A Fat Girl's Food Guide

09
Dec
2014

Hidden Cellar

categories: Cafes / Takeaways / Bars, Festivals / Special Events

A few weeks ago it was my lovely boyfriend’s 30th birthday. In celebration of him growing old, I decided to throw him a surprise party. Being in the foodie scene in Seoul I’ve made friends with lots of restaurant owners over the past few years and had a lot of options at my disposal for the location. At first I got a little carried away, and was thinking cocktails, canapes, and sequin gowns. However Niall is more of a pints, pies, and sitting around in his pants kind of a man. So I finally settled upon on the Hidden cellar in Haebangchon as the perfect location. (more…)

21
Sep
2014

Il Gattino – Sneak Preview

categories: Restaurant Reviews

Note Il Gattino is no longer at the Good to Go premises in HBC. Due to such popularity they have moved to new premises in Beotiggae which they are currently renovating and will opening soon under the name Brera. As soon as they open I will let you know!

As your favourite food blogger I always try my best to find you the best food in Korea. And for once in my life I’m ahead of the crowd and sharing with you a restaurant that isn’t even open yet! Il Gattino is having a secret opening and they have the best Italian food in Korea bar none. With Italian chef Flavia in the kitchen serving up her classic Italian cuisine and Giovianni as the warm and inviting host, HBC finally has a restaurant which is worth queuing for. For a bargain price of only 35,000 we shared the most sumptuous meal. Prices will remain cheap during the secret opening while they test their recipes and see what proves to be popular, but even after this Giovanni tells me that main pasta courses will only cost around 10,000 each and desserts at around 4,000-5,000. He wants the prices to reflect those in Italy and not just overcharge like many restaurants do here just because we are in Seoul.

To kick start the meal we were given their home baked ciabatta bread, chili jam and olive tapinade. The bread was especially good, and perfectly accompanied with the salty tapinade and sweet chili jam. You can never go wrong with freshly baked bread to start a meal.

The bread course was swiftly followed by baked aubergines in a rich tomato sauce, topped with mozzarella. I love this dish, and often make a similar version myself. Tomatoes, cheese, and aubergines work perfectly and it’s also a great option for vegetarians.

Next we were presented with two different kinds of homemade gnocchi. The first were simply cooked in butter and topped with parmesan cheese. The light pillowy delicate flavour of these was outstanding. Probably the best I’ve ever eaten, they were little clouds of heaven that just melted on the tongue. All they needed was a touch of freshly ground pepper on top to complete them. We actually fought over the last one!

Our second dish was the gnocchi covered in bolognaise. Made using Giovanni’s grandmother’s recipe, it was everything a bolognaise should be, simple, rich, and full of flavour. Again the gnocchi were pure perfection but the sauce really stood out in this dish. I can’t wait to go back and try their lasagne.

In true European style, no meal is complete without dessert and we were lucky enough to try two. A sponge topped with a luscious lemon mousse, and my favourite, tiramisu. Made in the traditional way, both were like eating lavish creamy clouds. With homemade mascarpone, light sponge and rich coffee, the tiramisu was flawless. Both were fantastic and I suggest you get one of each because it was very hard to decide which one we liked best. I gave the edge to the tiramisu, the Fat Boyfriend preferred the lemon. I also heard they have a rich chocolate creation that they will be debuting very soon which I am desperate to try.

The restaurant will be open at the Good to Go location in Hae Bang Chon. But sandwich fans don’t despair, they aren’t going anywhere as the restaurant will be dual run. As I mentioned Il Gattino isn’t even open yet, but they are open to reservations of small groups. Giovanni will find out your tastes and prepare a special set menu just for you. They take lunch and dinner bookings, so if you would like to try their incredible food, please message them using their facebook page.

Il Gattino is located at 46, Yongsan 2 ga, Yongsan gu, Seoul. To get there head to Noksapyeong station(line 6) and come out exit 2. Walk straight and bear left at the kimchi pots. Keep walking up the hill until you see Good to Go/Il Gattino on your right just across from Bonny’s Pizza.

