Tag Archives: 2014

Views in Ilsan, South Korea

Recently I took my very first public trans bus adventure from Uijeongbu Station to Ilsan to spend the day with a good friend of ours. Thankfully the journey was quite uneventful and I made it there with no hiccup (THANK YOU KATYA AND THE SEOUL BUS APP).

Ilsan is a beautiful city located just northwest of Seoul in Goyang city. I visited Ilsan twice prior when I first got to South Korea. Once was to visit the gigantic convention center called the Kintex, and the other time was to go to Costco before one was built much closer to us. Both trips never really awarded the opportunity to get out and see the city and explore a bit.

When I stepped off the bus I immediately took notice of a beautiful lake surrounded by walking paths and park. I lucked out too because Katya was just as eager to get out for a walk around the park as I was. Katya explained to me that the lake park is a very popular spot in the city and is known as the garden city. There were so many people out being active walking, jogging, spending time with their families, biking, skateboarding, snapping photos for blogs and magazines and yet it didn’t feel crowded one bit. It was a feeling you’ll seldom get to experience in Asia.

It was a wonderful fall day spent strolling around the lake park admiring the views, checking out the local Cafés, mall, restaurants and indulging in some frozen yogurt. I highly recommend a day trip to the area if you ever are looking for a new place to explore while in South Korea.

Thank you for hosting me this weekend Katya you are such a dear friend!

Seoul: Jacoby’s Burger

(A bit delayed on posting this one Ooops…)

This weekend, THIS WEEKEND!! OoOoOhhh, it was soooo good! So so very good. It started off with a meet up with our good friends, making the aquaintance of a new friend visiting from Hong-Kong, taking in those beautifully fall colored leaves, and food…food…and more food (come to think about it, I think I strolled rolled around Seoul).

The weather was PERFECT! Just the right amount of fall crispiness to help cross off this white girls fall to do list. ha-ha! (Come onnn how true is this list??)

Anyways, our good friends recently raved about a burger joint in Seoul that we needed to check out. The reviews were a bit dodgy online, however they were mostly about the staff ignoring them, attitude etc. So what the heck, why not give it a try? We ended up in the area with a hefty appetite after taking in all those beautiful fall leaves.

The restaurant is Jacoby’s Burgers located just north of Noksapyung Station in Seoul. Don’t be fooled by the typical restaurant look from the outside, Jacoby’s has quite a unique menu that serves juicy burgers a la carte, pasta, vegetarian burgers, onion rings, freshly cut french fries, salsa and beer. YUM-YUM-YUMMM! Plus they so kindly held the side of attitude when we went, so the overall experience was pretty freggin fantastically delicious.

Usually I’m the kind of gal that would order a big ‘ol burger, but my friend Mandy told me that Jacoby’s makes a pretty mean veggie burger made with red-beans. It sparked my interest and I decided to give it a whirl. Now I was left with the harder decisions, to add bacon or not? decisions, decisions…. I know all the vegetarians are cringing out there. Sorry.

WOW! The red-bean burger was surprisingly flavorful with a nice little spicy kick. I’d absolutely order it again, but my eye is also on the gut buster burger. Speaking of the gut buster, our table was right up front where we could watch all the burger creations come out of the kitchen. Watching people’s eyes and mouth’s drop open as the gut buster burger landed on their table was priceless! Lordy! Look at that thing!

Across the street from Jacoby’s we giggled as we checked out the Camping Company Restaurant. This is urban camping at its finest! We’ve got to go back just go giggle as we grill…totally worth it!

Eventually we made our way to Insadong that afternoon and we found out that it just so happened to be Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) day. We cheers the occasion and ordered a roadie, the adios mother. Whew! Quickly found out why it was named that…talk about a nice adult beverage concoction.

Another fun-filled adventure in Seoul for the books!

DIRECTIONS: Out Noksapyung Station exit #2, walk straight down to the Kimchi pots. At the pots, take the road up to the left. Jacoby’s Burger is just up the road on your left.

45-6 Yongsan-dong 2-ga, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Savory: Yuca Home Fries

Wait…. hold the press…. Can you really make home fries without potatoes?

Yes.

Have you ever heard of yuca root? Perhaps casssava might ring a bell? Still no?

No worries…. Me too, until recently when Mr. B and I stumbled upon some waxy yuca for sale. I’ll admit I had seen it there before, always curious and pondering as to what it was and how someone would prepare it.

