We are in Seoul! : Story 4, EAT TILL DROP!

Filed Under Culture, Family, Food, Restaurant, Seoul/Korea, Street, Travel | 2 Comments

Chow down with Hun, Yoon, Gael and Emi. Cheap and Cheerful Night eating at Gwang Jang Market!

I am sure you all like Korean BBQ. And Me too! But there is so much more beyond BBQ in Korean food and the most fun part is that you can enjoy all sort of eateries in different price, ambiance and based on seasonal specialties. It’s already mouth watering brain storming where to go for tonight or for tomorrow’s lunch. At the night market? All vegetarian Ssam place? North Korean cold noodle soup, Nang Myun? or Freshest Sashimi at the fish market! The possibilities are truly endless and you will need months and months to taste all these wonderfully cultural food that Korea can offer.

My dear cousin Yoon and her husband Hun are maybe the 2 best eatery guide you can ask for ! We have been eating the most delicious food around Seoul and having the best time catching up! Soju became our new favorite drink and now that Emi had tasted real deal of Korean food in Seoul, I better Up my Korean cooking skill back in New York…!

Now, are you ready for some Korean food? Then let’s start!!!

First, we are checking the water out at the market. There are so many banquets of all market and street food vendors. Market food usually means Noodles, Korean blood sausage, Jun ( pan fried anything that’s dipped in the egg wash), Ttuck boki ( rice cake cooked in chili paste), Oden soup ( fish cake soup), Sashimi and much more! This runs good half mile long on a long isle between the shops.

Thanks for the big smile! These little fingerling Korean maki ( Gim Bap) are so good that it has a nick name ” Drug Maki”. So addictive. Carrots, crunch sweet and sour Pickled Radish root, Spinach and touch of wasabi paste. Delicious!

It’s a crab season in Korea and Crabs are everywhere! These are Soy Crab. Soaked in a tub of soy sauce. These are cleaned and raw.

Chili paste version. Spicy and sweet.

Down and low in local way. Eating is one thing but most of all, the talking and being together in such atmosphere is the key here. Keeping the company over just good simple food.

Sample station.

So much memories with my Ttuck boki. It’s Korean way of comfort food.

Perfection of Dumplings!

Serious set of All kinds.

Post Soju and lots of food face. We hit already 2 banquets!

Sashimi Section!

Korean Style Sashimi. Cooked and uncooked are mixed. Cooked Octopus, Shell fish and raw salmon and flounder.

Next we are at the BEST Mung bean pancake house.

Yummmm! Yoon and Hun say this is IT!

Cheap and Deep! Crispy around the edges with hearty and satisfying fillings. Delicious! Gael just loves loves loves!

Pickled sweet Onions in Soy and Kimch on the side!

It’s very first time my dad and Gael are meeting in person. We had the best 3 days doing little things as a family visiting local markets, garden and a Korean folk flea market. It makes me feel so happy to see my dad and Gael walking hand in hand. We are going for dinner!!

One area in the west side of Seoul is called ” Mapo” and here we are with dad hitting the most typical Mapo style BBQ place! I really liked overall vibe in this particular area. There were many little places in sort of 70’s style in such Korean way.

Coals are in!

First, a waitress comes and spread some slightly cooked kimchi on the rim of grill. I am curious as it is my first time to see this.

Ah ha! the Egg wash goes over the Kimchi! It makes steamed egg from the heat! Grill’s busy with chopsticks!

Eggs are all gone and Dad takes charge in Grilling! We ordered 2 kinds of meat. Pork with simple sea salt and Sirloin slices marinated in typical Gal bi dressing ( soy based). They melt in your mouth. Tender and Delicious!

Dad pouring Soju for Emi. You receive it with 2 hands especially when you are younger than the person pouring. It’s our way to pay Respect. A beautiful tradition.

Serious grilling here.

Gael learned how to sharpen Scissors from dad. The first tip from grandpa!

The second tip from Granpa. Now you pour with 2 hands to dad. Another beautiful tradition. I love this moment.

3 generations together. Love you dad!

Now we are back with Yoon and Hun in Norayngjin Fish market. We are going to buy our own ingredients and have one of restaurants on the second floor at the market cook for us! It’s a typical way to have your fish and seafood at the market. Isn’t it a brilliant idea?!!!

The market.

Calling it all! Avalon, Conch, Cockle, Clam and …and …and!

King Crabs!

Bass. They are big and totally fresh. I mean they are in the water swimming up to the point you purchase it!

Popular wild caught flounder! Great for Sashimi!

You pick one and pay for it . They Sashimi for you right there on a plate to go.

They look like from Mars.