04
Sep
2014

Holy Smoke

categories: Restaurant Reviews

Holy Smoke opened on Saturday, and as always I was one of the first through its doors. Although the close proximity of my house to the restaurant probably had something to do with it! I was just desperate to find out if all the banging in the early morning was worth it.

Despite the mother Mary logo and the godly like name, the interior is dark and slightly satanic. Some cows are certainly getting slaughtered up in here to serve at the altar of deliciousness. With the glowing red lights they have a real juxtaposition of good and evil going on. Maybe it’s supposed to represent the glowing coals upon which the meat is cooked, but I really couldn’t say for sure.

Hot on the tail of Linus’s success, some might say this is a copycat restaurant as the menu is somewhat similar. However there’s room for more than one BBQ restaurant in Seoul. In fact there are thousands of them. Koreans love BBQ meat so I’m surprised the American style trend didn’t catch on sooner.

I got a few sandwiches to go on opening weekend, and finally ate in last night. They have been running out later in the evening so I would advise going early to avoid disappointment. The menu offers a good selection of BBQ foods without having too much. We ordered the pulled pork sandwich (6,000), with fries on the side (2,000). There is generous amount of meat served in a soft buttery roll. The meat is unsauced, allowing you to add your own. They have three available, Franks (a BBQ styled thousand island kind of sauce), Carolina Gold (a mustard laced vinaigrette), and Red hot chili. I find the Franks to pair best with the pulled pork, and with the coleslaw piled in on top this is a damn good sandwich for the price. The meat is tender and juicy but could possibly do with just a touch more flavour within it. Without the sauce it would be a bit bland though.

We also got the rib platter (16,000). On the menu it said three ribs but we got five which was handy as otherwise my poor and long suffering boyfriend would have been left with just one. The meat on the bones was tender and well cooked, but they were just too plain on their own. The sauces that they currently offer completely overpower the flavour of the meat, so they need to serve some regular BBQ sauce. That or perhaps a dry rub before they are cooked. I’m not really into plain old ribs, they are missing that sticky crispy crust that you get when you cook them in sauce. I asked the owner if he planned to serve BBQ sauce but was met with a resounding no. He was rather stand offish when I tried to talk to him. It was a soft opening and I thought these things are usually done so they can receive feedback, especially from your neighbours who are most likely to become regulars if treated well. The two counter staff were incredibly friendly though. I enjoyed the beans from this platter a lot, I just can never get enough baked beans in my life. The small rolls were a bit stale though, if they aren’t fresh they should at least toast them. If they get some BBQ sauce on the menu then I would have the platter again.

I got the brisket sandwich to go (8,000). Again the meat was tender but unflavored, the mustard sauce definitely goes better on this one. I think if pushed though I probably think the pulled pork sandwich has the edge, it’s also cheaper.

Between Sunday and last night they changed the fries. At the weekend they had the larger ones below, but last night they had the shoe string ones you get everywhere. Bring back the big chips and I’ll order double sides, the skinny ones I’m really not fussed about.

Later in the evening I was in the mood for something sweet, so The Fat Boyfriend was dispatched across the road to pick me up the deep fried Snickers (6,000). This is for the very sweet toothed. It was just too sweet for me, I liked the crisp exterior on the outside, but the middle is supposed to be soft and gooey but the peanuts in the Snickers opposed this. It works much better with a Mars bar. I think I’ll try the lemon berry curd next time.

I didn’t have anything to drink as they only serve craft beer. They have a couple of homemade sodas which look great but at 7,000 with no booze in them I had to decline. Maybe after pay day. This place has the making to be a great spot as the portions are large and good value. But they need to make a few changes to get to the same standard as Linus in the taste department. I would definitely continue to get the sandwiches to go either way, but the platters need more work to get me back inside.