We used our trusty source Google. (Go ahead Google it too). We found out that there were some surprisingly outstanding benefits to eating yuca root. For starters it’s a great source of vitamin C, phosphorous, and calcium. Yuca is also high in fiber and plays a crucial part in good intestinal health. Can’t get better than that, right? Wrong, it gets better!

My fellow followers, the tasteeeee! It was just AS GOOD as the typical American carbolicious comfort of home fries we grew up on. If it wasn’t for yuca being a tad bit starchier, I honestly don’t think I’d be able to tell the difference.

We recently bought a griddle for our teeny tiny Korean stove top. Essentially this griddle is for a grill, however it works quite nicely for us in our kitchen. Sunday morning came around and we thought how perfectly the new adventures of yuca and the new griddle would work together.

We really do not have a recipe per say. Just treat yuca like you would a potato. Get rid of the waxy exterior, process in a food processor, or chop by hand how you’d like your home fries. Next heat up some safflower oil, or your favorite oil on your griddle, or large pan and fry those babies up! Don’t forget a side of bacon and dippy eggs with cheese too.

Looking back, thinking about the incredible aromas wafting from our kitchen, it was as if we were in an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (Triple D!) grease splatter and all. We like to keep it rather authentic like that. HA-HA, yeah our good friends know that only 5 seconds would pass and Mrs. B would be running around like a mad woman wiping it up immediately.

Have you ever made or tried yuca? We’d love to know some recipe ideas if you’d be willing to share.

Backpackbees

Seoul: Enchanted Flower Garden

I recently the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also called the DDP (see prior post) and sought out the enchanted flower garden exhibit located on the roof of one of the buildings.

I was immediately drawn to the exhibit, because of a photo taken of a woman making her own path through the exhibit of flowers. Don’t ask me why, but I thought to myself,”Surely that isn’t the path you’d take through something like that”. “Why would she do that and go directly through the exhibit like that?” You’d need to see the photo to know exactly what I’m talking about, but humor me and use your imagination here.

When I finally made it to the exhibit I was snapping away, watching various couples and families throw their kimchi fingers in the air, kiss, hug, pose, etc. I saw most of these couples and families stay on the outside border of the exhibit, but noted a few that made their own random path right through the flowers for the perfect photo, like the women in the photo I mentioned.

……But why?

Here is why…. Because we all are on our own paths in life. I’ve learned that to get the most of your own path in life, you need to be happy for others on their own path. Even though we find ourselves comparing sometimes, no single path is right for us all. Think about it…Does it matter that they are going a different direction than you? Does it matter that they are making their own path through the enchanted flower garden of life? No. So when it comes to your own personal path, why let others paths discourage you?

The takeaway is simple, we all need to encourage, celebrate and support our friends, co-workers and families on their own path through the enchanted flower garden we call life.

Enjoy the views and don’t get discouraged on your path!

Backpackbees

Information:
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza- D section design lab, take stairs to top
Cost: Free, reportedly there only until November
Subway stop/ exit: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 4), Exit 1

Seoul: Dongdaemun Design Plaza

When in Seoul, take metro line 4 and exit at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station exit 1. As soon as you exit, you will find yourself standing inside a futuristic looking space, but don’t worry your subway ride didn’t send your straight into a sci-fi movie. No, you’re in Dongdaemun Design Plaza, also referred to as the DDP.

At first you might feel like you are going to get lost within the structures. You just might, but I encourage you to do it! Get lost and discover the plaza from all the interesting and unique angles! After you get completely lost and find your way back to my blog, message me and let me know what you thought.

Backpackbees

Bangkok: What To Order

You knew I couldn’t resist… we are foodies through and through! We feasted on some rather delicious Thai food while we were in Thailand! These were just a few of our favorites shots.

Poo Phad Pong Karee – Stir-fried crab with yellow curry sauce

Stir-fried Scallops with Black Pepper Sauce

Som Tam- a salads of shredded green papaya with lemon dressing, tomatoes, chilli and dry shrimps

Pad Thai- stir fried rice noodles with egg, bean sprouts, and ground peanuts

*Not included in photos:

Tom Yam Khung Lai Sua – Spicy Toger Prawns soup with lemongrass, galangal and mushrooms
Pad See Eew- Stir fried flat noodles with egg and vegetable

What are your favorite Thai dishes? Share! We’d love to order them and maybe even try to cook them too.

Backpackbees

Bangkok: Cooking With Poo

The next few days were a whirlwind. I booked and crammed every single Bangkok minute full of fun things to do and see while we were there. Thankfully Mr. B didn’t grumble to much and was a pretty willing participant accompanying me. Thank you for everything Mr. B.