This is Hun and Yoon’s only spot to go to have their freshest seafood purchased cooked. It’s a small and clean place with lovely owner lady. She’s holding our Korean ” Flower” crabs, mixed Shell fish and a whole Bass! You pay the restaurant to prepare the seafood you bought however you wish. Steam, soup, fry, Sashimi… It’s a still excellent deal as the fish itself is way cheaper here at the market than any shops in the city. And also you are eating them at the best quality. I mean how fresher can it be?

Sashimi Bass.

Steamed Flower Crab. They are plump, juicy and Sweet! The best!! And of course Soju to accompany.

Mixed steamed Shell Fish.

The owner will make this sort of fried rice with crab meat and crab juice and sesame oil. Yum!!

After dinner cigarettes. Hun and Emi. After dinner, we are on the 2nd round of fun at Korean karaoke and late night snack at Hong Dae!!

Digesting.

Happy!

For another fun dinner, here me and Yoon patiently waiting for our table at “ Bong San Jip” It’s my second time with Yoon and all of us!

Yay! It’s about to Start!

Thinly sliced beef brisket is maybe one of my favorite thing now! This old school ” Bong San Jip” restaurant only serves 1 menu. Not many sides like other places. Just Beef brisket to grill. But the secret is in this Killer Soy dipping sauce with lots of fresh chopped scallions and sweet green chili peppers. And one pot miso soup again with beef brisket in! You just to have to be here!

The miso is here!

Cabbage, Tofu, brisket, chili and miso.

Honestly I must say “Fooding till Drop” may the main highlight of this trip. Family get together is absolutely the most precious thing but experiencing all these amazing food in Korea has been One cultural shock even to myself as a Korean.

Like Emi Says, ” Korean Kicks Butt!”

LOvE FoOD, LOvE EaT, LOvE SeOuL!!!

We ARE In SEOUL!: Story 3, A City of Design

Filed Under Architecture, Design, Seoul/Korea, Travel | 1 Comment

Kuk Je Gallery, Sam Chung Dong, Seoul

Every time I come to Seoul for businesses, it sort of feels like I am in this hidden unknown treasure Island. In a taxi, or by walking, I find myself in such cool and brilliant moments. If that is space or a business idea or that is an amazing architectural creation.

It has been quite positively overwhelming now that I am here with Emi and Gael to fully experience Seoul for days and nights. What this city can offer you has No such limit to it.

Here come have little taste of how Seoul is moving forward.

Samchung Dong

There are many big and small mountains in Seoul and it actually works as a such bonus point to challenge “how to build” and do business around. Hills are charming and add very interesting rhythm to the city line.

Again, do not miss what’s on upstairs!

Samchung dong is known for mix of over 150 years old of Traditional architecture and today’s most current living. This is a Italian restaurant called ” 8 Step” again located in on a hill. Guess how many steps to have to walk over.

Kuk Je Gallery. There are 3 separate buildings. K1, K2 and K3. This is K3. They are all very near each other in different setting and style and K3 is my favorite one.

Awesome Typo.

Gael After spicy Ttuk Boki : Rice cake cooked in chilli paste. Love the fact this is a Rice Shop.

Sinsa Dong

& Myung Dong

Mui Mui Cafe and Restaurant, Sinsa dong. I believe Korean’s Love for Coffee is actually based on their Tea Culture. Take your time. Coffee dose not mean intaking caffeine to wake up at 4:00 pm to survive for the rest of the day at your office. Coffee means sitting down with friends to talk in such ambience and space. If you are an architect or have interest in design, a trip to Seoul to only visit coffee shops will make your eyes wide open. The possibilities are endless.

Cafe’s court yard offeres beautiful greenery to customers indoor.

Great glass wear.

A hall way to the restaurant side wraps around the court yard in the center.

The restaurant

Anne Demuelemeester, Sinsa dong

You know you are in Myung Dong now.

Give some wings to your phone.

A land Flagship, Myung Dong. A land is a clothing shop placing themselves in between Urban outfitters and Opening Ceremony.

Hong Dae

A formal factory space turned to a great coffee shop and a bar, Anthracite.

Conveyer belt. Looking absolutely awesome.

Upstairs seating area.

Night out in Hond Dae. So much fun!

City that breaths creativity and culture through it’s every single pore.

Be here, Be Inspired and Be SEOUL!

We are in Seoul! : Story 2, Aunt and Uncle

Filed Under Art, Culture, Design, Family, Food, Gael, Restaurant, Seoul/Korea, Street, Travel | Leave a Comment

Happy Aunt and Gael at Heyri, Aunt’s Studio. It’s almost surreal for me to see Aunt and Gael together!

After another hearty breakfast at Mom’s, We are headed to Aunt’s and Uncle’s in Heyri for the first time for Emi and Gael! Aunt and Uncle have not met Gael yet, So we are very excite!

