th Mandu

2012-01-04T04:50:00.001+09:00

On Saturday, January 14th we'll be making Korean dumplings in celebration of the Korean New Years!

Our Saturday Classes are designed for those looking for more interesting Korean dishes and those that are currently living in Korea. On Saturday, they are attractively priced at only 55,000 won per session. ($52 USD).

Classes will be taught in English by Chef Hyejin and after the class there is a market tour. You'll first see a demonstration of how to make the dishes, then you'll make your own dish. After the class there is a market tour.

January 14 - Pork and Kimchi Dumplings Mandu, cabbage salad
January 28 - Bulgogi, geotjori (Fresh Kimchi Salad)

February 11 - Sundubu stew, Bean sprout salad
February 25 - Andong Jjimdak (black braised chicken), Cubed Radish salad

March 10 - Spicy Stir-fried chicken, Spring namul (vegetable side dishes)
March 24 - Beef Japchae, Cucumber kimchi Here is our Saturday Schedule for Cooking Classes.

Classes will start at 10am on Saturdays and the cost on Saturdays will be 55,000 won per person. If you pay in advance via Korean bank transfer the cost is 50,000 won or Paypal ($48 USD). Please fill out the form below to reserve.

*No refunds for cancellations not made 24 hours in advance or guests that don't show up will be charged for the class. Please be courteous to those that would like to take the class. Sign-up form: &lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Revisited: Mercado Brazilian Restaurant in Sinsadong

2012-01-03T13:53:00.002+09:00

Our company had our end of the year party at Mercado Brazilian Restaurant in Sinsadong. It's located across from Cinecity there. The food was exceptional as always and I ate way too much meat. I particularly love their picanha (top sirloin) and their alcatra (rump steak). The chicken heart aren't too shabby either. What makes Mercado stand apart from other Brazilian Restaurants in Korea is their attention to quality and authenticity. They have real Brazilian chefs. The sauces are delicious- I particularly like their red pepper sauce. The green verde sauce is nice as well. This is one place that doesn't try to pass off grilled hotdogs as real Brazilian BBQ.

Dan

Here are some past reviews on the restaurant.

Review: Mercado Brazilian Restaurant

Photo-Restaurant Review: Mercado Brazilian Churrascarria in Seoul

Who has the best Brazilian Churrascaria in Seoul? by Manuel Lara

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My Tarot Future and My Plans for 2012

2012-01-03T11:52:00.000+09:00

My Tarot Reading for 2012

I am not a superstitious person, but sometimes weird stuff does happen to me. Last year I dropped a knife on my sandaled foot and the knife went right between my first and second toe. I also found a picture of an old friend hidden in a book I thought I had lost in a bag that was in a box marked CDs. I also called my telephone company to complain about a problem with my Internet. I was in a ripe mood and I wanted to blame the poor telephone operator for all of the problems in the world, but she calmly and professionally calmed me down. When I gave my name she excitedly asked me if I had taught in Gyeongju. I said yes and I discovered this was one of my favorite students and now she has a good position at the company. Life is full of unexpectedness.

I went to a tarot reader and these are my cards for the year. The woman said stuff like, you'll be successful, you'll earn lots of money, blahblahblah. The one thing she said that caught my attention was that she said that I needed to focus on myself in 2012. If I didn't then I would be destined to be alone and unhappy. Hmmmm...is that what my cards say?

2011 was been a blur. This year I have focused on building our company, O'ngo Food Communications, into a sustainable business. It's been growing well and I am hopeful for next year. It's nice to know that in this day and age, if someone has a dream and a vision, they can still create a business.

Here are a list of accomplishments I am most proud of in 2011:

LSG Sky Chef's Culinary Tour
Doing the food tour for PF Chang's
Introducing Korean food to many people on our Dining Tours
Working with Suji Park of Suji's Restaurant
Writing the monthly food columns for Seoul Magazine
Helping with the Korean Food Contest at Koreataste.org
Appearing weekly on Arirang Radio to talk about my favorite topic: Korean food
Co-writing an OECD report on Culinary Tourism in Korea
Working with Daeahn Sunim of Balwoo Gongyang Restaurant
Appearing on the Kimchi Chronicles!
Organizing a trip to Gimpo with the Seoul Eats Meetup Group
Working with COEX Korea Food Expo doing food tours for them
Discovering that I would soon be an uncle
Buying curtains for my mother's new house
Connecting with people all over the world because of our mutual love of Korea and Korean food

Here are my goals for 2012

Travel to Vietnam
Buy lots of cute stuff for my niece
Write a couple of books
Write more creatively
Be nicer to my friends
Exercise at least 3 2 times a week
Learn to build ipod applications
Learn more Korean
Be nicer to people at my company
Make O'ngo more successful
Find true love (I know...cheesy, but don't we all?)