Each morning we were up before the sun getting ourselves together and ready for the day. First on the list was the cooking class we booked. We easily found the mass transit system and purchased all day passes. If I recall correctly the cost was like $8 or $9 US. Here were just some views along the way.

We, like many, love to travel around the world and experience a different culture with its culinary delights and then be able to take that skill and recreate it to share with our families and friends later on. Thanks to Kelsey’s recommendation on the class, we cooked with Poo. No typo, we cooked with Poo and we really liked it too! LOL! Let me explain more about that.

Khun Saiyuud Diwong, known as Poo (it’s short for “Chompoo”, or rose apple). Poo is a resident of Klong Toey, one of the largest slum communities in the city of Bangkok. She has been running a cooking school for tourists as well as local residents for over 5 years. Poo continues to be gaining media coverage from around the world, most notably cooking with Jamie Oliver in his home (WHOA!), but that’s not the most important thing to her, she has changed the lives of her family and the lives of many neighbors in her community. Poo is able to provide employment and support her neighbors in starting their own viable home business. Please read more about Helping Hands, also mentioned in my prior post when I was in Cambodia.

The day begins with a tour of Klong Toei market. Not only do you get to learn about the ingredients you will be using later in your class, but you get a real in your face overview of Thai market culture, products and produce (smells, sights and all). We were surprised that even after all the markets we’ve been to around Asia, this one was rather different.

*The orange is just egg yolks

*These are eel

*These are REALLY big water bugs… that they eat….and no not just on some Bangkok version of Fear Factor

*Remember me trying this in Malaysia?

*The scent of these were beautiful! So much so, a mum had to purchase some for her young son because of the various pungent market smells

*The pink eggs are just pickled like our central Pennsylvania red beets and picked eggs

*I sort of kind of know how to tell the difference between the deep red or white inside dragon fruit from the outside… kind of

*Mini eggplant I thought were really awesome

Poo only takes on 10 people at a time with her cooking groups and I must agree, looking back no more than 10 is the perfect size when trying to get through the market and also cook together.

After the market we went to the Klong Toei neighborhood. This is where Poo’s kitchen is located. unfortunately Poo’s original kitchen burnt and was destroyed in a fire, but fortunately with all of the wonderful continued business she and her staff were quickly able to re-establish another site again.

We were dropped off and took a short guided walk through one of Bangkok’s poorer areas. This was an experience in itself because most coming to Bangkok on holiday will never experience or even see these areas. The children and locals are genuinely friendly wanting to say hello. I really felt welcomed and very safe the entire time.

The class is impressively organized and very thorough. We learned to prepare a 3-course meal in only two hours! Of course let’s not forget the best part…. eating your delicious creations. If you cannot finish the dish you prepared, no worries, as they will bag and let you to take home.

We were introduce you to basic Thai cooking techniques along with family stories to accompany them. We cooked Yum Ta Krai (Lemon Grass Salad), Gaeng Massaman Gai (Massaman Curry with Chicken), Pad Thai (Thai Noodles with Prawns), and had a Thai Dessert Tasting. Poo and her staff purchased various types of fruits that they explained and showed as at the market and allowed us to taste and eat them, along with our mango and coconut rice. YUM-O! EVERYTHING was amazing! Plus we met some really great new friends too! (Thanks again for taking some of our photos).

*Pumpkin filled with custard

The overall experience of cooking with Poo was inspirational and I walked away with a much deeper connection to Thailand, because the proceeds go to the local community. Poo and her staff were incredibly welcoming, accommodating, hilarious, very patient, took the time to explain and answer anything asked, and warm spirited. Each of them served as outstanding representation of their culture. It’s such an amazing feeling to know that incredible individuals like Poo and her staff are trying to make a difference not only for themselves, but their own community. Thank you ladies!

Backpackbees

Three Nights in Bangkok

and the Worlds Your Oyster…HA-HA! You remember the cheesy Murray Head, “One Night In Bangkok?” song from the 80’s? LOL… to be honest I had to Google who sang the song because I was clueless, but I couldn’t resist using it because it was just so perfect!

Anywho, We are back from our holiday adventures in Bangkok, Thailand. I realize that I am quite delayed because not only did I come back with Thai cooking spices, but a wicked head cold as well. Ah, the gift that keeps on giving when you fly. Yes, this little gift that has left me basically out of commission for about a week now. Today is Sunday and it’s still lingering and has me blogging from the cozy comforts of our bed. Speaking of beds… I have to get started on our trip and the hotel!

We arrived in Bangkok, Thailand and were picked up from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) by our hotel. The drive was approximately 30 minutes and for the most part was all highways. Mr. B coordinated a pickup service with the hotel before the trip. Looking back we both agreed that we would have absolutely been fine taking the Skytrain (Mass Transit), however having the convenience of avoiding customs/immigration was REALLY nice and might have been worth it in the end. Conveniently Hotel Muse is just a short walk from Chidlom BTS Skytrain Station. So anyone following along that is concerned with the ease of Bangkok travel, we hope we help ease your anxiety.

We arrived at Hotel Muse and were promptly checked in, greeted with an assortment of complementary drinks, both alcoholic and non. We then were guided to the elevators and whisked away to our home for the next few nights.

The look and feel of the hotel is traditional Thai that meets a dark sophisticated chic. The primary colors used throughout are black, brown, greys and white, and that gives the entire interior a dark, mysterious, moody, sleek feel. All and all our room was appointed and very spacious with the uniqueness of a dark hard wood floor. Each night when we arrived back to the room, we truly felt like we were in our home and that feeling alone was completely worth it to us. (Don’t panic the window into the bathroom has a shade you can pull for more privacy).

Screen Shot 2014-10-19 at 3.33.02 AM

As I mentioned above, the hotel is located in a very convenient district within Bangkok. It is surrounded by many Embassy, major malls, and a mass transit stop. You would think that you’d hear some noise from the outside city hustle and bustle, but actually it was incredibly quiet and really relaxing when we were in our room. The cityscape views out the window were outstanding as well. I’m a sucker for tall buildings and the nightscape and this room hit the mark for me.

Speaking of nightscapes, if you do find yourself in Bangkok do yourself a favor and at least visit Hotel Muse so that you can enjoy a drink high above the city at the Speakeasy Rooftop Bar. I could have sat up there all night and would have too if I wouldn’t have seen our bill. Whew we did some damage.

Backpackbees

Information:

Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan – MGallery Collection
55/555 Langsuan Road
Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Website Here

Lessons in candle making

Isn’t it easy to just write off, or undervalue small beginnings, or small steps that we take in our everyday lives? I mean think about it… It really is! Lately I’m guilty of doing it more and more. Why? That’s a great question…. (My mind saying….”Oh, it’s just one little korean word learned”; “It’s just flower arrangements”, etc.) Why do we underestimate and undervalue ourselves like that? Is it an individual complex? An optimistic view versus a pessimistic view? Society? I want to hear your thoughts. Without those small steps, or small beginnings we wouldn’t have tried, or even started something new to begin with.

Recently I started to learn how to make hand poured soy candles. It got me thinking about the awesomeness of the little skills and hobbies that I am learning while I’m here in Korea. They might be small, but these little starts and small beginnings could be the start of something ultimately GREAT! Oh the possibilities!

Folks, jump on this good vibe I’ve got going! Get out and do those small things today! You never know where they might lead you …

Backpackbees

Savory: slow-cooker Wine-O chicken

We are always searching, or trying to create an easy but delicious dinner to throw together during the workweek. Here’s a recent one that we thought was certainly worth sharing. It’s a must if you are a fan of fresh rosemary, onions, garlic and wine! Come onnnn who here isn’t a fan of wine?!

Slow-cooker wine-o chicken
Cooking Time: 4 hours on High; or 8 hours on Low

Ingredients:

2 Cornish Hens – thawed, (Don’t forget to remove the giblets!)
4-6 Sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 Medium sweet onions
8 Cloves of fresh garlic, outside skin removed
A few pads of butter or margarine for rubbing skin of hen
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Bottle moscato wine, or your favorite white wine
1 1/2 Cups Chicken broth

Directions:

First, rinse clean and pat the hens dry. Next slice the onions to your desired thickness and place as many as you’d like at the bottom of the slow-cooker. Then throw in 4-6 cloves of garlic and several sprigs of the rosemary, as well. (remove the woody stems prior to serving.)

Stuff cavity of each hen with following: 2 slices of onion, 2 cloves of garlic, 1 sprig of rosemary. Next rub the skins of the hens with butter or margarine. Add the desired amount of salt and pepper to the skin of hens on both sides.

Lastly, place both hens, breast side down, into the slow-cooker. Add wine and chicken broth. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or on low for 8 hours, making sure the internal temperature of each hen reaches 165 degrees fahrenheit.

Enjoy!

Backpackbees