Holy Smoke is located at 1F, Sinheung-ro, 3-gil, Yongsan-gu, seoul. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6) and come out of exit 2. walk straight until the road veers off and you see the kimchi pots. Walk along this road until you reach the turning just before bonny’s pizza and go left. Holy smoke is located on the left hand side just after HBC coffee shop. For more information you can call on 02-792-3719.

18
Aug
2014

Aventino

categories: Cafes / Takeaways / Bars

Every day in Itaewon another shop is lost and another restaurant or cafe pops up in it’s place. As a food blogger you think I would be thrilled about this as I literally never need to leave Itaewon again with all the new places that are opening. But sadly most of them are trying to cash in with new crowd of Koreans that are visiting our little neighbourhood. I’m a fan of quality rather quantity when it comes to restaurants but c’est la vie.

Luckily Aventino is a great addition to the neighbourhood. I have been craving gelato all summer long, so it was great to finally get some. Barely open a couple of weeks, they have a range of about 10 different flavours. Once I had revealed my food blogger status the owner insisted I tried them all. And of course I took him up on his offer, it would have been churlish not to.

After the round of samples, my clear favourites were the Lemon and Hazelnut. I was with The Fat Boyfriend so we decided to get two scoops (5,000) but I didn’t really think that lemon and hazelnut matched, so we went for the lemon and grapefruit.

The lemon flavour was incredible. More sorbet than gelato it reminded me of the granita you find in tiny cafes all over Italy. It had just the right balance of sourness. Sweet and zingy all at the same time, it really was perfection on the lemon dessert front. The Grapefruit sorbet was also very tasty. I’m not usually a fan of grapefruit as I find it too bitter, but since The Fat Boyfriend loves it, I decided to give it a go. It was darn tasty and complimented the lemon perfectly.

I also have to give big props to the Pistachio and the Stracciatella. When I was in Italy I practically ate a gelato a day and am in love with tiramisu gelato. So if they can get that on the menu I’ll be in heaven. They also have large to go containers so you can get a couple of pints to take home, which is just perfect for eating while you lie on the sofa and watch the new season of Project Runway.

Aventino is located at 567 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6) and come out of exit 2. Walk straight until you reach the under pass, go through and take the stairs on the right. Walk straight past Trevia and Taco Chili Chili, until you reach Aventino, it’s just on the left before the post office. You can call them on 02-792-0567 for more details.

18
Jun
2014

Chunk of Cheese

categories: Shopping

After going for a walk around Namsan park last Sunday, I stumbled across this place. Yes I went for a walk on Sunday morning, it’s shocking I know but I had to get out of the house. It was the end of the 5 days vacation and I had spent the entire day before dying of a hangover and gorging on junk food and if I hadn’t gotten out of the house I would have gone stir crazy. A Sunday morning walk would never usually be my cup of tea so please don’t judge me.

Anyhow we stumbled across Chunk of Cheese, usually I wouldn’t be caught dead on that hill. Not because I’m too cool for school, just that I generally tend to try and avoid hills. Chunk of cheese is, shockingly, a cheese shop. With over 80 different varieties of cheese they have a huge selection which rivals that of Shinsegae and the foreign food mart. Including some rather good English Cheddars.

I’m not sure it’s worth an out and out trip if you live miles away, but if you live around this neck of the woods it will save you going to Itaewon. It will also worth a peek if you are in the area for dinner. They have lots of anti pasti style things too like salami, olives, wine etc. So if you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or wine and cheese evening then this would be the place to go. Sadly I can’t afford to host wine and cheese parties, but I’d certainly like to. I hold out of date hummus and vodka cocktail nights instead. I’m sure they will catch on any day now.

If you want to visit them personally Chunk of Cheese is located at 31-1 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu. Or you can call them on 02-795-3079 if you want to inquire about a particular cheese. They are also on Y-not Takeout. So if you live locally, you can have your cheese delivered direct to your door, isn’t that amazing!

