Seven years...
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/category/sept-11-and-ground-zero/
Posts
Premiere Watch: Made in Korea 2
3 days ago
Thursday, September 11, 2008
More than you needed to know
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...
---HAVE YOU---
Eaten an entire box of Oreos? TOTALLY.
Gotten in a car accident? Just me and the "you came out of nowhere" pole... I was only going 5 mph but the entire left bumper had to fall off...
Stayed home? I'm a closet homebody.
Made homemade fudge? No, but I would gladly volunteer my taste-testing services to anyone willing to make it.
Seen the Eiffel tower? It's pretttty, and John, if by some faint chance you're reading this, I would like to tell you one more time that you can't go to Paris and not see the Eiffel tower just because you're trying to be "different!"
---FAVORITES---
Shampoo: I used to use a lot of Biolage. And Herbal Essences. Except in college I bought a lot of Suave from Target because it was cheap and smelled good. In Korea, it's been Mise en scène. I think it was the sparkly gold that sold me.
Color: This depends on my mood. I may be green at the moment.
Day: Christmas morning.
Night: Thanksgiving dinner.
Band: Darren Hayes. But he's not really a band.
Song: There are too many to name but I recently went through a "I miss the late 90s" phase and have had Iris (Goo Goo Dolls) and I'll Be (Edwin McCain) on repeat. Just give me a guitar(ist) and I'll break into song.
Season: Fall.
Secret to your heart: Is through my stomach? Ha ha. Umm... roses, soft and cuddly stuffed animals, and anything that shows thought, care, and effort? I think we're getting a little too personal for the Seoulberry blog, folks. ; )
Type of sandwich: Lately I've been thinking of a Breakfast Jack on sourdough, minus the ham. Because that's the first thing I'm eating once I land on SF soil next month! (And don't forget the Oreo cookie shake and seven layer burrito from next door).
Coffee or hot chocolate? Coffee. Unless we're talking Angelina's hot chocolate in Paris.
Cold or hot? There's only so much you can take off... plus layers are fashionable.
Big or little? Really, who comes up with these questions?
Red or blue? Blue. We're talking politics, right?
New or old? A little bit of both but I prefer the former.
Here or there? There. Definitely there.
---IN THE LAST 24 HOURS HAVE YOU---
Cried? Nope.
Eaten fluf? That's just gross.
Helped someone? Yep... and it involved Barney's RBV!
Bought something? A waffle with yogurt and apple jam.
Dissected something? Not since bio in the 10th grade. Unless we're speaking metaphorically. I've dissected many things metaphorically speaking.
Cut your hair? No.
Worn a skirt? Nay.
Worn a tie? I've never tried the Avril look.
Been mean? I hope not. But if I was mean to you in the last 24 hours, please post a comment and I'll be sure to send an apology your way. Unless you were that ajumma who stepped on my foot. I secretly gave you a look of scorn (on the inside b/c I didn't want you to see).
Been sarcastic? Me...? Sarcastic...? Never... You betcha!
Gone for a run? Ha, I haven't done that in the last 24 weeks.
Gone for a walk? Sure did, it was nice.
Felt stupid? Oh, I feel stupid all the time. Keeps us humble. : )
Said "I love you"? I typed it. Does that count? Happy birthday G!! ^^
Written a letter? An email is still an e-letter. :)
Written a paper? No, but I edited a thesis.
Met someone new? Ok, now I know why I don't do these things...
Moved on? They're exhausting to answer...
Written in a journal? Because my life's not that interesting...
Watched your favorite movie? I guess I'll start answering the questions again...
Talked to someone you have a crush on? Right after this one...
Given someone a present? No, but I intend to!
Missed someone? : (
Hugged someone? : )
Been scared? Maybe.
---WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU---
Ate a meal? Tonight... "doria" + "Korea" don't really go hand in hand... When's the last time I ate a good meal? Lunch. Dolsot bibimbap, yo.
Are you tired? Extremely.
Are you hungry? If you put a loco moco in front of me right now, I'd eat it.
Are you eating? No.
Are you talking to someone online? Yeah, but they shouldn't be talking to me, he he. Graciepoo has deadlines, CuaCua's "pretending to work," and Curtis is in his constitutional law class.
Are you ready for this survey to end? YES, END ALREADY! If I ever had a reader of this blog, chances are high that he or she has left the building for good, never to return again.
