SEOULBERRY

Who doesn't love cheap coffee?

2009-05-28T16:43:00.007+09:00

I know this is a bit old, but I dare say that this song's play count is slowly creeping up to my iPod's Top 25. I love that it's random-chirpy-and-pensive-in-a-bottle (for lack of a more sophisticated term), and that for once, I don't have to listen to someone whine sing about love, love, or... yeah, love, in the overtly-obvious-my-tears-are-falling-like-the-rain-on-a-wet-summer-day-sense, at

A few reasons why Korea is A-W-E-S-O-M-E

2009-05-28T16:35:00.005+09:00

Courtesy of the always entertaining Simon and Martina of eatyourkimchi.com! This video rocks. Virtual high five!

Korean Fried Chicken, Oakland style

2009-05-25T13:03:00.003+09:00

Mmh, fried chicken. Not just any fried chicken. Korean fried chicken.Imagine my excitement after reading one Yelper's claim that this Oakland chicken joint put Kyochon to shame? That's bordering on KFC blasphemy, but I do give OB Chicken Town a thumbs up for their frosty cold beer paired with boneless soy-garlic "well-being" fried chicken (...because deep frying it in olive oil makes it healthy?)

Weekend trip to Korea...er Los Angeles

2009-05-23T08:49:00.007+09:00

Took a weekend-ish trip to Korea(ntown) and here are the quick highlights, drumroll please!#6. Holly's Coffee. A trip down Sentimental Lane. I <3 you, sweet potato latte.#5. Cafe on 8th and Hobart (I don't recall the name). A bit pricey, but I've been told that any cafe in K-town is pricey. The outdoor deck is charming, and I can imagine it'd be really romantic at night.#4. Chosun Kalbi. Can you

The toilet doesn't like toilet paper

2009-05-23T08:26:00.004+09:00

Sure, it took a little time to get used to, but I eventually came to accept the wipe but don't flush concept in Korea. But in Los Angeles, California, USA? Are the pipes smaller in K-town? A result of habit? Attempts to conserve water?

Korean Heritage Night with the Giants

2009-05-15T17:19:00.003+09:00

It was Korean Heritage Night at AT&T Park, hence the Korean head gear and inflatable sticks.Truth be told, I was hoping for a little more than Korean drums to showcase "Korean heritage"... but oh well. At least we got to bang those blow up sticks really really loud.(My alternative to blackout boxes and blurs. Because not everyone likes being tagged on the WWW. ^^)

A lesson in Korean: bbang bbang!

2009-05-15T08:08:00.007+09:00

I believe I was watching 미녀들의 수다, a program that features foreign women chatting about everyday life in Korea, when I came across the word 빵빵하다 (bbang bbang hada). I could guess what it meant based on the context and sound, but it was nowhere to be found in the dictionary, so I decided to ask a friend.He couldn't help but laugh, but after the hilarity (or absurdity?) of my question subsided, he

Airplane food in Suwon

2009-05-15T04:53:00.003+09:00

My friend Young Sul sent me this link earlier this morning. It brings airplane food to a whole new level.

쉐리 vs 하늘... What's in a name?

2009-05-13T15:59:00.000+09:00

My friend 구현 was the first person to inform me that I'd been named after a laundry detergent (see above). After what was probably a bad soap joke, I then remember him mentioning that 구현 also stood for "implementation" so I shouldn't feel so bad.Truth be told, I never really took a liking to my name. I didn't think it suited me, and I'd scribble a variety of alternatives, testing each one against

The F4 Encore

2009-04-30T06:53:00.003+09:00

I never thought I'd be able to appreciate a man-pama (perm) until I met Goo Junpyo.Let's cue the cheesy music and enjoy...

Chapagetti (짜파게티)!

2009-03-17T16:42:00.004+09:00

There are moments when I enjoy a bag of Chapagetti or Chacharoni over "real" jajangmyeon...Mmmh.

Goshitel

2009-03-13T08:32:00.005+09:00

Goshitel's a pretty fun word to pronounce in a bad American accent. So what is a goshitel? Simply put, a goshitel is a cozy little closet that some people call "home" and others call "storage space." More nicely and appropriately put, it's an inexpensive living alternative similar to a dorm, usually for university students looking to get their study on.I can't speak for goshitels or goshiwons in

Lotteria's Rice Bulgogi Burger!