12
Jun
2014

Silence of the Lamb

categories: Restaurant Reviews

When I first heard about a new lamb restaurant being run by the owners of Bakers Table, I was very excited indeed. I am huge fan of lamb and am always on the look out for it on a menu. Plus I enjoy restaurants with jaunty names, so it really was a win-win situation on my part. Located in the ever trendy Kyungnidan up on the 2nd floor of an oddly shaped building next to the CU. The restaurant is huge, almost too big considering there was no one in there when we visited, although it was early on a week night. It seemed very spacious, and was designed in that empty warehouse, exposed brick, and wooden floor style that’s all the rage these days. There was a separate grill in the middle of the room for you to watch your lamb get cooked. In keeping with the Kyungnidan tradition there are lots of lovely craft beers on tap for you to drink. If you don’t like craft beer it’s juice or wine.

The menu surprisingly enough consisted of a variety of lamb dishes. Grilled, fried, burgers, stew, sandwiches etc. There are also chicken tenders and a pulled pork sandwich on the menu for those who can’t abide with eating Mary’s little Lamb. For the veggie friendly they also have a Greek or panzanella style salad.

After a good peruse, there were a number of dishes I wanted to try on the menu but I settled for The Mediterranean (18,500). Chunks of lamb marinated in rosemary, garlic, and olive oil. They also do a version of this Mongolian style which I was also keen to try, but I figured since it was a European restaurant I’d go club med.

There was a generous amount of lamb chunks. Homemade grilled bread, presumably from the Bakers Table. Fresh sliced onions and a wedge of garlic served with a spicy green side sauce. The charred lamb had a good flavour on the outside but for me just didn’t have the tenderness I was expecting. It was cooked to well done, and I usually prefer my lamb medium. It was fine, but not a patch on the lamb chops I had at Twiga the other day, although they were a much more expensive cut of meat, so I guess you get what you pay for. Had the chunks of meat been a little bigger, they may have remained a bit juicier. I like the addition of the bread and onions, I also would have enjoyed the garlic if it had been cooked long enough for it to be soft. For my tastes the sauce was too spicy and overpowered the taste of the meat. Overall I though the dish was fine, but next time I would probably try something else.

The Fat Boyfriend had his heart set on The Country Man (14,500). Pan fried chunks of lamb, potatoes, and green pepper served in one of their lovely pans and served with toasted bread. This lamb was pan fried, so didn’t have any of the lovely char-grilled flavour that mine had. It was cooked in the same way and I just felt it was not better than I could do myself. We both enjoyed the peppers and potatoes and found them to be a nice change of pace though.

It’s nice to see some different dishes on a menu, but overall nothing really wowed me that much. As we were leaving we saw some friends who recommended the stew as their standout dish. So perhaps I will try that next time. The dishes are all good value for money but just need a bit of oomph to get them past a 7/10 in my book.

Silence of the Lamb is located at 278-1 Itaewon 2(i)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6) and come out of exit 2. Walk straight until you come to the stairs and an underpass. Go through the tunnel and take the stairs on the left. Keep walking straight and follow the road around until you get to Well Being mart. You should see that the road forks, cross over and take the left side. You should see the CU up ahead, Silence of the lamb is on the 2nd floor of the building next door. You can call them on 02-794-9002 for more details.

20
Feb
2014

Street Churros

categories: Cafes / Takeaways / Bars

Last night I was walking home from a lovely dinner with my fabulous assistant Victoria. We passed by Street Churros in Kyungnidan and I just couldn’t resist trying one. For only 2,000 each it would have been churlish not to, despite the fact that I had just eaten dinner and dessert. But you don’t get to be one of Seoul’s most awesome food bloggers without eating 2 desserts in a row.