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 if you're a music <3er!2. I could REALLY go for a Boloco soy smoothie right now, but I might settle for a free scoop from J.P. Licks since it's well, free.3. I played with Sam's iPhone today. It's so much fun!4. A week from now I'll be on a plane for San Francisco!5. A while back Jane, Raya, Alex, and I went to see Cary and Priscilla's show at Paradise Lounge and we noticed a giant pink bunny running around with a bong. I found out today that it was Kiefer Sutherland all along so the mystery's been solved.
Memories, memories... I can't believe how quickly time's flown by. I'm in such a different place (literally, mentally, emotionally) than I was a year ago. So much has been learned while so many more questions have emerged. So for fun, I thought I'd do one of those surveys again... it's been ages! Another year from now, I'll look back at this and amuse myself. Oh come on, you know you want to do it too. ; )
---HAVE YOU---
Eaten an entire box of Oreos? TOTALLY.
Gotten in a car accident? Just me and the "you came out of nowhere" pole... I was only going 5 mph but the entire left bumper had to fall off...
Stayed home? I'm a closet homebody.
Made homemade fudge? No, but I would gladly volunteer my taste-testing services to anyone willing to make it.
Seen the Eiffel tower? It's pretttty, and John, if by some faint chance you're reading this, I would like to tell you one more time that you can't go to Paris and not see the Eiffel tower just because you're trying to be "different!"
---FAVORITES---
Shampoo: I used to use a lot of Biolage. And Herbal Essences. Except in college I bought a lot of Suave from Target because it was cheap and smelled good. In Korea, it's been Mise en scène. I think it was the sparkly gold that sold me.
Color: This depends on my mood. I may be green at the moment.
Day: Christmas morning.
Night: Thanksgiving dinner.
Band: Darren Hayes. But he's not really a band.
Song: There are too many to name but I recently went through a "I miss the late 90s" phase and have had Iris (Goo Goo Dolls) and I'll Be (Edwin McCain) on repeat. Just give me a guitar(ist) and I'll break into song.
Season: Fall.
Secret to your heart: Is through my stomach? Ha ha. Umm... roses, soft and cuddly stuffed animals, and anything that shows thought, care, and effort? I think we're getting a little too personal for the Seoulberry blog, folks. ; )
Type of sandwich: Lately I've been thinking of a Breakfast Jack on sourdough, minus the ham. Because that's the first thing I'm eating once I land on SF soil next month! (And don't forget the Oreo cookie shake and seven layer burrito from next door).
Coffee or hot chocolate? Coffee. Unless we're talking Angelina's hot chocolate in Paris.
Cold or hot? There's only so much you can take off... plus layers are fashionable.
Big or little? Really, who comes up with these questions?
Red or blue? Blue. We're talking politics, right?
New or old? A little bit of both but I prefer the former.
Here or there? There. Definitely there.
---IN THE LAST 24 HOURS HAVE YOU---
Cried? Nope.
Eaten fluf? That's just gross.
Helped someone? Yep... and it involved Barney's RBV!
Bought something? A waffle with yogurt and apple jam.
Dissected something? Not since bio in the 10th grade. Unless we're speaking metaphorically. I've dissected many things metaphorically speaking.
Cut your hair? No.
Worn a skirt? Nay.
Worn a tie? I've never tried the Avril look.
Been mean? I hope not. But if I was mean to you in the last 24 hours, please post a comment and I'll be sure to send an apology your way. Unless you were that ajumma who stepped on my foot. I secretly gave you a look of scorn (on the inside b/c I didn't want you to see).
Been sarcastic? Me...? Sarcastic...? Never... You betcha!
Gone for a run? Ha, I haven't done that in the last 24 weeks.
Gone for a walk? Sure did, it was nice.
Felt stupid? Oh, I feel stupid all the time. Keeps us humble. : )
Said "I love you"? I typed it. Does that count? Happy birthday G!! ^^
Written a letter? An email is still an e-letter. :)
Written a paper? No, but I edited a thesis.
Met someone new? Ok, now I know why I don't do these things...
Moved on? They're exhausting to answer...
Written in a journal? Because my life's not that interesting...
Watched your favorite movie? I guess I'll start answering the questions again...
Talked to someone you have a crush on? Right after this one...
Given someone a present? No, but I intend to!
Missed someone? : (
Hugged someone? : )
Been scared? Maybe.
---WHEN'S THE LAST TIME YOU---
Ate a meal? Tonight... "doria" + "Korea" don't really go hand in hand... When's the last time I ate a good meal? Lunch. Dolsot bibimbap, yo.
Are you tired? Extremely.
Are you hungry? If you put a loco moco in front of me right now, I'd eat it.
Are you eating? No.
