A Fat Girl's Food Guide

24
Sep
2013

Whitby

categories: Restaurant Reviews

When I first found that an English fish and chip shop was going to open on my street I was very, very excited. Being a Brit I take fish and chips very seriously, it is our national dish after all. So when I walked past and found out that it had finally opened I was one of the first people in line to give it a try. it’s a tiny hole in the wall which looked very authentic. With a name like Whitby, one of Britain’s premier seaside towns and a fish and chip mecca, I had my hopes up high.

I ordered a fish and chips (9,000). I duly waited for about 5-10 minutes and was presented with a package wrapped in paper, exactly as we would get them at home.

i opened them up to reveal two pieces of fish and a portion of chips served with tartar sauce. The chips, which are my personal favourite part of the meal, weren’t bad; but for a restaurant that sells only two things, fish and chips, the chips should be made with real potatoes not bought in frozen from Costco.

The fish is not bad, the batter is fairly light, and it does hit the spot. But it is in no way reminiscent of the lovely thick soft and crispy batter we have at home. The fish and chips at the wolfhound is far superior.

Whitby is located in HaebangCheon. 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. Keep walking straight up the hill until you see Whitby tucked away to your left.

02
Sep
2013

HBC Foodie Crawl

categories: Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized

Another week, another crawl for food. It’s practically my only hobby these days. This is a little review of last weeks crawl in Hae bang chon. Great food and great people, what more could you ask for on a Saturday afternoon.

Bonny’s

First stop was Bonny’s Pizzeria and self service bar. Here we tried the kimchi cult pizza. I have always given this one a miss in the past ,as I am not really a fan of kimchi. However I thought it would be churlish not to try it and it was actually quite tasty. I much prefer kimchi when it is hot, rather than cold, throw in some cheese and a pizza dough and it’s actually pretty damn manageable. Our drinks special here was the Russian beer, an awesome accompaniment to kimchi Not bad at all.

Indigos

Or second stop of the day was Indigo’s. Here we got to try my absolute favourite sandwich, the basil pesto chicken. It was totally amazing and as yummy as always. Glad a few others got to try it too. We also tried the tomato soup. A lovely homemade one, which would just be ideal on a cold night.

Phillies

If we were to eat anything here, it has to be the Philly cheese steak. Although more bulgogi than steak ,it was still rather tasty. We also tried the vegetable platter with ranch dip that went down a storm. Even with the hard to please Jonah and Katy. Who said kids don’t like vegetables?

Ditori

Last stop on this week’s tour was Ditori. Here we tried Korean potato pancakes. They were wonderfully tasty, and it was great for me to try something new. We also indulged in their fabulous makgeolli range. Co-leader Joyce recommended the champagne makgeoli, which really does have a resemblance to champagne. Locally made it’s for those that like the finer things in life but cant afford them. We also tried the black bean makgeolli too, which again I was surprised I liked too, the perfect end to the tour.

The Itaewon foodie crawls are a weekly event hosted by Chip’s Maps with a little help from yours truly. If you are interested in attending one of the future foodie crawls, please check out the facebook page for more details and information on how to sign up. Hope to see you at the next one!

02
Aug
2013

Springs Tap House

categories: Restaurant Reviews

Before I jetted off to Bali I paid a visit to Springs Tap House in lieu of my new job at Chips Maps. Yes, I am finally going to be a published writer!!! For those of you not in the know, Chips maps is a FREE magazine, listing all the wonderful places in the Itaewon area that you can eat and drink. It also has other useful places too, but I think you know where my priorities lie. This month I have written the piece for neighbourhood grub, a star dish that you can get at one of the wonderful eateries in the area that you won’t find anywhere else. So be sure to grab a copy and read all about it. Here is a more comprehensive review of the latest gastro-pub and craft beer joint in our fair area.

When arriving at Springs Tap House I was struck by how fancy the menu was. When walking past It was not what I expected at all. I was thinking it would be just beer and pub food but the menu is far more complex than that and actually offers one of the best gourmet experiences in the area. Hummus pizza, corned beef tongue, and Jeju-do bacon all feature on the unique menu.

My first choice was the Deer Hunter (15,000). A freshly ground venison burger topped with lettuce, red onion and whole grain Dijon mustard housed in a home-made artisan bun.The venison was grilled to perfection, while still being nice and rare in the middle. Just the way I like it. The home-made mustard was also a great accompaniment. There was a little too much lettuce in the burger but it wasn’t much of a chore to take some out. The shoe string fries that accompanied the dish were perfect, they were topped with a rosemary infused salt that was excellent. All in all a good burger. I would be interested to try the beef version next time too.