As stated previously I ordered the Churro (2,000) and the Chocola dipping sauce (1,000). I was lucky that a fresh batch was just out of the fryer. The churro (kind of like a long thin Mexican donut for those not in the know), was good. It was rolled in cinnamon and sugar. I’m not a huge cinnamon fan, but it wasn’t over powering at all, it was nice and sugary. The dipping sauce that came with it was also tasty. Dark and rich, the perfect place to put your churro.

If I hadn’t already been rather full then I totally would have ordered the ice-cream with Baileys. They also do mulled wine, which I certainly plan to get on my next walk up to Itaewon. You know Fat Girl loves a cocktail on the go. The place is a tiny hole in the wall so no seating as such, but they do have jaunty barrels which you can lean upon outside. It’s a great spot for a quick and cheap dessert or drink. The inside is sparkly too which I always find appealing.

Street Churros is located at 222 Noksapyeong daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong station and then take the lift (elevator) next to the 7-11 to get out. Walk over the over pass bridge and take a left. Walk straight down the road past Taco Chili Chili and Southern Sons and take a right at the CU. Street Churros is just on your right. You can call them on 02-792-1489 for more info.

11
Feb
2014

Chakraa

categories: Restaurant Reviews

On Sunday night I had some of the best Indian food I have eaten in Seoul.While enjoying a lovely cold evening in watching episodes of Elementary, we were deciding what on earth to have for dinner. Now usually Sunday is pizza Sunday in our house. However I got rather drunk on Friday night and pizza Sunday was moved to Saturday. It was crazy cold so neither of us wanted to go out for dinner and I had forgotten to take the lamb out of the freezer to make the stew I was planning on. “I kinda fancy Indian,” I told The Fat Boyfriend wondering if I could persuade him to go up to Itaewon. “Hmm, I could do that I suppose,” he agreed. I sat googling Indian restaurants in Itaewon looking for menus so we could place a collection order. When lo and behold I came across Chakraa who actually deliver!!! Hurrah, hurrah indeed. Now despite living in the foreign food capital of Seoul, we still have very few delivery options. Except for Korean food, chicken, or pizza. HBC also doesn’t really have a great lot of take away options either these days since Indigo shut down. There are of course the wonderful sandwiches from Casablanca, burgers from about 20 different restaurants, or fish and chips, but that’s it. We can of course cross the bridge and go to Kyungnidan but crossing a bridge really requires a lot of effort. So to find another delivery option available to us is pretty much heaven on a plate. Please let me know if you know of any others.

Chakraa has a huge menu filled with curries of every imaginable kind. We ordered a butter chicken and a lamb rogan josh. The butter chicken (15,000) was exceptionally tasty, one of the nicest I have ever had, full of flavour while still being mild. It had good hints of coconut too. The lamb rogan josh (15,000) again was good, the sauce tasty and plenty of lamb. It was of a medium heat. Both curries were of a good size making them worth the money.

We also ordered chiken tikka (9,000). Boneless pieces of tandoori baked chicken, full of flavour and a good sized portion. I was thrilled to bits with these. I love my appetizers so we ordered the Samosas 4 pieces (5,000) These samosas were good, dare I say it even nicer than the ones at Everest. Lovely thick pastry outsides, filled with yummy curry potatoes in the middle, a must try.

We also ordered some Onion bhajis (9,000) for about 7. I love, love, love these at home but have yet to see them on a menu in Korea. They didn’t really look like the ones we get at home, but they were still deep fried onion bhaji goodness and I’m sure I would order them again.

Garlic naan (2,500) is an absolute must when I order a curry. I could live without rice but not garlic bread goodness. there are also a few other varieties of bread you can try. I will definitely be placing another order soon.

Chakraa restaurant is located at Seoul Yongsan-gu, Hannam-dong 28-9 if you would like to visit them in person. If you are lazy like me and live in Hanam dong, Itaewon, Haebangchon, Songtan, Nonhyun dong, U.N Village, or Oksu dong then order up a delivery! Delivery times are 12pm-3pm and 5pm-9.30pm, minimum order 20,000. For more info including the menu, please check out their website or call Call 02-796-2255.