Are you talking to someone online? Yeah, but they shouldn't be talking to me, he he. Graciepoo has deadlines, CuaCua's "pretending to work," and Curtis is in his constitutional law class.
Are you ready for this survey to end? YES, END ALREADY! If I ever had a reader of this blog, chances are high that he or she has left the building for good, never to return again.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Yongojeon... now that's school spirit!
연고전 makes me wish I spent some undergrad time in Korea.
From Wiki...
The Korea University side...
These kids have a TON of energy. I can't recall a single moment that didn't feature the entire crowd in cheer, song, or dance. Check it out!
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 supporters of Korea University identify the league as the “Ko-Yon Games,” while Yonsei members in blue transpose the two syllables as "Yon-Ko". Five events: (baseball, basketball, hockey, rugby union, and soccer) are held every year.The Yonsei University side...
The Korea University side...
These kids have a TON of energy. I can't recall a single moment that didn't feature the entire crowd in cheer, song, or dance. Check it out!
Day trip to Wolmido
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" is located) and take a cab or bus to Wolmido. Beckett kept reminding me of how filthy the water was (apparent by the abundance of water roach looking creatures near the rocks), but the view's beautiful from afar. ^^
We stopped by the amusement park, famous for the Viking and Apollo Disco rides. It was tres 힘들다. ㅠㅠ I must be getting old.
I was perfectly fine the first time around, but our second ride on the Viking required a 20 minute sit down break, and we were dizzy the entire night. To my defense (I swear to be a rollercoaster-riding-senior-citizen long after retirement), although it may not appear particularly scary - believe me - this thing goes sky high, forcing you to choose whether to worry about your stomach popping out of your body or the bar giving way (SPLAT!)... Have you ever ridden the Zipper (please refer to Wiki's Safety Issues paragraph) at a state fair? Yep, Six Flag's got nothing on these rinky dinky carnivals.
The Apollo Disco was a whole 'nother story. Basically, the ride operator knocks kids out of their seats (and keeps 'em down) while sarcastically making fun of people till they turn red. Oh and on top of that, some random dude does back flips while the ride's in operation.
After a very trying day on the rides, we were famished and consequently stuffed ourselves with non-human size portions of delicious, refreshing naengmyeon (물냉면).
We somehow managed to eat even more around the Inha campus. Why won't they just let you have a plain ol' beer in Korea?
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" is located) and take a cab or bus to Wolmido. Beckett kept reminding me of how filthy the water was (apparent by the abundance of water roach looking creatures near the rocks), but the view's beautiful from afar. ^^
We stopped by the amusement park, famous for the Viking and Apollo Disco rides. It was tres 힘들다. ㅠㅠ I must be getting old.
I was perfectly fine the first time around, but our second ride on the Viking required a 20 minute sit down break, and we were dizzy the entire night. To my defense (I swear to be a rollercoaster-riding-senior-citizen long after retirement), although it may not appear particularly scary - believe me - this thing goes sky high, forcing you to choose whether to worry about your stomach popping out of your body or the bar giving way (SPLAT!)... Have you ever ridden the Zipper (please refer to Wiki's Safety Issues paragraph) at a state fair? Yep, Six Flag's got nothing on these rinky dinky carnivals.
The Apollo Disco was a whole 'nother story. Basically, the ride operator knocks kids out of their seats (and keeps 'em down) while sarcastically making fun of people till they turn red. Oh and on top of that, some random dude does back flips while the ride's in operation.
After a very trying day on the rides, we were famished and consequently stuffed ourselves with non-human size portions of delicious, refreshing naengmyeon (물냉면).
We somehow managed to eat even more around the Inha campus. Why won't they just let you have a plain ol' beer in Korea?
Pretty Seoul... Samcheongdong and Yeouido ^^
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 couldn't resist. ^^
Another place with a nice view is Yeouido (여의도). While chilling along the Han River's always fun, drinks up top the 63 Building offer a pretty decent sky view (at least, a lot better than Top Cloud). But something seems to be missing from Seoul... a skyline?
Another place with a nice view is Yeouido (여의도). While chilling along the Han River's always fun, drinks up top the 63 Building offer a pretty decent sky view (at least, a lot better than Top Cloud). But something seems to be missing from Seoul... a skyline?
I <3 han jeong shik
Korean table d'hôte.
Can we possibly finish all of this?
Of course, and let's ask for seconds too!
Food coma...
Can we possibly finish all of this?
Of course, and let's ask for seconds too!
Food coma...