My second dish of choice Triple Crown Pate (13,000). Oven baked gruyere and three mushroom pate and a chick pea and cherry tomato tapenade served with toasted bread chips. The presentation of this dish was spectacular. The second the server put the dish on our table my nostrils were filled with the glorious aroma of truffles. It was like a sweet perfume that accompanied our whole meal. Both the pate and the tapenade were delicious and I would certainly order this dish again.

Not surprisingly this gastro-pub has plenty of beer. Original imported beers from Canada all with jaunty names. My favourite being the Fat guy, as he seemed like a man after my own heart.

All in all I was very impressed with Springs Tap house. The menu was adventurous and well executed. I will certainly be visiting them again soon to try a few more dishes.

Springs Tap house is located in Kyungnidan at 658 Itaewon-dong, Seoul. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong Station (line 6). Walk straight out of exit 2 for about 500 meters until you get to the underground walkway. Go down the stairs, turn right and cross the street (underground) then go up the left-side exit of the underground walkway.
Walk 10 meters and you’ll see The Springs Tap House across the street between Bao and Pier 39. For more information check out their facebook page or call them on 02-759-7732.

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.

08
May
2013

7 ATE 9

categories: Restaurant Reviews

A few weekends ago we decided to check out the new kid on the block and have brunch at 7 ATE 9. We had already had a really great brunch the day before at Le Brunchic and I have to say that I didn’t think it would be up to the same standard. We perused their brunch time menu and made our selections. I was thrilled that they had a rather extensive cocktail list but no Bloody Mary, although I have been assured that one will be making it on to the menu very soon indeed. It was a glorious sunny day so while we waited for our breakfast we took our mojitos outside and soaked up the sun in their lovely chairs just outside and watched the world go by. Had I had a nice English news paper to read it would have been the perfect Sunday.

I of course had to order the Eggs Benedict (12,000). I have to say they were absolutely smashing. The eggs were perfectly cooked and very tasty. The yolk oozed out when I cut into it. The ham I could have done without but I managed to trade it with my boyfriend for his mushrooms, so I was a happy camper. The rosemary potatoes were well cooked and full of flavour and the strawberry salad was light and fresh. It made me feel as though I was doing my body some good.

Niall ordered the Breakfast (13,500) The eggs were perfectly fried and came with a nice slice of toast. The bacon was crispy and he was also happy that baked beans were included. It’s just not breakfast if there aren’t any beans! The sauce was the korean standard one you seem to get everywhere but it was well cooked. The star of the show of this plate for me were the mushrooms. The were chestnut, they look a lot like button mushrooms but they have so much more flavour. The only place I ever see them in Korea is Homeplus so I was chuffed to bits when I got to eat these! He also had the same potatoes and strawberry spinach side salad. It was a good meal, and included some important vitamins for any of those of you with hangovers to cure..

As previously mentioned they have a large range of cocktails, which I shall be very excited to try out, especially since 14 is closing it doors and too many of the other bars around HBC consider a screw driver to be a cocktail. Vodka and orange do not a cocktail make. Lemongrass Martini, and Strawberry mojitos? Yes, yes, yes! The other brunch options on the menu included chilli, omelettes, french toast, salads and a seafood platter.

7 ate 9 is located in Hae Bang Chon at 39-16 Yongsan-dong 2ga, Yongsan-gu,Seoul. To get there 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. Keep going along that street past Phillies and Casablanca, 7ate9 is on the left next to the CU. You can call them on 02-792-0789.

19
Apr
2013

Sugar Daddy

categories: Cafes / Takeaways / Bars

I think you may know by now that I love a cupcake or 3. So imagine my delight when after moving to Hae Bang Chon, I discovered that mere meters from my house there was a delightful little cake shop. However sadly for me it hadn’t opened yet and it has now moved up to Itaewon. I spent months walking past admiring the beautiful mixers inside wondering when oh when would I finally be able to buy some cakes. They finally opened a few months ago now, but I have just only gotten around to writing a post. However I wanted to be very thorough dear reader, so I made it my business to try as many of the goodies as possible (for purely professional reasons of course).

The first cupcake of choice is the Snickers Cupcake (4,500). This was quite a delight, chocolate cupcake with peanut butter frosting, slices of snickers, and drizzled with caramel sauce. This is one for those of you with a sweet tooth. If you like snickers I’m sure you will find it heavenly.

The Maple Bacon Cupcake (4,500) a cinnamon cupcake with pieces of bacon mixed into the batter. Topped with maple frosting with a slice of bacon. This has a nice balance of salty and sweet, it shouldn’t work but it does. I will certainly be ordering this one again. From now on I’ll be adding bacon to all my desserts. Bacon trifle anyone?

Red Velvet (4,500) Red velvet is one of my absolute favourite flavors so I was looking forward to it. The cake has that sourness that one comes to expect from a red velvet cake. The frosting is very sweet and cheesy though. It’s a bit runny for me. It’s fine but not the best I’ve had in Korea.

On to the root beer float (4,500) I recently tried root beer for the first time and this cupcake is certainly reminiscent of it. The cake is root beer flavoured while the frosting is very sweet. It’s a good combination and makes a nice alternative to the more traditional flavours.

Pumpkin (4,500)I didn’t choose this one I got it for free. It’s a pumpkin spiced cake with pumpkin frosting. This one isn’t really my cup of tea, but if you like cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin then give it a bash. I did enjoy the squidgy little pumpkin on the top though.

Vanilla (4,500) I love vanilla cupcakes and they are usually my go to choice. This one had a nice light vanilla cake with a sweet vanilla frosting. It was nice enough and looked perfect but it wasn’t a patch on the one in Life is just a cup of cake up in Itaewon.

Overall I am thrilled that Sugar Daddy has opened on my door step. They have a wide variety of cupcakes with lots of fun flavours. I am very keen to try the Key lime and the New York Cheesecake flavours very soon. I have also been very lucky, as every time I have bought two I have received a third one for free (assah)! So in this case it’s better to buy an extra one.

Sugar Daddy is located in the arcade just next to Mcdonalds in Itaewon. To get there take a train to Noksapyeong station (line 6) . Walk straight out of exit 3 and cross the road towards Itaewon. Sugar Daddy is on is on your right just after Mcdonalds inside the little shopping arcade. You can call on 010-3630-0723 if you require any further information.

17
Aug
2012

The Bakers Table

categories: Cafes / Takeaways / Bars, Shopping

The last week or so we have been looking for apartments in Kyungidan and HBC. Yes I’m moving to a fatgirl food heaven.!!! Whilst trawling around the neighborhood searching for suitable places to live, we stumbled across The Bakers Table. I had read a review of The Bakers Table some time ago now and put it in my mental box of places to eat, but kind of just forgot about it. So when we happened to come across it I was very happy indeed.

As soon as I walked inside I knew I had found foreign food paradise. This place is filled to the brim with foody treasures. I was feeling rather peckish (when am I not?) so we stopped in to buy a sandwich. There were so many good options I didn’t know what to choose. We actually had two different dinners to go to that night ( I am in popular demand and didn’t want to deprive any of my friends of my scintillating company) so thought we would just share a sandwich from their delectable menu. I opted for the cilantro chicken (I am powerless when it comes to cilantro, its my kryptonite). We had it to go and while we were waiting I set about exploring the store.

The bread selection here is immense. I’ve never seen such a great selection in the whole of Asia. Homemade focaccia is an absolute favorite of mine and in two flavors! What more could you want? They have free samples of various breads for you to try, plus a fridge bursting with other deli style treats. I picked up a pot of their hummus (5,000) which was very good, possibly better than mine (although do try my recipe here) and a cilantro pesto (1,500). They also have a homemade muesli which I have been meaning to make myself for the past week, to go with my homemade yogurt (recipe here) but haven’t got around to yet. At 6,000 it’s not cheap but its chock full of nuts and seeds. You could easily get between 10-20 portions from it depending on how large your portions are. As it’s quite light on the oats, you could add some more to make it go further.

I didn’t really have time to do a full itinerary of what this places has to offer, but there were ingredients galore. So stop by for a loaf of bread, a sandwich, and spot of shopping. I’m sure you wont be sorry.

The bakers table is located in Kyungnidan. 244-1 Napsapyeong , Yongsan -gu, Seoul. To get there come out of Noksapyeong station (line 6) exit 2 and walk straight down past the entrance leading to Hae ban chon and go over the pedestrian bridge above the road. You will see the bakers table as you exit the stairs on the other side. You can also call on 070-7717-3501 or check out their blog http://blog.naver.com/mirabakery.

Tag: HBC