The door opens up, Uncle and Aunt come out in bare feet much welcoming. I see aunt’s eyes get teary with happiness and emotion to see Emi and Gael. Ahhh it’s so good to be here. I get all teary too. Uncle’s the same way. I have never seen him so happy and having a good time. Emi and Uncle hit it off right away on mutual interests. Love for Wine and good food.

It’s always good to see Tang and Brandy.

Emi and Uncle. The first time meet. Deep in conversation on Italian Wine and Mushrooms. Ha-Ha! Uncle had studied to be a Sommelier as a hobby recently.

All of us enjoying Aunt’s Fermented Ume, Apricot and fresh Peppermint drink. Sweet and refreshing with nice squeeze of Lemon. So Delicious!!! Ume is much used in our family daily in cooking meals in place of honey and vinegar as after it goes through fermentation, it gets sweet and sour. Think sort of maple syrup like consistency. It’s delicious and it does body good for you. Talking about rich in vitamin C and good for digestion.

Beautiful and modern Heyri. Click Here for More Pics. Now we are about to explore!

The Best Coffee in Heyri Aunt says: Coffee Coffee. Heyri’s biggest charm is living a Modern and Artistic life in organic and sort of nostalgic way. There are lots of old school details that are re born in most current setting.

In front of the coffee shop, there’s a true nostalgic ‘ TTong PPang’ machine baking Sweet Red bean cake. The real common name is ” gold fish cake” as the old time cake mold was in gold fish shape but here today’s new version is in ” poop” shape. Now you know what ” TTong” means. PPang means ‘ Bread’. You eat it while it’s hot. Delis!!!

Gael having fun!

Inside of the Coffee shop. The Coffee Bar. Loving the stools made out of part of barrel I believe? Just following coffee shops in Seoul can be one good way to see Seoul today especially for innovative interior designs.

The family.

Now we are exploring Artists’ space in the building where the Cafe is. Light fixtures.

Creative Open Space.

Now here we are where Aunt regularly works on her Ceramics. Gael’s abut to experience Ceramic making!

Gael getting ready!

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After 20 minutes, Gael had made his Noodle bowl and a Tea cup!

Gael putting his Artist’s signature on. Clay is just too wet for Gael to put his name on. So we are making a tag that can be attached to the bottom and to be baked in a right timing.

Thank you So much Master Choi and Thank you Aunt! We will be back again!!

Now moving on to a Traditional market next door. It says “From the farmers”.

Mini legume samples and sacks contain them for sale.

Back home at Aunt’s Studio for power rest. Then we are off for dinner! Some of Aunt’s small work.

Emi on a nap… Zzzzzzz

OK now it’s time for Dinner! This is one of my favorite place to dine! The place is called “Old Country Table”. They serves up typical Korean table that comes with many little side tasting dishes. You get to choose the main dish such as grilled Beef, pork or Pollack. Today we are going for spicy grilled Pollack.

A few different kinds of kim chi, Mountain veggies that are picked, dried, socked and steamed with great seasonings, simple ssam with lettuce and crunch green chili, soy sauce soaked blue crabs, individually prepared amazing miso soups…. It goes on!

Made to order rice is just prepared and served right at the table on rice cart.

YUUUummmmmm! Ginko, chestnuts, red beans and rice. Delicious! So nutty!

Spicy and Sweet Chilli paste Grilled Pollack! Yum Yum Yum

Uncle, Thank You!!! for the great time and all the generous treats! ( two little legs behind Uncle are Gael’s. He fell on a sleep…)

Aunt and Me. We look alike.

Aunt in Korean is “Imo”. Which really means “A different Mother” in Korean. My aunt is a younger sister of my Mom and She is my another mother. Uncle in this case is called ” Imobu”, which means ” A different father”. I also had lived with Aunt, Uncle and my cousin which actually really is a sister, Yoon hee when I was studying in NY for like a year. So it is very special feeling and love that I have for all of them.

Imo and Imobu, Thank you so much for all your warm hearts and love. We had a wonderful wonderful time! I can’t speak enough how happy I am that we all got to finally meet and had time together.

For many more years, Cheers to us!

We are in Seoul! : The First, With Mother

Filed Under Culture, Family, Food, Mother, Seoul/Korea, Travel | 2 Comments

Typical Summer Dinner on the first night in Korea, Gael and Halmoney (: Grandma)

Actually the flight to Seoul from NY wasn’t too bad. 14 hours on Asiana Economy was much better than what we all expected. Foot rests and private monitors with quite impressive amount and selection of films and hearty meals ( We are talking about Bibimbop served in ceramic bowl and Hot Soup here!).

It’s humid and rainy in Korea right now and Paju where my Mom lives isn’t an exception but sitting out in the garden listening to water running from the mountain and all those birds and insects that cries out their own Summer nights of Korea brings me right back to where I come from.

I am Home.