Calling all Suwonites!!! There is also a branch in Suwon at 2F, 436-45, Maetan-dong, Yeongtong-gu, suwon-si, gyeonggi-do. This branch also delivers to Maetandong and Yountong areas.

26
Oct
2013

Fat Girl’s – Cocktail Pop Up!

categories: Drinks & Cocktails

Today I am having a drinks pop up event! I have been sharing my recipes with you for quite some time and now it’s time for me to give you the goods. The pop up is at Casablanca in Haebangchon. It has the best sandwiches in Seoul so if that’s not a reason to come then I don’t know what is. They also sell my hummus.

First I will be serving up my cucumber infused gin fresh and tasty it’s served with tonic in cute little cocktail bags for a mere 5,000 each.

Also on the menu is mulled wine, it’s going to be cold out there, so this is just the boozy treat to warm you up on this cold hallows eve 5,000.

Lastly I will be serving that British favourite Pimms! Full of fruity flavour and served in a cocktail to go bag for just 8,000. The only place in Seoul serving Pimms tonight!

So stop by before your Halloween parties tonight, starting at 5pm, I’ll be serving drinks until we are sold out.

Casablanca is located in Hae Bang Chon at 44-8 Yongsandong 2 -ga, Seoul, Korea. Take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6). Walk straight out of exit 2 for about 200 meters and take the first left and walk straight along the road with all the kimchi pots. Casablanca is on the left a few doors up from Phillies. You can also call them on 02-797-8367 or check out their facebook page.

15
Jul
2013

Once Upon a Milkshake

categories: Restaurant Reviews

Located at the spot where the now departed Poutine Factory was situated, is the newly renovated Once Upon A Milkshake. We waited weeks for them to open so last weekend, I thought it was about high time I go and taste one, as I really don’t drink enough of my calories. With a bounty of fab flavours I was overwhelmed on which one to choose. You can also mix two for an extra charge and choose your milkshake’s thickness.

Feeling in a fruity mood I decided to opt for a strawberry. Just one taste though and the disappointment spread across my face. It was just so milky and bland. Not a hint of strawberry or any sweetness could be found. For a flavour named Real Strawberry is was a bit of a joke. It just tasted like the insipid vanilla ice-cream that was used to make it. I like vanilla but it was just so lackluster.

I decided before writing my review I should at least try one more. Maybe the strawberry was not as I would like it, but one of the sweeter flavours may hit the spot. So I tried the cookies and cream. The cookies and cream milkshake was so bad I didn’t even finish it. Coming from a serial gorger like myself that is bad, it’s a rare occasion when I won’t finish something. It was every worse than the strawberry. A thick sludgy cream with a few cookie crumbs in. The only nice thing I can say about these is that they are a good consistency.

There are three sizes available at Once Upon A Milkshake; mini 80z (4,000); regular 12 oz (6,000); and large 16oz (7,000). The mini is tiny, and the regular is very small too. I buy a lot of smoothies and frappucinos but I have to say these were expensive for their size. I’d be willing to bite the bullet on that if they were tasty though, but these just fell flat on their face. Quite ironically their slogan is premium ice-cream at non premium prices. The ice-cream is neither premium or good value. Save your tastebuds and your money and visit Baskin Robbins instead.

As you may have surmised from this review, I will not be returning to Once Upon A Milkshake for their overpriced and underwhelming milkshakes. I wish Poutine Factory would come back, their food was pricey too, but at least it tasted good. You can get a better milkshake at Mcdonalds for a lot less.

If you would like to still see for yourself, Once Upon A Milkshake is located at 242 Noksapyeong-daero, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. To get there come out of Noksapyeong station (line 6) exit 2 walk straight until you reach the overhead bridge. Walk over the bridge and take the stairs on the right. Go straight and Once Upon A Milkshake is on the left. You can call them on (070) 7435-3513 or check out their facebook page for more info.

Tag: Haebangchon