Hong Kong & Macau: YouTube Style
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 Lights
Victoria Peak Tram Ride
In the Taxi
Most 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 York?) and to my travel buddy for being an awesome travel buddy. ^^
Photos (Make sure to switch to "high quality.")
Symphony of Lights
Victoria Peak Tram Ride
In the Taxi
Most 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 York?) and to my travel buddy for being an awesome travel buddy. ^^
Saturday, September 06, 2008
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
In and around: Namsangol Hanok Village
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!
Time capsule...
And look who signed it... our very own Jeremy Harris!
Top Cloud
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 try it), but the interior was a little disappointing. The view? Take a look for yourself. Is it worth it?
Jongno Tower (Jonggak Station, Line 1)...
18,000 won for a bellini... We took our sweet time sipping ; )
View of Namsan...
You can see the 63 Building in the far, far distance...
Interior...
Night view, from the bathroom...
If anyone's got any recommendations for drinks with a view in Seoul, please let me know. ^^
Jongno Tower (Jonggak Station, Line 1)...
18,000 won for a bellini... We took our sweet time sipping ; )
View of Namsan...
You can see the 63 Building in the far, far distance...
Interior...
Night view, from the bathroom...
If anyone's got any recommendations for drinks with a view in Seoul, please let me know. ^^
Monday, September 01, 2008
Din Tai Fung: Dim sum in Seoul
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 relatively well awarded Taiwanese dumpling chain. I can't say there are a ton of amazing Taiwanese or Chinese food options in Seoul (backed by what the natives tell me), so I was happy to stumble across this restaurant, especially since this was my first VEGETARIAN DUMPLING find in Korea! ^^
I tried to get a review on camera but all I got was this...
I take it as a good sign. He says he'd come back.
Steamed pork dumplings, 8500 won. (KH: 8/10)
Plain noodle soup with green vegetables, 5000 won. (Cheri: 8.5/10; Amazingly fresh noodles, perfectly cooked to the right consistency. Clean, refreshing chicken broth. Simple dish done well.)
Braised beef noodle soup, 8800 won. (KH: 7/10)
Steamed mushroom vegetarian dumplings, 10000 won. (Cheri: 9/10; Great veggie option packed with flavor.)
Din Tai Fung
www.dintaifung.co.kr
Myeongdong: 02 771 2778
Kangnam: 02 569 2778
Bundang: 031 705 2778
Last week, I made my second visit to Din Tai Fung (the first at the Kangnam location), a relatively well awarded Taiwanese dumpling chain. I can't say there are a ton of amazing Taiwanese or Chinese food options in Seoul (backed by what the natives tell me), so I was happy to stumble across this restaurant, especially since this was my first VEGETARIAN DUMPLING find in Korea! ^^
I tried to get a review on camera but all I got was this...
I take it as a good sign. He says he'd come back.
Steamed pork dumplings, 8500 won. (KH: 8/10)
Plain noodle soup with green vegetables, 5000 won. (Cheri: 8.5/10; Amazingly fresh noodles, perfectly cooked to the right consistency. Clean, refreshing chicken broth. Simple dish done well.)
Braised beef noodle soup, 8800 won. (KH: 7/10)
Steamed mushroom vegetarian dumplings, 10000 won. (Cheri: 9/10; Great veggie option packed with flavor.)
Din Tai Fung
www.dintaifung.co.kr
Myeongdong: 02 771 2778
Kangnam: 02 569 2778
Bundang: 031 705 2778
Monday, August 25, 2008
Hong Kong recommendations?
Hong Kong bound in a few days.
If anyone has any suggestions, please do share!
Pretty please. ^^
Cheap wine, good company
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 out loud. Even Two Buck Chuck can afford a better label! :P
Forgive me, for I am (clearly) easily amused.
That being said, the wine itself wasn't all that bad, albeit a bit watered down. But for the record, A) we're a little far from Napa if you know what I mean, and B) I tend to prefer watery Korean beer which makes it obvious that C) I know close to nothing on the topic of vino (or alcohol in general for that matter), unlike my wine connoisseur of a sister. (She probably would have sent it back, hehe.)
And in all fairness, the "Honeymoon" bottle was part of a $20 set special, complete with a huge plate of yummy seafood cream pasta and a cracker & prune plate. Besides, when you've got good company, nice conversation, and comfy surroundings, that's all the really matters, right? ^^
Tess
Sinchon Station
02-334-5617
Quick and dirty guide to marinated saltwater mussels
From boat...
To land...
To hand...
To grill...
Check out our makeshift meal...
...Hot sauce marinated mussels!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