2009-03-10T04:17:00.004+09:00

I don't eat beef burgers, but MC does, and last year, he gave Lotteria's rice bulgogi burger a generous 5/10 rating. I managed to take a bite of the rice "bun," and you know what, it wasn't half bad. I bet this thing would sell pretty well in Hawaii, home of McDonald's Portuguese sausage, eggs, and rice breakfast!PS. Is it just me or does the burger wrapper seem a little... inappropriately

Eating at Sanchon in Insadong

2009-03-07T13:26:00.004+09:00

I'm not much of a meat eater so I may be a bit biased, but this is definitely a place you should try at least once - its extravagant spread of vegetarian temple food, clean flavors, and decor warrant a visit - and it's a particularly good experience for out-of-towners.Review: http://www.seoulstyle.com/seoul-sanchon.htmWebsite: http://www.sanchon.com/

Dragon beard candy in Insadong (인사동 꿀타래)

2009-03-07T12:46:00.010+09:00

Mmh, nothing like 16,000 strands of stretched out sugar wrapped over nuts to satiate your sweet tooth!You can find these 꿀타래, or dragon's beard candy, stands in touristy areas like Insadong and Myeongdong; they can draw quite a crowd with their enthusiastic cries of candy making joy in just about any language you please. (Well, for the record, I've only heard it in Korean, English, Japanese, and

Who doesn't love dak kalbi (닭갈비)?

2009-03-07T11:07:00.009+09:00

Every single American friend I've introduced dak kalbi (닭갈비) to has taken quite the liking to it. How could you not? Watch Stephanie as she becomes mesmerized with the yum-yum-in-the-tum-tum stir fry. I think I'm going to open up my own place stateside. Would you come visit?

Gyeongbokgung (경복궁)

2009-03-07T10:55:00.006+09:00

We were going to put together a silly "Seoul guide" video but never got around to filming the rest... maybe next time. ^^ I thought I'd share this clip anyway.

Street food

2009-03-05T17:16:00.007+09:00

There's nothing like deep fried goodness and rice cakes soaked in chili pepper paste, especially when you're in need of a quick bite or cheap eats (particularly nice after a few too many drinks). I can't say I'm 100% confident that it's completely sanitary, but it sure is tasty. ^^

Those darn acronyms

2009-03-05T17:01:00.005+09:00

I've had more than my fair share of Korean slip-ups. I found this English one amusing. ^^ These are the types of things you'll never forget, and it's definitely beneficial to the learning process.Speaking of which, I've started a blog in Korean, mainly to practice my writing. I've yet to update it, but the URLs can be found at cheripracticeskorean.blogspot.com and blog.naver.com/csaito. ^^

You can take the girl out of Korea...

2009-02-21T17:33:00.007+09:00

...but she'll make the kitchen smell like kimchi. ^-^Some random home cookin', granted, it doesn't look very appetizing so you'll just have to take my word for it. I wish you could have seen my delicious japchae, hehe, I was damn proud of that beautiful thing.And just for kicks, my œuf mimosa (because it sounds so much cooler in French.)

How to eat your chamchi Korean style

2009-02-21T10:14:00.010+09:00

Now there are two things in the world I love, one of which is sesame oil. It's savory scent is almost as good as, if not better than, inhaling gasoline. I admit the latter's an acquired taste. But honestly, I'll put sesame oil in just about anything - in my salad dressing, on my rice, in my noodles, while I'm frying up an egg, doong doong. (On a side note, I'm considering replacing all future '

Gee Gee Gee!

2009-02-11T17:02:00.004+09:00

When I heard this song (SNSD's "Gee") for the first time, all I could do was cringe... I have to admit though, it's since grown on me, and dare I say that I've actually come to enjoy it? o_O haha, in certain doses of course. Anyway, this remix version was pretty cool...!Original:

I want nobody but YOU

2009-01-24T15:39:00.004+09:00

One of my favorite YouTubers, singindork888, did a nice cover of the Wondergirls' Nobody... ^^

K-drama, a guilty pleasure

2009-01-09T21:37:00.005+09:00

Since I can't sleep, I've been finding other ways to keep myself distracted... and this is the latest, 꽃보다 남자, a fantasy K-drama with I'm sure will be yet another fun rags to riches storyline, apparently based off a popular Japanese comic series. Who says we can't dream about Prince Charming? I know, I shouldn't hold my breath...꽃보다 남자 TrailerEpisodes (with English translation) can be found here:

PostSecret (비밀엽서)