Happy with a big dinner table in front. Humble and yummy. Waiting for dad. Pyung Sang is a typical low sitting wooden deck in Korea that is much adorned in Hot Summer time in effort to bring typical floor sitting culture to fresh and breezy outdoor. You take shoes off and sit on the Pyung Sang for anything you wish. Taking nap to eat meals, drink teas, all those water melons you can chow down, cleaning veggies, neighbor’s visit and late night stories…. Ah Nostalgia!

A morning at Mother’s house is full of excitement! Ducks are chatting up and You will need to do some Breakfast Harvest in Mom’s amazing veggie garden!

For our Salad. Mom and Gael walked to the small river by the house for picking these delicate and sweet edible flowers.

Front garden Back garden. We are in the back of the house now. Emi picking tomatoes!

Chemical free All Organic Breakfast from Mom’s. So beautiful!

Gael and Mom picking cucumbers.

Mom’s Awesome Fiery Chilis!!

Mom bragged about her sweet and juicy water melons. Her 5th growing now.

100 % Mom grown and supplied. It’s impressive and delicious!

After breakfast walking, We meet up neighbor’s 7 pups! Gael’s dying!

We are starting our first day nice and slowly by visiting ” Bogwangsa” , a 1000 years old beautiful temple in mom’s area.

Kim-Chi!

Monk’s Stay.

The Main Temple. I absolutely love perfectly washed out exteriors. So beautiful.

It’s really lush here.

Water from the mountain.

Jang-Dock. Terracotta pots contain Temple made Soy sauce, Miso paste and all. Always love the scene.

Me at Home with Emi and Gael. Meeting Families and Nourishing My Heart and Soul by eating Amazing Food, My culture and again realizing Undeniable my Root in this land.

I am Happy and I am in Love.

40th August Ten

Filed Under Brooklyn, Emi, Events, Family, Friend, NYC | Leave a Comment

Emi and Me, Turning my 40th together. Love you Emi!

My 40th chapter begins here again with full of surprises and hard work. More adventures and lots of LOvE.

Thank You All So much for coming and being with Me! Extra love and all the lovely gifts!

I was One Happy Birthday Girl!

LOvE you All!

Mister Sunday, Brooklyn Tea Dance!

Filed Under Brooklyn, Culture, Dance, Events, For the Weekend, Music, NYC, Travel | Leave a Comment

Gowanus Grove Bridge, 400 Carroll Street, Brooklyn. Always peaceful.

It opens at 3:00. Still quiet. It’s 5:00 pm now. People enjoy couple drinks and still gathering up.

Mister Saturday, Mister Sunday tees.

Botch.

The charm of Gowanus Grove is these vastly located cool industrial buildings. All types. Love them!

Not a bad idea to dance under the trees by the water.

Arrive! Jay, Kaja and me.

Mister Dee Jay.

The Bar.

Sangria for me.

Jackson proves that you have paid and now you can dance.

Maybe good 5 degrees cooler here.

Not only you dance here you Hula Hoop too. Whatever works.

Jaehee and Jay.

Girlfriends.

High as A Kite.

The Beat goes on. The Night goes on.

For more Info. Click Here.

ViVa Summer!

Yayoi Kusama, Whitney Museum

Filed Under Art, Book, Design, Fashion, NYC, Tokyo/Japan, Travel | Leave a Comment

Me standing inside of FireFlies on the Water by Yayoi Kusama, Whitney Museum

Her Posters are everywhere in NYC. Her fabulous bangs and oddly wild dotted outfit that blends into the back ground tells you ” Enough said “. You have to go see her. There is a long line waiting to get into Whitney is impressive. It’s handsome crowd gathering. Everyone seems bit nervous and excite. and Me too! I can’t wait to be in!!!

Doesn’t she look here like Edna in that animated film, ” Incredibles” ?

In the lobby. Awwww, Exciting!

I followed the big balloons and it leads me to the restaurant downstairs. I want this situation at my house!

I am dressed for Ms.Yayoi Kusama. Huge respect.

Going back to Lobby to see Fireflies on the water! I am starting YAYOI KUSAMA!

Only one person at a time is allowed in the room of Fireflies on the water. And you must make an reservation to get a ” Timed ticket” at the ticket desk on the day of visit. Each visitor gets to have 1 full minute per visit.

Thank you Whitney for such a Fab walking guide!

Photos are NOT allowed in the museum so I am about to share many images from the book, “KUSAMA” published by Rizzoli that I purchased at the Museum. Rizzoli edition actually better captures the Exibition at Whitney than Whitney’s own publication.

One of early paintings.

Kusama in her studio, early years. I absolutely loved all the old pics of the artist at the exhibition!!! And her sketch books. To die for….!

She has done series of Pieces working with Fabric, stuffing, shapes, repetition…. This is called ” Cloud”. This covers about good 300 sqft of surface on the floor.