This Time in Seoul

Another great space that I walked into last Saturday. The name of this lovely boutique is called: by hoocho. “Hoocho” means pepper, I learned from the shopkeeper. She was so pleasant in letting me browse around freely (foreign readers who live in Seoul, know what I am referencing here) trying on everything that caught my eye and there were many things, folks! I usually don’t try on clothes when I shop but this shop had such an interesting collection of coats, accessories, etc. that I couldn’t resist. I contemplated buying most of what I tried on and that’s a rare occurrence. I must say that it was the light of this space that made me stay longer. I mean, when I start contemplating living in a shop due to the natural light allowed to flow in, well, that means something. Definitely worth a visit anytime you’re in Shinsa-dong.
Open hours: 11:30-20:30

I may be on the late train with this item but I’m on board now. I walked into a wonderful exhibition called Exhibition W.a and spotted their main attraction: The iPod winter jacket or as they put it: “MP3 Playing Wear”. I was delighted to see something that would conveniently hide (inside pocket) my iPod and keep me warm as well. I was told by the Kim Jin Hyung (Foreman of Marketing Team) at Beaucre Merchandising that the jackets were machine washable! Fine with me! On one of the jacket sleeves or body you will find a keypad that includes Volume controls, Rewind, Play/Pause, Next/FF. I’ve scouted others already and to me this seems like the cutest version of them all…so far. I tested it out, it’s pretty cool. I believe the “fur” collars are detachable. Perfect for galavanting about town, with my “Kravitz” shades on! You saw it here first!

If you want to see it in person, check them out November 2, 2007 at Lotte Dept. Store, here in Seoul.

Ladies, can you see why I also love Korea?

Since I needed more inspiration for a project that I’m working on, I headed back to Shinsadong yesterday. I was not disappointed, come to think of it, I’m never disappointed. I can walk for hours but my stomach started growling and my ears heard great jazz and to my surprise it lead me to Ramen Guru! They serve four different kinds of savory Japanese ramen noodle dishes. Byungwook, the owner, described to me the ingredients of each one and recommended that I try the Miso. Just what I wanted: something deliciously satisfying that will have me coming back for more! The pork was cooked to perfection, by the way. Simply great food cooked with great attention! Love the staff, too! You will not be disappointed.
Metro stop: Shinsa dong or Apgujeong. right off of Garosugil.
Call 02 544 1987 for directions. Closed Sundays.

Before I go any further, I would just like to thank God for an incredible day, a Fall day like I haven’t seen in awhile! I was further blessed by having spoken with the founder and owner of Thimbloom, Suzy Kim. I met her, spoke with her but most of all listened to her as she shared with me her vision for the company and the artists who exclusively design for Thimbloom. Amazing. Everything is handmade. She graciously offered me tea and even that was beautiful. Love and care permeates everything in this place. I couldn’t help but notice a little dog peeping from the middle of her teacup. Funny enough, my cup had Paris written on it.

By far the cutest in the room! He danced up a storm when they played Stevie Wonder’s “Do I do” and the “I love music” by the O’Jays! Adorable and he has great taste in music and clothes!

This is Simon, the CFO of Papergarden and yours truly. I like the paper bat near my posterior region. Ha! Celebrating their first anniversary, Papergarden decided to throw a Halloween party and I had a blast! I wish them many more successful years! Thanks, again!

Ladies and Gentleman I present to you Korea’s first vinegar cafe: Vine Eau.
Last week while strolling along in Shinsa-dong I peered into a sparsely decorated, intriguing space. Little did I know that I’d come to my first cafe featuring vinegar infused drinks! I was told just now by the manager of this branch that vinegar was all the rage last year as the media focused on its ability to help consumers shed troublesome weight. I give it less than a year for the States to catch on to this. You’ll be able to smell vinegar on more than half the population of the United States! Whatever helps!
Not only is vinegar great for losing weight, but also for improving blood circulation and obtaining and maintaining great skin. I’m sold! I don’t need to lose weight but I love having great skin! I learn something new everyday!
Note: Not in the mood for a vinegar? They also serve great coffe: Organic Coffee! Organic Mocha Latte, anyone?

P.S. “The Chinensis and Persimmon straight” vinegar drink is invigorating!

I would like to make a safe generalization by saying that a large majority of Koreans are quite trusting. Evidence A: cafe blankets. Most cafes here that have outdoor seating provide blankets for their customers when temperatures begin to drop. Only in Korea. Never in America. In the States you’d have to give them a credit card, your SS# and blood type and THEN get in line to get said blanket. Trusting people is a beautiful thing. Thank you, Korea.

I came across this sweet spot yesterday as I’m obsessed with interesting spaces and interior design.
This cafe is called 6:02 Cafe and is located in Shinsa-dong an up and coming area in Seoul. I could happily live in this neighborhood and preferably near this cafe as well as the international restaurants also located a few paces from this place. I met the interior/furniture designer. He’s an interesting fellow that I plan on interviewing next week. He was so kind to offer and pour me a good cup of tea and I just made myself at home after that. Keep your eye on this place. It has a certain “je ne sais quoi”.

I really do think that I live an enchanted life. Somehow I manage to have the most unforgettable experiences on a daily basis. Eating at Si gol Bob Sang is another one for the books. After a long photo shoot I happened to see a delightful looking place in a sea of sterile food dives. The owner, curious about this foreigner peeping into his establishment, kindly offered that I try something new, something different after having asked if they served dolsot bibimbap. He was so kind and sure that I would like his food. How could I say no?
I had a traditional, everyday Korean meal: Traditional Shiksa which consists of twelve different, delicious side dishes and two piping hot bowls of unbelievable stews. Delicious! My favorite was there tofu. The way tofu is cooked here in Korea is heavenly. This place is for the book! My book! Oh yes! This woman has plenty of projects brewing. The owner and staff are warm and inviting and so is the interior. Heaven!