2008-12-23T21:40:00.006+09:00

I'm a big fan of PostSecret and was interested to find out it had a sister Korean site, 비밀엽서.I'm thinking it's finally time to turn one, or two, or a dozen in...Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again.Wisely improve the present. It is thine.Go forth to meet the shadowy future, without fear. -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Thanksgiving, told in pictures

2008-12-23T21:03:00.009+09:00

A month overdue, but better late than never. I present to you - Grace and Cheri's Thanksgiving Dinner 2008! Ranked by biased ono-licious-ness levels. ^^"It's like I'm in Hawaii" portuguese sausage and cornbread stuffingPasta salad with broccoli and egg, local style ;)"Mmmh can I just drink that straight up?" onion gravyEasy maple butter glazed carrots"Skinny" roasted garlic mashed potatoesSauteed

No birthday soup for me :(

2008-12-23T20:26:00.007+09:00

My "officially one year away from hitting a quarter century" birthday passed a few weeks ago, and I totally forgot to make birthday soup (aka 미역국, seaweed soup) this time around. I must be getting old. ㅠㅠ I've been eating 미여국 on my birthday ever since I can remember, and attempting to make it for my mother since middle school. It's quite easy so if you've got a Korean friend, it wouldn't hurt to

It's been a while

2008-12-23T19:45:00.004+09:00

So I've received a few random emails and Facebook messages that have kindly demanded requested that I update my blog. Apparently the subject of "tofu hell" was starting to get a little tired and old. I've got so much to update (slowly but surely), but every time I think about the backlog, I push it aside even more... well, no more! I intend to take full advantage of tonight's minor case of

Tofu hell?

2008-11-22T00:09:00.003+09:00

During dinner tonight at Ginza-Mienoumi (which, by the way, is quite nice but not the focus of today's post), the subject of food came up several times as I poked and prodded our Japanese dinner companions.So what do you think of the Japanese food in America? Very big sizes.What about the taste? Not bad. It depends where you go. Nobu's not really as well known in Japan as he is in the States, huh

In and around: Tokyo's Koreatown (Shin-Okubo)

2008-11-17T22:39:00.006+09:00

I still haven't gotten used to the fact that the Korean restaurants here charge you for your kimchi and side dishes... But if any of you happen to be in Tokyo and want a little taste of Korea, Shin-Okubo's (JR East line, one stop from Shinjuku) one of the places to go!

Tsukiji Fish Market - From Boat to Bowl

2008-11-17T22:19:00.007+09:00

Is it worth waking up at 5AM to watch a tuna auction, browse the market, and eat raw fish for breakfast? Of course! And I'd do it again tomorrow.Much better footage can be found on YouTube but here are my attempts (and I didn't get run over!)Workers flying by with tuna in tow, and the auction going on in the background:Watching people at work alongside the dozens of flash frozen tuna fish just

Why I love Korean Air

2008-11-17T20:16:00.008+09:00

When booking my trip to Tokyo from SF, despite the availability of less painful, non-stop options, I thought flying Korean Air would outweigh the hassle of transferring and re-checking in (especially at the Tom Bradley Int'l Terminal at LAX, which I've come to realize, is NOT fun.)Why?For starters, once I boarded, I was welcomed with that warm and tingly familiar feeling - that air service can

The spoiled under-30 crowd

2008-11-14T18:26:00.004+09:00

Email forward from my 언니... ^^ I'm sure it's been floating around the Interweb for a while but I thought I'd post anyhow. I wonder what us 20s folk will get to say to our kids?Anyhoo, off to Jaaaaappppaaaannnn!Your spoiled under-30er,Cheri---THE SPOILED UNDER-30 CROWD!!! When I was a kid, adults used to bore me to tearsWith their tedious rantings about how hard thingsWere when they were

Aaaahhhhhh!

2008-11-11T18:22:00.005+09:00

The always amazing Imogen Heap just mentioned one of the coolest, most ridiculous contraptions I've ever seen so I had to look it up.Introducing...the ScreamBody, a portable space for screaming!When a user needs to scream but is in any number of situations where it is just not permitted, ScreamBody silences the user's screams so they may feel free to vocalize without fear of environmental

Have you bought your box of Pepero?