My Tarot Reading for 2012

Good-bye 2011, Hello 2012

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000+09:00

Seoul Eats

It has been the worst of times, it has been the best of times.

I have made new friends, lost some old friends and reconnected and reconciled with others.

I have learned new strengths and discovered many weaknesses- 2012 is another year to improve on.

I fell into some old bad habits, yet made some good new ones.

I have some regrets but I am hopeful for the future.

I spent some money, but made some as well.

I helped some that needed help but I could have helped more.

I have been haughty and arrogant to some yet humble to others- this year I will try to be more stable.

I start the year looking forward while learning from the past.

I am thankful of friends I have and I look forward to new friends in the future.

Happy 2012!

Seoul Eats

Fine Cuisine at Min's Club

2011-12-28T17:19:00.000+09:00

Min's Club in Insadong

Salmon Gravlax at Min's Club

Min's Club is a historical house that used to be the home of nobles. Built in the 1930 it has a Korean traditional exterior but with a modern interior. The space has higher ceilings and larger rooms than most regular Korean houses so it is a comfortable place to have a meal. The rooms are cosy. The wood framing is easily seen from the inside. The place is well lit as well with numerous windows around each room. The must have been a bit drafty because the windows are covered with unobtrusive clear plastic.

As traditional as this place looks, they serve contemporary European food with Korean flair. Here you can get Salmon gravlax with a bit of dill cream or a bed of acorn and mung bean jellies with seasoned beef and salad, they have neobiani (a marinated Korean beef) as well; but here it is on a single plate accompanied by a dollop of mashed potatoes and a ray of deodeok (bellflower roots). The main dish comes with a side of rice and white pickled cabbage (for Koreans believe that rice is the main part of the meal and if you have rice, you must have kimchi).

The food is prepared conservatively well. Each dish is flavorful and showcases the ingredients and the skill of the chef. The chef doesn't go out of the way to make his meal gaudy or loud. Here the meal is secondary to the architecture and the conversations that people have.

I had the duck confit which was deboned from the leg. The skin was wrapped carefully around the savory meat. Interesting concept, but I think I would have liked to meat on the bone (but I understand he might have done this for his usual Korean clients). The rice pilaf was nice and buttery and the spinach was delicately blanched. The bean jelly dish was delicious with the silky starch jellies under savory nibs of beef and topped with a greens. For dessert I had the raspberry cheesecake. This, although beautiful to look at was too frozen to eat initially. After giving it several minutes rest it was quite good. The chef is respectful of the history of the house. After dining, the chef greeted us with a half of a soft persimmon. The fruit was ripe and subtle in flavor and texture. The chef told It was a wonderful finish for the meal.

Overall, my meal had more hits than misses and the environment is beautiful for hosting guests, having meetings, and for dates.

Min's Club
Jongno-gu Gyeongun-dong 66-7
02-733-2966
www.minsclub.co.kr

Mung Bean and Acorn Jelly topped with beef and greens

Neobiani

Duck Confit

Raspberry Cheesecake

Persimmon

The Chef

Lunch Menu

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Revisited: OK Kitchen

2011-12-27T18:13:00.000+09:00

Sashimi Platter at O Kitchen

Tuna Platter (Susumu's Dinner)

Susumu Yongari

Whenever I go to O Kitchen I feel like I am visiting old friends. Well, the friends that I would really like to meet: artistic foodies that can hold a decent conversation while juggling knives. This is a place I have visited extensively and so I will let the photos tell the story.

