Seriously, this has been the best past week and a half ever. Seriously, ever.
I will review.
May 20th: My best friend got married. Even though I wasn't there to see it, I'm basically freaking out I'm so happy. Also, Hoon's cousin had his schools festival and it was fun to watch heckle.
May 22nd: Everland. Everland is a huuuuuge amusement park outside Seoul and it's simply amazing. It's just awesome. I will post about Everland (pictures included) soon.
May 23rd-25th: No classes as grades 1&2 were on a school trip and Grade 3 had an exam and a class picnic.
May 23rd: Language Cast. I spent an hour in the Korean-only room, and it was awesome. I really like Language Cast. Like, really really like it.
May 25th: I went to the YG Entertainment Building. I delivered my (and my students') birthday gifts/letters for Taeyang via an awesome suited man and in spite of the mean old security guard who was attempting to block my delivery in every way possible.
May 26th: finalized all airplane flights for trip to America in August
May 27th: Hoon's university. Meeting Hae-gun until 10 p.m. It wasn't exactly what we had planned, but it was really fun nonetheless.
May 28th: Cirque du Soleil: Varekai. The best circus ever, and Hoon's first ever circus visit. It was awesome. I will also post separately reviewing this performance.
May 29th: Frisbee
May 30th (today): confirmed my application to Sogang University's language program was received.
I hope things can continue to go this well for me.
Also, I have (counting today, which has hardly started) only 30 more days of teaching before the semester ends. a full 4 of those days will be after exams are finished (which means MOVIE) and another 5 of those days will be review for the English exam. Plus, 3 will be independent study days (there is a three day break between exams... students just spend every moment studying. That means only 18 more REAL days of teaching. YES.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Korean Indie Music????
This is called me getting in touch with my pre-kpop roots.
I saw this duo last Friday at Hoon's cousin's university festival.
Let me explain. Every university has an annual festival. Sometimes it is in the fall, and sometimes it is in the spring. It depends on the university. For example, Hoon's uni festival starts tomorrow. His cousin's ended last week. But Hoon's older brother's university was last October. The festival is a little bit like homecoming, except without the alumni coming back, and also without a football game. So actually it's not anything like homecoming except for the alcohol consumption. Basically all freshman are required to perform in some music/singing/dancing/cultural performance. Plus some singers come and perform. Sometimes it's a very famous singers, and sometimes it's a less famous singer. If you go to a very good or famous university, you get a good famous singer. Ex: Hoon goes to one of the best unis in Korea (yes, I am bragging right now, i don't even care). On Friday, 2ne1 will perform. Sometimes, even if a school is not particularly famous or good, if it has enough money it can bring a famous group/singer. Ex: Hoon's bro goes to a not so famous school. But it's private. They had B2ST last year.
Anyways, the student groups also set up tents for drinking and snacking, and sometimes there are games to play. Mostly though, they cook you shitty 안주 and serve you a ton of beer, soju and other adult beverages. On campus. For three days.
It's pretty freaking awesome.
I love university festivals.
Anyways, at Hoon's cousin Daniel's university festival, this duo came to perform. They are called 10 Centimeters (the difference between the two members' heights) and they are SO awesome and fun. I feel like this is something my non-kpop followers (i.e. all my friends back home) could seriously enjoy even in spite of the language difference.
Take a moment to listen. You might be surprised!
I saw this duo last Friday at Hoon's cousin's university festival.
Let me explain. Every university has an annual festival. Sometimes it is in the fall, and sometimes it is in the spring. It depends on the university. For example, Hoon's uni festival starts tomorrow. His cousin's ended last week. But Hoon's older brother's university was last October. The festival is a little bit like homecoming, except without the alumni coming back, and also without a football game. So actually it's not anything like homecoming except for the alcohol consumption. Basically all freshman are required to perform in some music/singing/dancing/cultural performance. Plus some singers come and perform. Sometimes it's a very famous singers, and sometimes it's a less famous singer. If you go to a very good or famous university, you get a good famous singer. Ex: Hoon goes to one of the best unis in Korea (yes, I am bragging right now, i don't even care). On Friday, 2ne1 will perform. Sometimes, even if a school is not particularly famous or good, if it has enough money it can bring a famous group/singer. Ex: Hoon's bro goes to a not so famous school. But it's private. They had B2ST last year.