2008-11-11T17:53:00.007+09:00

Tuesday, November 11th marks Veterans Day here in the States......and Pepero Day back in Korea.According to Wikipedia...Pepero Day is an observance in South Korea similar to Valentine's Day or Sweetest Day. It is named after the Korean snack Pepero and held on November 11, since the date "11/11" resembles five sticks of Pepero. The holiday is observed mostly by young people and couples, who

Dak kalbi... homestyle

2008-11-11T17:13:00.005+09:00

Dak kalbi is easily one of my favorite Korean dishes. Unfortunately, finding a restaurant that specializes in it when you're not in Korea (or LA) is a bit challenging. So I did the next best thing - made my own!Honestly, they make it seem so easy... throw in a little chicken, some cabbage and any other extras you want, add a little chili paste and voila - chicken heaven! However, I've definitely

Jin Sho - a taste of Nobu on the Peninsula?

2008-11-08T21:13:00.004+09:00

I've quickly become a fan of one of Onni's recent sushi finds in Palo Alto. I think she's becoming a regular and I understand why. Jin Sho, opened just under a year ago by two Nobu alums, occupies a modest space while serving up fresh, quality fish. Check out Sushi Monster's review on Chowhound if you're curious for details. Otherwise, just enjoy the pictures and salivate. ^^Onni (w/Sake Nigiri,

A taste of Hawaii in Massachusetts

2008-11-08T20:12:00.005+09:00

Say you're about two hours west of Boston and looking for some good ol' Hawaii regional cuisine. Where do you go? Quite a paradox, I know. But thank goodness Western Mass has Onyx Fusion Bar & Restaurant (and thanks to MC for taking me!) This restaurant's got its flaws (e.g. the poke was watered down from the daikon "juice," the mahi was a little boring, the bread pudding was rock hard, and they

We got married...!

2008-11-08T19:39:00.008+09:00

One of my favorite indulgences is 우리 결혼했어요 ("We Got Married"), a reality show that pairs Korean celebs with each other, allowing them to get a taste of the drama and adventure that "married" life brings. A few months ago, I forwarded snapshots of the wedding photoshoot episode to my wonderful friend Grace (then a bride-to-be). She, of course, was breathtakingly beautiful, and as I looked through

Where NOT to go for soondubu: Tofu House in Palo Alto, CA

2008-11-08T18:42:00.009+09:00

Don't believe the Yelpers! True, my soondubu standards have been raised since moving to Seoul, but there's just no excuse for going to So Gong Dong Tofu House (소공동 순두부) in Palo Alto, CA unless you're really desperate, i.e. starving Cast Away style, meaning you've been stuck on an island for weeks having nearly eaten a volleyball named Wilson. I can't believe it got FOUR stars on Yelp. I must have

It's been a while, is anybody out there?

2008-11-08T17:36:00.006+09:00

I haven't been feeling very chatty lately for one reason or another, partly due to the fact that I haven't been in one city for more than a week, and unbeknownst to most, it feels like I've yet to catch my breath. But I'm finally sitting down, laptop in hand for about another week before jetting to Japan for a bit. Till then, you better bet your kimchi (Huh? Did I really just say that?) I'm going

I can't bowl

2008-10-21T16:40:00.004+09:00

Apparently I've been holding the ball the wrong way for my entire bowling career, and NO ONE TOLD ME. What's up with that, folks? It's almost as bad as having a big red chili pepper flake stuck between your two front teeth without anyone so much as hinting, "Hey, you might want to check on that..." I think we Americans should take a tip or two from the Korean stereotype... unreserved candidness

Last shoutouts (for a bit)

2008-10-21T16:10:00.004+09:00

To 엄마 & 정재...And this one, I suppose, to me...? ㅎㅎAirport goodbyes always suck. Thanks to my fam and friends for seeing me off. I'll never forget my "last" Korean meal... chicken buh-guh with fries and a coke. Yum.Gotta catch another plane in a few hours... even though I may be stateside, I'll still be bloggin' away! ^^

Leaving on a jet plane

2008-10-19T02:21:00.003+09:00

I'm SF bound via Beijing (wish me luck) in a matter of hours and might as well be in a noraebang singing along to John Denver...I'm leavin' on a jet planeDon't know when I'll be back againOh babe, I hate to goI'll miss this place.But I hear they've got a Paris Baguette on El Camino Real.Cheesy montage of digitized memories coming soon.

Thursday food diary: Agu jjim and cake

2008-10-17T02:34:00.004+09:00

Dear Food Diary:I promise once I'm back Stateside, I'll be better, e.g. I won't drink soda for breakfast. Yes, today I had a can of Fanta for breakfast. Can. Of. Fanta. Normally I wouldn't do this. I don't even drink Fanta, especially after those horrid Wanta Fanta commercials scarred me for life. Besides, I've always been more of a Sunkist type of gal. Not that I really drank that either. But

Just a test...

2008-10-17T01:23:00.005+09:00

...to see whether or not somebody *really* reads this blog as claimed... ㅎㅎ Kidding. (I know you don't.) Happy twenty something.

For Alice

2008-10-17T01:10:00.001+09:00

Super size me

2008-10-16T03:16:00.003+09:00

I'll take the XXXXX-L cheese omelette, please.Mmmh, gigantic gyeranmari (계란말이)... I can't help but feel like I'm in World 4 of Super Mario Bros 3. Props to you if you know what I'm talking about without having to look it up.Imagine taking this sucker to go.

Kimcheeeeeese!

2008-10-16T02:47:00.003+09:00

I realize this could be used against me.

What A Catch, Donnie

2008-10-15T19:36:00.004+09:00

Loving this song...I've got troubled thoughts and the self esteem to matchWhat a catch, what a catchAnd all I can think of is the way I'm the one who charmedThe one who gave up on youWho gave up on youㅠㅠ

Video reunion... from Jeju to HI

2008-10-14T23:59:00.000+09:00

To 엄마 from 고모할머니... it's been a while. But look at what the interweb can do. ; )

Sunday food diary

2008-10-13T02:46:00.010+09:00

Dear Food Diary:과식했나보다... > _ <#1) Lunch at a noisy and packed institution in Myeongdong for gom tang (곰탕), beef soup with rice (no, I still don't eat beef) and way too much ggakdugi (깍두기). This was my first time trying it with ggak guk (깍국), basically the "soup" (liquid) from ggakdugi kimchi - good stuff, Koreans sure do know how to make the most of everything!#2) Afternoon UFO pastry from the "

In and around: Itaewon Randoms

2008-10-13T02:29:00.010+09:00

KH, being KH (potentially the only person in Korea who can accept and often top my randomness and sarcasm.) "YO! How YOU doin'?""Why don't they pronounce it She-Na?""Take a picture of that, Cheri!"

I'll take my egg boiled and deep fried, thank you

2008-10-12T23:52:00.003+09:00

My first twiggim street encounter was exactly as first described to me - looks great, tastes okay (unless you're really hungry.) Mostly because it sits cold on the street, having been fried hours before consumption. Regardless, it's one of those things you just have to try, and heck, I'd probably go back if I were craving something greasy on the go.But imagine the potential... tempura made fresh

Hilton - Palm Court Buffet

2008-10-12T23:51:00.002+09:00

Aunty Mina's back in town! We caught up back at the Hilton over the hotel's usual buffet spread, only this time it was at the Palm Court. Hotels with big pretty lobbies and foreign businessmen in suits remind me of home. ^^Told in photos because a picture is worth a thousand words I'm lazy.Plate #1Plate #2Plate #3This does not include all of our special comp dishes and drinks. (It pays to know

In and around: Hongdae Artsy Fartsy

2008-10-12T23:50:00.000+09:00

So many opportunities for potentially gag-worthy pictures (e.g. me with fobby heart arms above my head, standing next to Shadow Girl.) Must... resist... temptation... ㅎㅎ

Breakfast of champions

2008-10-11T23:55:00.001+09:00

I quit eating breakfast on a regular basis sometime during or after high school, and I haven't quite reacquainted myself with the concept of eating an entire bowl of rice, soup, and at least five different kinds of side dishes (especially kimchi!) right after waking up. But I have to admit, there's something nice about a good bowl of jjigae in the morning - if done right - if done by JH Imo, the

"Koreans don't eat turkey"

2008-10-11T23:53:00.001+09:00

I plan on writing about (or lazily posting pictures of) the wonderful world of Korean chicken dishes one day soon... I should know, as I typically don't eat anything else that can walk - oh, except turkey, which is a rarity in this country. Why, I'm not quite sure, so I decided to Ask A Korean. I've asked other Koreans, but it's usually in vain:"Koreans don't eat turkeys.""글쎄...""Turkey? What's

Ah, that Buddhist temple in Wonju

2008-10-11T23:51:00.002+09:00

Wanna go home now?No, let's take her sightseeing.What's there to see in Wonju?That temple on the mountain...Hmm, I think I've been there.*upon arrival* Yep, definitely been here. (Video evidence!)Are you Buddhist?Nope.I'm pretty bad with Korean names... I'm thinking this might be Guryongsa Temple. A little help? Either way, it's a nice area to walk around and pick chestnuts straight off the tree,

More shoutouts from across the (other) pond

2008-10-11T23:50:00.001+09:00

To 엄마 & 정재... JH Imo calls it an "interview." : )And the "secret" shoutouts from the you-know-whos are here and here...

Red Mango fun

2008-10-08T03:34:00.004+09:00

Wonder why there's so much English on the walls?It must be all the gyopos. Well, except for Heather Bowser maybe.Can you read that aloud for me? (Hint: Bottom Center, if you're in the least bit interested, and for the record, I didn't get the "sofa king" reference at first... Yep, gotta be those damn summer schoolers!)People watching, a wonderful pastime - best seats in the house.Couldn't resist.

Tuesday food diary

2008-10-08T02:49:00.005+09:00

I started a food diary on Monday with intentions of whipping myself into shape, but it looks like I've already fallen off the wagon. GG and I were discussing how our weight has changed for the worse since we first landed on motherland soil (he gained 5 kgs, I've played the fluctuation game), and we joked about Koreans' tendency to be brutally honest, which I've sincerely come to appreciate - it

From where I'm sitting

2008-10-08T02:43:00.003+09:00

My favorite bench at Ssamziegil in Insadong.

Where's the mac salad?

2008-10-06T23:59:00.001+09:00

Anna and I were craving fried chicken and this was the closest thing we could find on the menu... (I've gotten confused... do we usually serve our chicken with fruit in the States, or is this a Korean tendency? I kind of like it.)It strangely reminded me of huli huli chicken, only it smelled of ham, was a little pink for our taste, and I still haven't gotten used to the idea of chicken necks on a

Mmh banchan

2008-10-05T21:20:00.005+09:00

Mmh banchan... just to make you hungry.Pictures below come from a restaurant I went to a couple nights ago... but the amazing thing is that my relatives' fridges are usually stocked like this. How, I don't know. It's like magic!

Pojangmacha

2008-10-05T16:43:00.002+09:00

Never thought I'd say this before but...I'll miss eating omelettes with broth and beer late at night on the street...2 more weeks left in Korea. ㅠㅠBut I'll be back. ^^

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

2008-10-05T14:41:00.002+09:00

Last night, we checked out the Seoul International Fireworks Festival from Yeouido (여의도)... Apparently, this year Korea and Hong Kong battled it out to see who could make a more impressive show... I'm not sure who won, but the second show definitely took the cake! My pictures and videos (below) don't do it justice, so you should also check out this person's clip of the bridge along the Han River

Why it's better to take the bus sometimes...

2008-10-05T14:35:00.005+09:00

On the freeway from Gyeonggi-do to Seoul... where's everyone going on a weekend afternoon? Sometimes it just makes more sense to take public transportation. Gotta love the bus lanes!

Shoutouts from Korea

2008-10-05T13:52:00.002+09:00

To 정재 -To 엄마 -

Bread and beer

2008-10-02T23:59:00.001+09:00

That honey toast looks delicious. (Note: It's not that photogenic.)Uh, is that a parsley garnish?Guys, I just realized...we're eating a loaf of bread with whipped cream. Like, an entire loaf of bread. Did we just order an entire loaf of bread?You're only realizing that now?And we're eating it with beer.Is that strange?You're in Korea.Right.

It's like drinking chocolate

2008-10-02T23:58:00.001+09:00

Iced chocolate heaven is now available at the recently opened Lucycato shop around Ewha Women's University. If you like to chew on your drinks (yes, it's sort of like drinking melted chocolate), then this is the place for you. Plus, it's pretty and girly and a little Jetsons-esque, if that's your sort of thing. Not only do they sell chocolate in a cup, but you can also find ice cream, fancy

Budaejjigae

2008-10-02T23:57:00.005+09:00

I wonder if budaejjigae (부대찌개) would be a hit in Hawaii? You know, where processed meats and instant ramen have a relatively high acceptance rate compared to the rest of the country? ^^