The menu during my last visit was:

/An Assorted Sashimi Platter that included Sea squirt, halibut, mackerel, snapper and more

/A Polenta Cake with soft boiled quail egg

/Persimmon Sorbet

/A Pastrami cold plate with garden grown carrots

/Seafood Pasta with Ugly Ravioli

/Chicken Four Ways

/Fish Four Ways

/Dessert Platter that included Persimmon Pie, Beet dessert topped with Gorgonzola Ice Cream and Chocolate Souffle with mint cream

/Coffee

Garden Grown Carrot

Fish Four Ways

Chicken Four ways

Dessert

Chocolate with Espresso Ice Cream and Mint Cream

Beet Souffle with Gorgonzola Ice Cream

Persimmon Pie

Dessert at O Kitchen

My past reviews of this restaurant

Slow Food at OK2 Kitchen Review up on Visitseoul.net

OK2 Kitchen

Last Seoul Eats Meet-up at OK2 Kitchen in Itaewon

http://www.koreaherald.com/lifestyle/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20091103000076

Tapas and Wine at 48th Street in Cheongdam, Seoul

2011-12-27T09:36:00.000+09:00

Cheongdam is where all the rich and fabulous people hang out and one place in particular that is quite nice is 48th Street by Cheongdam Intersection. This place has multiple stories. The first floor has a cafe like atmosphere with a very interesting arrangement for seating. The seating feels like it is something out of an MC Esher painting. Here you can get coffee or food.

The food at 48th Street is contemporary European. You can get pastas, steaks, grilled fish and fresh salads. There is nothing new age, modern or fusion here. They do classic combinations using good ingredients and good technique.

What I found quite nice here was that:
1) they are open 24 hours
2) they have a decent alcohol selection
3) they have a decent tapa's menu that is delicious and won't break the bank

I often host guests south of the river (Gangnam) and it is quite nice to sit some place that isn't sleazy or overpriced to have some wine or whisky and good conversation. When I went I had a sampling of their tapas to go along with some white wine. I had sirloin with mozzarella cheese that was drizzled with a balsamic reduction and a chiffonade of basil. The meat was cooked medium rare and the mozzarella was quite good as well.

I also tried the foie gras that was over matchsticks of apple. My foie gras was cooked perfectly and the savoriness of the liver paired well with the apple (and also with my sauvignon blanc). Finally, the escargot with mushrooms in garlic butter was a flavor bomb that made me use quite a few rolls to sop up all the deliciousness. The nice dusting of sea salt on the dish was a nice touch as well. Quite delicious.

The tapas here ranged from about 8-12,000 won for a small plate so you could easily get a few with a bottle or two of wine and get out for under 200,000 won. They were running a special there when I was there and you could get a few tapas and a bottle of wine for only 130,000 won. If you are looking for a late night place in a nice atmosphere then this is a good choice.

Cheongdam 48 Bonji (청담 48번지)
Gangnam-gu Cheongdam-dong 48 bonji
02-512-4648
http://www.48st.co.kr/
*Full Disclosure. I was invited by 48th street for a meeting to do a food event there and the management invited me to a tasting while we talked.

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12th Day of Christmas: 12 Hanging Santas

2011-12-26T17:07:00.003+09:00

Korean Hanging Santa

On the 12th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 12 Hanging Santas
11 Korean Christmas Trees
10 Pairs of Funny Socks
9 Maids a Dancing
8 Christmas Cards
7 Paper Lantern Christmas Trees
6 Locks for a fence
5 Christmas Cakes!
4 pairs of socks,
3 doggy outfits
2 Silly hats And a
Santa that bows at me.

See the other days of Christmas here:

11th Day of Christmas: O'ngo's Christmas Tree

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 10: Funny Pairs of Socks

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 9: Maids a Dancing

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 8: Christmas Cards

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 7: Paper Lantern Christmas Trees

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 6: Locks

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 5: Christmas Cakes

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 4: Animal Cellphone cases

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 3: Outfits to Humiliate your Dog

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 2: Silly Christmas Hats

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 1: Bowing Korean Christmas Santa

11th Day of Christmas: O'ngo's Christmas Tree

2011-12-25T17:10:00.003+09:00

On the 11th Day of Christmas my true love gave to me 11 Korean Christmas Trees
10 Pairs of Funny Socks
9 Maids a Dancing
8 Christmas Cards
7 Paper Lantern Christmas Trees
6 Locks for a fence
5 Christmas Cakes!
4 pairs of socks,
3 doggy outfits
2 Silly hats And a
Santa that bows at me.