Anyways, the student groups also set up tents for drinking and snacking, and sometimes there are games to play. Mostly though, they cook you shitty 안주 and serve you a ton of beer, soju and other adult beverages. On campus. For three days.
It's pretty freaking awesome.
I love university festivals.
Anyways, at Hoon's cousin Daniel's university festival, this duo came to perform. They are called 10 Centimeters (the difference between the two members' heights) and they are SO awesome and fun. I feel like this is something my non-kpop followers (i.e. all my friends back home) could seriously enjoy even in spite of the language difference.
Take a moment to listen. You might be surprised!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Children's Day 2011 - Hello Kitty Cafe review
I love Korea. Why? Well, because their are so many awesome holidays.
Like Children's Day, which is a national holiday on May 5th.
Yesterday, being May 5th (I forgot it was cinco de mayo) I met up with my friend Mina and we went to 대학로 for coffee and shopping and sightseeing.
I had been to this area one other time, back when I first arrived in Korea, and I had no idea where I was. I went with a Korean friend and she just showed me around. 대학 is the korean word for university. 로 is one of the words for street or road or lane (just like in English, there are lots). 대학로 is near the best university in Korea, Seoul National University, and is also located really close to 성균관대 (Sungkyunkwan University) which you may recognize from the wildly popular k-drama 성균관스캔들. Anyhow, this is also the biggest theater district in Korea, and the home to about million adorable cafes and restaurants and some of the best and most varied architecture in Seoul (not saying much, Seoul sucks as far as architecture and urban design is concerned).
I am so happy to have rediscovered this area. It's beautiful and I HIGHLY recommend it as a place to visit.
Now, why, exactly, did we pick 대학로? Well, because on April 29th (coincidentally my birthday), a brand new branch of Hello Kitty Cafe opened there. And, well, Mina and I both love Kitty, so we HAD to go. Also, I had to buy some new TOMS shoes because my old ones were getting raggedy, but you can't buy TOMS just anywhere here in Korea. 10x10 is an AMAZING store, by the way. Definitely check out if you are in Seoul. Also, if you are in Korea and looking for toms, tweet @TOMSKorea and they will totally tell you how to find stores that sell TOMS wherever you are.
And, let me tell you, Hello Kitty (henceforth HK) fans, it's a must-visit. If not the one in 대학로, you can also go to the one in 홍대 (Hongdae) or the one in 신촌 (Sinchon). They are all amazing, all the the 신촌점 is my favorite.
Be prepared for a heavy dose of pink, and a whole lot of cuteness when you walk through their sliding glass doors. It's just bursting at the seems with Kitty paraphernalia, which didn't bother me one bit.
The 대학로점 is located on the second floor across from the CGV (go out exit 4 of 혜화 station). The sign is big and pink and on your left. You should be able to find it pretty clearly. You should definitely find a seat before you order because there weren't a lot of available seats (unless you go during dinner time). Otherwise, you'll order your drink and get bounced really fast.
We sat on the third floor which was a bit quieter, but just as pink. You have to order your drinks at the counter on the second floor the menu is typical of most cafes, except with extra kitty touches. If you order a waffle, like we did, you can expect it to come out shaped like Kitty's head, complete with a waffle ironed bow. On the tops of some drinks (NOT caramel ones... mostly lattes) they will dust images of Kitty. My vanilla latte had her whiskers and eyes and nose, a cafe mocha I think has a side profile, and the green tea latte has the MOST ADORABLE dusted green Kitty bow. Everything comes out in specialty cups and plates emblazoned with a pseudo-hello kitty image logo(the cafe is not actually Sanrio certified, so they can't use kitty's real image in their logo). But, all the decorations are HK inspired, and they sell *real* HK dolls & accessories for relatively reasonable prices.
The waffle was decent. Nothing to write home about, but it was cute. One negative was that when you order the waffle they give you only a fork to eat it. With some waffles this is fine (belgian waffles especially), but this waffle is not Belgian and it as nearly impossible to cut with our forks. We had to ask for a knife. The taste was pretty average for a waffle. But, the price was pretty average too. Luckily, this is a theme cafe that won't cost you an arm and a leg. The choco banana waffle we had was 3,500 won. The drinks are also not too spectacular, but they aren't bad. In my experience, the Americano is quite good (I've had it at the other locations, where they used mini mini ice cubes which I loved) as are the caramel drinks. The vanilla latte I had needed more vanilla and less sugar, imo. But the dusting on top was cute indeed. Also, they offer frozen yogurt with a pureed fruit topping, which is really good, but very sweet. Also, they sell mini HK cakes, which are delicious AND adorable, but a little on the pricey side, at 10,000 won for a cake that might serve 2-3. The waffle is a better deal, but that cake is heavenly. I got one once at the Hongdae shop, two thumbs up.
Even the bathroom was decorated to the hilt with Kitty, from the mirror to the soap dispenser to the toilet paper cover. Kitty-tastic:
My favorite thing? The warning signs. I only took a picture of one: 머리 조심! (Watch your head!), but all of them (don't write on the walls, wifi is available, please bring your plates to the 1st floor) were adorable. Those and the chairs were freaking cute:
Anyways, if you don't care about Hello Kitty at all, I wouldn't bother coming, but if you are interested in HK, have a daughter (or son!) who likes HK, or you just want to beat the heat of the fast-approaching summer in a pink paradise, the Hello Kitty Cafe is your place.
Oh, and we drank smoothies at Smoothie King!
Directions to 대학로점:
Go to Hyehwa Station (Line 4- 혜화역).
Exit 4.
Go straight down the main 대학로 road.
On your right, after about 50-75 meters you will see a CGV.
Across from the CGV, on your right, is the Hello Kitty Cafe on the second/third floors.
Directions to 홍대점 (Hongdae Shop):
Go to Hongik University Station (line 2- 홍대입구역)
Exit 9.
Go straight until VIPS.
Turn left.
Walk straight until on your right hand side you see a make up store: Tony Moly.
Tony Moly is sandwiched between two roads, one with a lot of restaurants (right side, looking to Tony Moly) and one with a lot of little stores and coffee shops (left side).
Go down the left side one (you will have to cross the street first).
Walk maybe 50 meters, maybe a little less, maybe a little more.
On your left, tucked behind some stores is the PINK hello kitty cafe storefront.
Enjoy!!
Like Children's Day, which is a national holiday on May 5th.
Yesterday, being May 5th (I forgot it was cinco de mayo) I met up with my friend Mina and we went to 대학로 for coffee and shopping and sightseeing.
I had been to this area one other time, back when I first arrived in Korea, and I had no idea where I was. I went with a Korean friend and she just showed me around. 대학 is the korean word for university. 로 is one of the words for street or road or lane (just like in English, there are lots). 대학로 is near the best university in Korea, Seoul National University, and is also located really close to 성균관대 (Sungkyunkwan University) which you may recognize from the wildly popular k-drama 성균관스캔들. Anyhow, this is also the biggest theater district in Korea, and the home to about million adorable cafes and restaurants and some of the best and most varied architecture in Seoul (not saying much, Seoul sucks as far as architecture and urban design is concerned).
I am so happy to have rediscovered this area. It's beautiful and I HIGHLY recommend it as a place to visit.
Now, why, exactly, did we pick 대학로? Well, because on April 29th (coincidentally my birthday), a brand new branch of Hello Kitty Cafe opened there. And, well, Mina and I both love Kitty, so we HAD to go. Also, I had to buy some new TOMS shoes because my old ones were getting raggedy, but you can't buy TOMS just anywhere here in Korea. 10x10 is an AMAZING store, by the way. Definitely check out if you are in Seoul. Also, if you are in Korea and looking for toms, tweet @TOMSKorea and they will totally tell you how to find stores that sell TOMS wherever you are.
Old TOMS (left) New TOMS (right) - I'm not gonna stop wearing the old ones.
And, let me tell you, Hello Kitty (henceforth HK) fans, it's a must-visit. If not the one in 대학로, you can also go to the one in 홍대 (Hongdae) or the one in 신촌 (Sinchon). They are all amazing, all the the 신촌점 is my favorite.
Be prepared for a heavy dose of pink, and a whole lot of cuteness when you walk through their sliding glass doors. It's just bursting at the seems with Kitty paraphernalia, which didn't bother me one bit.
The stairwell between 2nd/3rd floor. SO MUCH PINK
The 대학로점 is located on the second floor across from the CGV (go out exit 4 of 혜화 station). The sign is big and pink and on your left. You should be able to find it pretty clearly. You should definitely find a seat before you order because there weren't a lot of available seats (unless you go during dinner time). Otherwise, you'll order your drink and get bounced really fast.
It doesn't look that crowded but TRUST ME. It was full of people, Korean, Western, Japanese and Chinese!
We sat on the third floor which was a bit quieter, but just as pink. You have to order your drinks at the counter on the second floor the menu is typical of most cafes, except with extra kitty touches. If you order a waffle, like we did, you can expect it to come out shaped like Kitty's head, complete with a waffle ironed bow. On the tops of some drinks (NOT caramel ones... mostly lattes) they will dust images of Kitty. My vanilla latte had her whiskers and eyes and nose, a cafe mocha I think has a side profile, and the green tea latte has the MOST ADORABLE dusted green Kitty bow. Everything comes out in specialty cups and plates emblazoned with a pseudo-hello kitty image logo(the cafe is not actually Sanrio certified, so they can't use kitty's real image in their logo). But, all the decorations are HK inspired, and they sell *real* HK dolls & accessories for relatively reasonable prices.
Food
My Vanilla Latte
The waffle was decent. Nothing to write home about, but it was cute. One negative was that when you order the waffle they give you only a fork to eat it. With some waffles this is fine (belgian waffles especially), but this waffle is not Belgian and it as nearly impossible to cut with our forks. We had to ask for a knife. The taste was pretty average for a waffle. But, the price was pretty average too. Luckily, this is a theme cafe that won't cost you an arm and a leg. The choco banana waffle we had was 3,500 won. The drinks are also not too spectacular, but they aren't bad. In my experience, the Americano is quite good (I've had it at the other locations, where they used mini mini ice cubes which I loved) as are the caramel drinks. The vanilla latte I had needed more vanilla and less sugar, imo. But the dusting on top was cute indeed. Also, they offer frozen yogurt with a pureed fruit topping, which is really good, but very sweet. Also, they sell mini HK cakes, which are delicious AND adorable, but a little on the pricey side, at 10,000 won for a cake that might serve 2-3. The waffle is a better deal, but that cake is heavenly. I got one once at the Hongdae shop, two thumbs up.
Left: Mina Right: Kitty goodies and a kitty wall!
Kitty on display!
Even the bathroom was decorated to the hilt with Kitty, from the mirror to the soap dispenser to the toilet paper cover. Kitty-tastic:
 |
| Clockwise from top L: Toilet Paper Holder; Bathroom Door, Me posing in Bathroom mirror shaped like HK |
Sad hurt head kitty. BOWS ON CHAIRS!!
Anyways, if you don't care about Hello Kitty at all, I wouldn't bother coming, but if you are interested in HK, have a daughter (or son!) who likes HK, or you just want to beat the heat of the fast-approaching summer in a pink paradise, the Hello Kitty Cafe is your place.
Oh, and we drank smoothies at Smoothie King!
Mmmm Mmmmm Good!
Directions to 대학로점:
Go to Hyehwa Station (Line 4- 혜화역).
Exit 4.
Go straight down the main 대학로 road.
On your right, after about 50-75 meters you will see a CGV.
Across from the CGV, on your right, is the Hello Kitty Cafe on the second/third floors.
Directions to 홍대점 (Hongdae Shop):
Go to Hongik University Station (line 2- 홍대입구역)
Exit 9.
Go straight until VIPS.
Turn left.
Walk straight until on your right hand side you see a make up store: Tony Moly.
Tony Moly is sandwiched between two roads, one with a lot of restaurants (right side, looking to Tony Moly) and one with a lot of little stores and coffee shops (left side).
Go down the left side one (you will have to cross the street first).
Walk maybe 50 meters, maybe a little less, maybe a little more.
On your left, tucked behind some stores is the PINK hello kitty cafe storefront.
Enjoy!!
Big Bang Collection Cards Giveaway
I just posted this on my tumblr in case anyone isn't following me on that and wants in on this giveaway of some of my Big Bang Collection Cards. I'm running the giveaway through the 31st of May!
You can get the details here. If you don't have a tumblr or twitter, you can't do the giveaway. But if you have only one, GO GO GO!
xoxo
Wally
You can get the details here. If you don't have a tumblr or twitter, you can't do the giveaway. But if you have only one, GO GO GO!
xoxo
Wally
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Rest of my Birthday and a Review of Yeolbong, Se7en's Chicken Restaurant
Well, my birthday was last Friday, and I'm finally all caught up on my sleep/work/activities/promises, so here is the recap of my birthday.
In my last post I wrote about my birthday morning, and here's the conclusion:
At school I got a package from my parents: birthday gifts. A cute Betsey Johnson bracelet and hair pins, and such. Really cute things. I put those in my Nike bag with that big ol' card Hoon gave me. ^_^
After school, I went off to Baskin Robbins, not knowing what to expect. When i arrived at Baskin Robbins, I walked in and approached the girl at the counter. I simply said, Hi, I'm Allison... and she said, "아~ 케이크~!" Cake??? What cake?? Jong Hoon got an ice cream cake for me (last time we went to BR I had said ice cream cakes are my favorite... he must have remembered). On top of the ice cream cake box was another note.
The note said, go to the 아디다스 store. (Adidas Store). !!!!! The Adidas Store was across the street so off I went with the ice cream cake box and the Nike bag (with a balloon a student gave me tied to it lol) over to the Adidas Store. I walked in and the worker immediately looked at me and said "아! 옷~!" Clothing??? What clothing? And he walked to the back and gave me an adidas bag with some soccer pants I've been wanting for a while. Inside the bag was also a letter which was from him. SO CUTE.
I went home, changed and got ready for our date.
We met at Noryangjin and went to Sinsa station, to Garo-su-gil to eat dinner at 열봉찜닭. This restaurant is owned by musician Se7en, who is someone I really admire. I've been hoping to go to his restaurant for a long time. It's really easy to get to, which is good because I had never been to Garo-su-gil before, and it wasn't too hard for us to find it. ^^
The restaurant is located on the second floor just off the main road. We walked up the stairs and of course you are greeted by a cardboard cutout of Se7en님. We took pictures before we left to commemorate our time there.
The restaurant is quite small, smaller than I had thought, but it was tidy, and well-decorated. Dark wood tables, white light fixtures and semi-private nooks for some parties. Most seating is open, however, and they do try to fit as many tables in as they can. Even though it was tight, it didn't feel particularly cramped, but I did notice that even without all the seats filled, it was still quite loud. There are several fake trees adorned with chili peppers and pictures of celebrities, which are fun additions to the decor. On the left wall as you enter, they have posted numerous pictures and autographs of celebrities including members of Miss A, Big Bang, Park Han Byul, 2AM, as well as other actors and singers I don't remember or didn't recognize.
All of the dishes are branded with the cute chicken mascot of Yeolbong or with the chili pepper that also is used to represent the restaurant. The menu is divided into two sections. The left side is the traditional spicy jjim dalk (열봉 means really spicy, or something along those lines, that's my boyfriend's explanation) and the right side is Se7en's specialy chicken. Supposedly that's really spicy. We decided to go with the traditional spicy side.
On the spicy side you can choose your spiciness level 1-3 peppers. We got one, because we didn't know how spicy it would be. Boy were we glad we ordered level one spicy. IT WAS LIKE EATING FIRE. It was really spicy. I mean, I like spicy food, and so does Hoon, and this was quite spicy. Not unpleasantly spicy, but I can't fathom ever eating any level higher than that. I think I'd die.
We were sucking in air through our teeth and gulping 쿨피스 (Coolpis -- a fruit juice that is amazingly effective in countering extreme spice) after just two bites.
Even though it was spicy, it was really delicious. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It was not difficult to get off the bone (although if you are not adept at chopsticks use, I would recommend asking for a fork), and the carrots and potatoes were cooked like a dream. The noodles were probably the most spicy (the soak up all the sauce which makes them extra intense) but they were also SO delicious.
Afterwards, we added rice (which also had dried seaweed laver and tofu mixed in) and mixed it up. If you do go, I recommend ordering the rice at the end, after you finish your meal. It comes out really quickly, and that way its still piping hot when you add it to your slightly cooled sauce. We didn't do that, and it's a shame. IT was still good, but we imagine it'd be much much better if we had eaten it still hot...
On the whole, I would definitely recommend this to any spicy food lover traveling to Seoul. Also, I recommend it for anyone who is a big kpop/kdrama fan (just order the mild... it's listed under the main section on the left. It is less than one pepper, lol. The Right side is more spicy!!!) and is interested in looking at the pictures and even have a chance to glimpse a celebrity while you eat.
As for portions, 반마리 is half a chicken and it's enough for two-three people. There are two larger sizes, 한마리 and 한마리반 (one chicken, and 1 1/2 chicken respectively). For two-three people, you can order just one of the special rice dishes (남두 밥) and you'll be all set. Definitely add a 쿨피스 to cool you off if your feeling all spiced out!
Price: $$ for Korean food, it's a bit pricey. But for westerners, it's very reasonable for a dinner. 반마리 + 남두밥 + 쿨피스 came out to about 25,000 won, which is about 23.50usd, for two. A gut-bustingly filling meal for less than 12usd per person? Not too bad, I'd say. But, if you're pinching pennies, I'd say go for the bibimbap. lol
Food: *****/ 5 out of 5 - I don't have a lot to complain about with our food. The only complaint I'd have is that we foolishly ordered our rice too early (my fault). The flavor was excellent. Spicy but flavorful. Chicken was moist and tender. Vegetables thoroughly but not over-cooked. Noodles cooked perfectly.
Service: ****/ 4 out of 5 - There was nothing wrong with the service, but nothing to write home about. I think they are used to seeing celebrities and therefore treat their normal patrons with general indifference. Don't take that the wrong way. I just mean that some restaurants (not so many in Korea) treat their patrons with excellent service regardless. Here, in Korea in general, wait staff don't bend over backwards for their patrons. If you need them, call them. If you don't, don't expect them to check up on you because they won't.
Atmosphere: **** / 4 out of 5 - The decor was lovely. A nice mix of playful sophistication. The colors were good for the restaurant and the concept. The furniture was aesthetically pleasing. But it was a bit loud. I don't know if the acoustics of the restaurant need improving or if it's just a result of packing a few too many chairs into a restaurant. Some restaurants are meant to be loud an noisy. But the noise level didn't really fit the rest of what the restaurant, stylistically, seemed to be going for. In my opinion, they could stand to lose seating for maybe 5-8 patrons. I think that giving up that seating would make for a better atmosphere by far...
Overall: 4.5/5 I had a great time and it's definitely some place I'd recommend.
In my last post I wrote about my birthday morning, and here's the conclusion:
At school I got a package from my parents: birthday gifts. A cute Betsey Johnson bracelet and hair pins, and such. Really cute things. I put those in my Nike bag with that big ol' card Hoon gave me. ^_^
After school, I went off to Baskin Robbins, not knowing what to expect. When i arrived at Baskin Robbins, I walked in and approached the girl at the counter. I simply said, Hi, I'm Allison... and she said, "아~ 케이크~!" Cake??? What cake?? Jong Hoon got an ice cream cake for me (last time we went to BR I had said ice cream cakes are my favorite... he must have remembered). On top of the ice cream cake box was another note.
The note said, go to the 아디다스 store. (Adidas Store). !!!!! The Adidas Store was across the street so off I went with the ice cream cake box and the Nike bag (with a balloon a student gave me tied to it lol) over to the Adidas Store. I walked in and the worker immediately looked at me and said "아! 옷~!" Clothing??? What clothing? And he walked to the back and gave me an adidas bag with some soccer pants I've been wanting for a while. Inside the bag was also a letter which was from him. SO CUTE.
I went home, changed and got ready for our date.
We met at Noryangjin and went to Sinsa station, to Garo-su-gil to eat dinner at 열봉찜닭. This restaurant is owned by musician Se7en, who is someone I really admire. I've been hoping to go to his restaurant for a long time. It's really easy to get to, which is good because I had never been to Garo-su-gil before, and it wasn't too hard for us to find it. ^^
The restaurant is located on the second floor just off the main road. We walked up the stairs and of course you are greeted by a cardboard cutout of Se7en님. We took pictures before we left to commemorate our time there.
The restaurant is quite small, smaller than I had thought, but it was tidy, and well-decorated. Dark wood tables, white light fixtures and semi-private nooks for some parties. Most seating is open, however, and they do try to fit as many tables in as they can. Even though it was tight, it didn't feel particularly cramped, but I did notice that even without all the seats filled, it was still quite loud. There are several fake trees adorned with chili peppers and pictures of celebrities, which are fun additions to the decor. On the left wall as you enter, they have posted numerous pictures and autographs of celebrities including members of Miss A, Big Bang, Park Han Byul, 2AM, as well as other actors and singers I don't remember or didn't recognize.
All of the dishes are branded with the cute chicken mascot of Yeolbong or with the chili pepper that also is used to represent the restaurant. The menu is divided into two sections. The left side is the traditional spicy jjim dalk (열봉 means really spicy, or something along those lines, that's my boyfriend's explanation) and the right side is Se7en's specialy chicken. Supposedly that's really spicy. We decided to go with the traditional spicy side.
On the spicy side you can choose your spiciness level 1-3 peppers. We got one, because we didn't know how spicy it would be. Boy were we glad we ordered level one spicy. IT WAS LIKE EATING FIRE. It was really spicy. I mean, I like spicy food, and so does Hoon, and this was quite spicy. Not unpleasantly spicy, but I can't fathom ever eating any level higher than that. I think I'd die.
We were sucking in air through our teeth and gulping 쿨피스 (Coolpis -- a fruit juice that is amazingly effective in countering extreme spice) after just two bites.
Even though it was spicy, it was really delicious. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It was not difficult to get off the bone (although if you are not adept at chopsticks use, I would recommend asking for a fork), and the carrots and potatoes were cooked like a dream. The noodles were probably the most spicy (the soak up all the sauce which makes them extra intense) but they were also SO delicious.
Afterwards, we added rice (which also had dried seaweed laver and tofu mixed in) and mixed it up. If you do go, I recommend ordering the rice at the end, after you finish your meal. It comes out really quickly, and that way its still piping hot when you add it to your slightly cooled sauce. We didn't do that, and it's a shame. IT was still good, but we imagine it'd be much much better if we had eaten it still hot...
On the whole, I would definitely recommend this to any spicy food lover traveling to Seoul. Also, I recommend it for anyone who is a big kpop/kdrama fan (just order the mild... it's listed under the main section on the left. It is less than one pepper, lol. The Right side is more spicy!!!) and is interested in looking at the pictures and even have a chance to glimpse a celebrity while you eat.
As for portions, 반마리 is half a chicken and it's enough for two-three people. There are two larger sizes, 한마리 and 한마리반 (one chicken, and 1 1/2 chicken respectively). For two-three people, you can order just one of the special rice dishes (남두 밥) and you'll be all set. Definitely add a 쿨피스 to cool you off if your feeling all spiced out!
Price: $$ for Korean food, it's a bit pricey. But for westerners, it's very reasonable for a dinner. 반마리 + 남두밥 + 쿨피스 came out to about 25,000 won, which is about 23.50usd, for two. A gut-bustingly filling meal for less than 12usd per person? Not too bad, I'd say. But, if you're pinching pennies, I'd say go for the bibimbap. lol
Food: *****/ 5 out of 5 - I don't have a lot to complain about with our food. The only complaint I'd have is that we foolishly ordered our rice too early (my fault). The flavor was excellent. Spicy but flavorful. Chicken was moist and tender. Vegetables thoroughly but not over-cooked. Noodles cooked perfectly.
Service: ****/ 4 out of 5 - There was nothing wrong with the service, but nothing to write home about. I think they are used to seeing celebrities and therefore treat their normal patrons with general indifference. Don't take that the wrong way. I just mean that some restaurants (not so many in Korea) treat their patrons with excellent service regardless. Here, in Korea in general, wait staff don't bend over backwards for their patrons. If you need them, call them. If you don't, don't expect them to check up on you because they won't.
Atmosphere: **** / 4 out of 5 - The decor was lovely. A nice mix of playful sophistication. The colors were good for the restaurant and the concept. The furniture was aesthetically pleasing. But it was a bit loud. I don't know if the acoustics of the restaurant need improving or if it's just a result of packing a few too many chairs into a restaurant. Some restaurants are meant to be loud an noisy. But the noise level didn't really fit the rest of what the restaurant, stylistically, seemed to be going for. In my opinion, they could stand to lose seating for maybe 5-8 patrons. I think that giving up that seating would make for a better atmosphere by far...
Overall: 4.5/5 I had a great time and it's definitely some place I'd recommend.
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