Chamchi...welcome to the world of Korean tuna

2008-10-01T18:20:00.005+09:00

The world of all-you-can-eat chamchi restaurants in Korea is one like no other. Maybe I've been spoiled. I mean, I've been graced with the presence of the one and only Yoshio, possibly the funniest sushi man in the world, ever since I could walk. Even in Boston, we managed to find a few decent places, one in particular that imports their fish fresh from Japan, and in New York and San Francisco -

Chubby cheeks in a week, the pictorial explanation

2008-10-01T04:07:00.009+09:00

What I learned on Facebook today

2008-09-30T23:45:00.004+09:00

In my unmotivated, emotionally numbing state, I found myself:...glued to the Goo Goo Dolls on repeat, the man I wanted to marry since middle school ^^, Jack Cafferty on Sarah Palin, Tina Fey being Sarah Palin, Imogen's latest update, the NYT, and other news highlights...in search of a million mindless distractions and consequently landed, quite easily, on Facebook, skimming through pages and

Stephanie in Seoul - A Preview

2008-09-29T04:20:00.001+09:00

Dearest S,Armed with nothing but a list of foods to eat, you came and went, and we collectively gained a few dress sizes and potentially damaged a few livers. 32nd Street will never be the same for you. Not even Kun Jip.I'm glad you got to meet a few of my buddies, even when there were language barriers. I especially appreciate you teaching them how to properly call one another bad names in

Feeling better, thanks ^^

2008-09-29T04:19:00.006+09:00

Things have gotten rosier and let's just leave it at that. ^^On a side note, design-wise, Korean doctors' offices are much cooler than American ones. What's also pretty neat is how pharmacies will individually package pills for you (by consumption period) so you don't have to fumble with a million different child-proof safety caps.I'm sorry some of you were getting tired of looking at the

Jajangmyeon and puppies!

2008-09-21T04:30:00.004+09:00

Recently discovered a little 자장면 restaurant 30 seconds from my place. The 자장면's alright but the best part is playing with the puppies! I'll have to enjoy this luxury health code violation while I can.

Not quite your average Chuseok

2008-09-21T03:51:00.010+09:00

For one reason or another, we didn't all make it out to my uncle's for Chuseok this year, so I didn't take part in the big production (e.g. songpyeon making, jun frying, etc.) like last year......nor did I have to withstand the crowds at the local Home Plus/Tesco this time around. (Check out my dad holding Chuseok 2007's partial bill! o_O)However, I did come back with a full stomach, 10 lbs

Fruit soju and lessons in Korean

2008-09-21T02:25:00.000+09:00

I consider myself a relatively healthy person, but I'm pretty sure I've been under the weather more times in Korea than ever before. It's probably got something to do with sleep deprivation and an unbalanced diet. (I can see the rolled eyes and nods of agreement from across the interweb.) Luckily, I'm back up to 80% (and still going) thanks to a brilliant combination of generic (Canadian made)

To JJ...

2008-09-16T15:31:00.003+09:00

More love from across the Pacific.

The not so scary Viking (in Gangneung)

2008-09-12T05:19:00.002+09:00

As you can tell, the Gangneung Viking is nothing compared to the Wolmido Viking...But it's still a lot of fun when you're riding with two uncles, a freaked out aunt, and an amused little cousin. ^^

Beer cocktails in Hongdae

2008-09-12T03:20:00.005+09:00

Like I said, I know little to nothing about alcohol.Like who knew a beer cocktail could actually be yummy?S darling, we're coming here (refer to picture above) once you get to Seoul. And when I say "here" it's because I don't know the name of the place and chances are high that I would not be able to find it again on my own. ; ) Luckily I've recruited a couple Hongdae experts to fulfill all of

Donburi

2008-09-12T03:14:00.002+09:00

On some days, a nice bowl of donburi kicks bibimbap's you know what.

9/11

2008-09-11T23:59:00.001+09:00

Seven years...http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/category/sept-11-and-ground-zero/

More than you needed to know

2008-09-11T23:45:00.009+09:00

About a year ago on one of my many mystery blogs ; ) I had posted a response to one of those pass-around-email-surveys. I guess one of the questions required five random comments...G) FIVE RANDOM COMMENTS:1. I'll be in New York next Tuesday night. If any of you NYers want to come party, we'll be at The Annex in the Lower East Side for Temposhark's gig. I can promise this will be an amazing show

Yongojeon... now that's school spirit!