See the other days of Christmas here:

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 10: Funny Pairs of Socks

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 9: Maids a Dancing

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 8: Christmas Cards

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 7: Paper Lantern Christmas Trees

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 6: Locks

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 5: Christmas Cakes

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 4: Animal Cellphone cases

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 3: Outfits to Humiliate your Dog

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 2: Silly Christmas Hats

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 1: Bowing Korean Christmas Santa

The president of our company, Jia Choi, designed her own Korean style Christmas tree. She took wood branches and she put them in a glass red pot. She put moss on the bottom and then hung Christmas bulbs and lights on the branches. She also put some Korean traditional chopsticks on it as well. I think it's a beautiful tree and something very Korean. Here is our Christmas portrait below in front of the tree.

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 10: Funny Pairs of Socks

2011-12-23T16:00:00.000+09:00

Korean Socks

On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 10 Pairs of Funny Socks
9 Maids a Dancing
8 Christmas Cards
7 Paper Lantern Christmas Trees
6 Locks for a fence
5 Christmas Cakes!
4 pairs of socks,
3 doggy outfits
2 Silly hats And a
Santa that bows at me.

See the other days of Christmas here:

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 8: Christmas Cards

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 7: Paper Lantern Christmas Trees

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 6: Locks

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 5: Christmas Cakes

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 4: Animal Cellphone cases

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 3: Outfits to Humiliate your Dog

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 2: Silly Christmas Hats

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 1: Bowing Korean Christmas Santa

Step into Seoul and Win a Trip for 2!

2011-12-23T13:08:00.000+09:00

Hey Seoul Eats Readers!

My friends are launching an interactive movie about Seoul, where the viewers will have a chance to win a trip for two to Korea! Here's the info and be sure to share it with others.

Dan

Step into Seoul
a 24 hour epic adventure

‘Step into Seoul’ is an online experience where one navigates Seoul's greatest landmarks and attractions through an interactive movie with four selected facebook friends. The plot for this movie includes 11 mini-adventures, where the main character will be following a series of clues instructed by their friends, to complete scavenger hunt-like tasks. This virtual exploration is meant to stir the imagination of travelers, and put the viewers in an experience of a visitor having an exciting 24 hour adventure in the city of Seoul. Once the viewer completes the movie, the traveler will have a chance to win a trip to Korea, along with one selected friend from the movie, where the real adventure begins. Link onto the Visit Seoul facebook page, and click on ‘Step into Seoul’ tab to participate!

Direct link:

http://www.facebook.com/VisitSeoul?sk=app_326170150729875

Come take a cooking class or take a Culinary Tour in Seoul! http://www.ongofood.com

Join the Seoul Eats Facebook Group Page to keep to date with the latest events.

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 9: Maids a Dancing

2011-12-23T09:25:00.001+09:00

Girls' Generation Christmas

On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 9 Maids a Dancing

8 Christmas Cards

7 Paper Lantern Christmas Trees

6 Locks for a fence

5 Christmas Cakes!

4 pairs of socks,

3 doggy outfits

2 Silly hats And a

Santa that bows at me.

See the other days of Christmas here:

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 8: Christmas Cards

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 7: Paper Lantern Christmas Trees

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 6: Locks

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 5: Christmas Cakes

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 4: Animal Cellphone cases

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 3: Outfits to Humiliate your Dog

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 2: Silly Christmas Hats

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 1: Bowing Korean Christmas Santa

Come take a cooking class or take a Culinary Tour in Seoul! http://www.ongofood.com

Join the Seoul Eats Facebook Group Page to keep to date with the latest events.

12 Days of Korean Christmas: Day 8: Christmas Cards

2011-12-23T09:05:00.000+09:00

Korean Christmas Cards

On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me 8 Christmas Cards
7 Paper Lantern Christmas Trees
6 Locks for a fence
5 Christmas Cakes!
4 pairs of socks,
3 doggy outfits
2 Silly hats And a
Santa that bows at me.

See the other days of Christmas here: