Immediately as I stepped inside Berlin in Itaewon, I could feel an overwhelming sense that I was back in the 1920’s. The atmosphere of Berlin was carefully designed with all things from glasses to the floors kept in mind. After my first drink came out, I understood that that the atmosphere, which was so carefully crafted, was predictive of the quality the other drinks and dishes that would soon be present.
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Most people in Korea, whether residents or travelers, are familiar with soju. And although I am fond of soju, I would like to introduce a place to drink one of my other friends, who is named makgeolli. Also known as Korean rice wine, makgeolli is drank by the old and young, and where they come together to drink is at MoonJar located in Sinsa.
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D6
Just as you occasionally feel the need to stomp on the accelerator to escape from everyday mundanities, the millions of taste buds that have served you well (hopefully) thus far in your life deserve the same. When you feel like it is time to reconcile conflicts of culinary extremes between extra creamy chicken penne alfredo and aged kimchi jjigae (spicy kimchi soup), it is time you visit a newly-opened fine-dining restaurant in Cheongdam titled D6.
Between Terrace
Campari and orange as a mixed drink in Seoul? As I read over the drink menu at Between, I was pleased to find a change of pace from Itaewon’s standard cocktail list, and their dinner menu impressed me as well. Although I was a bit skeptical coming into Between because it had only been open a few weeks, I left feeling impressed with their architecture as well as their drink and dinner selection. This venue has the potential to become one of the most well-known lounges in Seoul.
Having a private party in Korea always comes as a challenge. Hotels are pricey and it can be hard to make reservations, while karaoke places usually don’t provide enough space for a large group of people. The solution to this problem is Awesome Lounge — a hidden gem in Cheongdam which offers private rooms with sufficient space for your event, as well as an extensive bottle menu and finger foods.
My quest for “The Best Brewery in Seoul” has recently led me to the second review in this series: Platinum Brewery in Apgujeong. A purely Korean-owned Brewery, I was very excited to see how things were done locally without significant outside influence.
As I approached the entrance, I was amused by Platinum’s sign which clearly indicated that they were a brewery by writing their name on a large fermentation tank and placing it above the stairs leading down to the brewery. Making my way down the stairs, I entered the brewpub.
Oddly located on the second floor of a building, sharing the floor with a small independent movie theater, is perhaps one of Seoul’s nicest lounges. Lounge 153 is home to excellent décor, excellent drinks, and Korea’s 2009 award winning “Best Sommelier Of the Year”.
When you construct a building made of shipping containers in the heart of “Korea’s Beverly Hills”, one would guess you are trying to make a statement. Platoon Kunsthalle succeeds by acting as both a physical and philosophical beacon to tell Korea that there is a place where creativity, art, and free thought will be cherished and promoted.
Pregaming in Korea usually involves soju, beer, and a host of greasy side dishes which are less than satisfying. Although this is to save money, there are better options. Oversound in Hongdae offers extremely affordable prices, yet provides a chic atmosphere with quality music (and a sound system setup which can only be described in pictures).
Now and then I come across some very unique and interesting venues in Korea. Sometimes they are specialty fusion restaurants, other times they are live jazz bars. Recently, I stumbled upon a gem called Pierrot Strike in Apgujeong.
As I first walked up to the giant wooden doors of the entrance to Pierrot Strike, I could tell that this bowling ally was going to be a bit different from your stereotypical ally of old men drinking beer. As I entered, I immediately noticed the massive bar straight in front of me along with the bowling lanes to my left. The venue is constructed mostly of well crafted woodwork and brick which gives it a “winter resort” feeling.