2008-09-09T21:22:00.004+09:00

연고전 makes me wish I spent some undergrad time in Korea.From Wiki...The rivalry of Korea University and Yonsei University, the top two private institutions in the nation, is nationally renowned. These private universities are proud of and renowned for their spirit, traditions, and the gold balance of academics and athletics. So intense is the rivalry between them that the crimson-attired

Day trip to Wolmido

2008-09-09T20:31:00.004+09:00

It's still a trip to see my buddies in all different parts of the world. Friendship knows no boundaries, no distances, no fear. ; ) Met up with Beckett in Incheon this past weekend, and got a tour of Wolmido (월미도), a famous naengmyeon street (냉면거리), and Inha Uni (인하대).It's really easy to get out here; all you have to do is take Line #1 all the way out to Incheon Station (where Korea's "Chinatown"

Pretty Seoul... Samcheongdong and Yeouido ^^

2008-09-09T20:01:00.005+09:00

I love walking through Samcheongdong (삼청동) at night. It's pretty and charming and always gives me an excuse to whip out the camera. But other than the famous sujebi restaurant and a cafe or two, I hadn't actually been there to eat in a while, until we recently checked out a cozy little Italian wine bar called Romanee Conti. I don't normally eat seafood, but the mussels were so perfectly cooked I

I <3 han jeong shik

2008-09-09T05:23:00.004+09:00

Korean table d'hôte.Can we possibly finish all of this?Of course, and let's ask for seconds too!Food coma...

Hong Kong & Macau: YouTube Style

2008-09-09T03:16:00.007+09:00

A sampling of the 550+ photos/videos we took during our short stay... One day I'll make that video montage, but for now, here are a few random memories to share... ^^Photos (Make sure to switch to "high quality.")Symphony of LightsVictoria Peak Tram RideIn the TaxiMost importantly, you can check out our food album here!Thanks to Alan for showing me a glimpse of HK nightlife (hmm, was I in New

To JJ, with <3 from Suwon

2008-09-06T12:43:00.001+09:00

In and around: Namsangol Hanok Village

2008-09-02T23:59:00.000+09:00

So nothing beats the Korean Folk Village in Gyeonggi-do, but if you're pressed for time, there are a couple options in Seoul. More info here.Time capsule...And look who signed it... our very own Jeremy Harris!

In and around: Namdaemun

2008-09-02T23:58:00.002+09:00

Top Cloud

2008-09-02T23:23:00.008+09:00

I'd been wanting to check out Top Cloud, the restaurant/bar above Jongno Tower for a while, despite the fact that a friend told me it was absurdly priced. He was right. Especially when I saw a glass of Yellow Tail Cabernet Sauvignon for 16,000 won! (That's about two bottles' worth in the US, at least one bottle's worth in Korea.) The dinner buffet spread looked quite nice (maybe next time I'll

Din Tai Fung: Dim sum in Seoul

2008-09-01T23:59:00.002+09:00

I'm back from Hong Kong and Macau! We took nearly 550 pictures and videos (not bad for a 3 night trip), and I'm pretty sure I gained at least 5 lbs from dim sum brunches alone. But more on that later once I sort through all the footage! In the meantime, here's a fitting preview for what's to come. (Sort of.)Last week, I made my second visit to Din Tai Fung (the first at the Kangnam location), a

Hong Kong recommendations?

2008-08-25T21:57:00.003+09:00

Hong Kong bound in a few days.If anyone has any suggestions, please do share!Pretty please. ^^

Cheap wine, good company

2008-08-25T20:57:00.016+09:00

I can't quite put my finger on how to best describe this bottle of wine (pictured below).Classy would make for a good antonym. Gaudy? Cheesy? Sleazy? Something that might be found in a love motel's complimentary service package? Haha, I kid, I kid.But in all seriousness, how can you not crack a smile? Cupid's on the cover, with full bow-and-arrow and a large gold-outlined, red heart for crying

Quick and dirty guide to marinated saltwater mussels

2008-08-25T20:11:00.011+09:00

From boat...To land...To hand...To grill...Check out our makeshift meal......Hot sauce marinated mussels!

Samchi and soondubu

2008-08-25T19:48:00.002+09:00

I've collected exactly 129 points from 똘깨마을 맷돌순두부 - meaning that at least 129,000 won has been spent at this Sinchon soondubu joint over the past 8 months, not including the few times I didn't have my frequent diner card on hand. o_O (Don't get me started on loyalty cards. I've collected over a dozen in this city and have only reaped the benefits of ONE thus far.)Without fail, visits to 똘깨마을