Life in Seoul: Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo

Although I have talked about the Starfield Department Store in Hanam-Si,  today I wanted to talk about the Hyundai Department Store in Pangyo, Seoungnam.  This particular department store is famous for its incredibly spectacular food court on the lower level.  In fact, when the department store first opened, it was so incredibly popular that there were such long lines to park and so many people.

Ryan!

When I went, it wasn't as bad, but there were still loads of people there.  Whilst the upper floors have some really cool stores, viz. A Land and a Kakao store popup, the Pangyo Hyundai Department Store is really known for their lower level food court. The food court did not disappoint. It was incredibly big and there was so much to choose from.  Not only had the traditional Korean foods but also really fun and interesting foods like a magarita bar and Italian. I believe they also have a Mr. Holmes as well!

We decided to try the Korean version of local food from Hawaii. We had the huli huli chicken and the poke.  The poke was basically the Korean hwedupbap and the huli huli chicken was kind of greasy. I wish we had more rice. I think next time I want to try their loco moco and maybe their malasadas.

Poke Bowl and a Passion Fruit Drink

When I am home, there is so many new restaurants and new foods to try. Easily accessible by subway, you can shop your hearts content and eat then, stroll down to the lower level and try a variety of foods in one location.

Until next time, xo Jane

Life in LA: Supper Clubs

Recently, I got the opportunity to go to a supper club in Los Angeles. I love this idea as it generally provides an intimate setting in unlikely areas.

I've been to supper clubs before and I will admit they are really inconsistent. The last one I went to before this one I left hungry and I ended up going out to get a burger afterwards, which defeated the purpose. It also is generally family-style, at least the ones I've been, which means you can just take as much as you want, since you need to be cognisant of the other people who are also probably as hungry as you. And, unlike a friend, since you are eating with strangers, you can't just take the last meatball, even if you are DYING to take it. (sigh)

The backyard

This supper club was bring your own alcohol, which is nice. They did, however, provide an aperitif when we first got there.  It had a smoky aftertaste which was really lovely.  Since I would be drinking, I chose to get an Uber, which was a godsend because I had driven to Dana Point that morning and I was too tired to drive to LA again.

Aperitif

In this reiteration, we were at the Schindler's House in North Hollywood.  I've never been here before and this place was absolutely gorgeous. Each room had one dining table and we were shown where we were seated by the "hostess." The setting was "shabby chic;" the eclectic vibe really worked well with the family-style meal and the familial setting of the supper club.

I loved how unique the table setting is

There was a group of musicians which played music and we started off with tomato bread and shisito peppers. The second course was this absolutely delectable salad of blood oranges and kale. I couldn't get enough. We then had meatballs which were so so good and the main was a whole fish branzino, aka European seabass. We finished the night with churros.

First course before the sun went down

Whilst supper clubs sound very exclusive, I think, if you have a chance, you really should give it a go. It's different and it's quite the experience.  And I really would like to argue that the exclusivity is just a facade; if you enjoy good food and you have a good friend who you enjoy the company, one night of hanging out with strangers and enjoying delicious food isn't a bad time.

Until next time, xo Jane.

Life in Seoul: Starfield Department Store (Hanam-si)

(Preface: I actually had written this a month ago but it got deleted by Blogger. I am finally re-writing it because I think it's a pretty exemplary of a place Korean like to go and I would be remiss not to talk about it.)

When I was home, my family and I went to Starfield Department Store in Hanam-si, which is east of Seoul. It recently opened a few months prior and the wait to get a parking space was hours.   When we went, the wait was about an hour to find a parking space but I am sure there is no wait at the current time. I also know can take the bus to this location, but there is no subway stop that directly stops to there yet.

The electronic store had this giant Iron Man

The department stores in Korea have a different feel from the department stores in the US. They feel more like a mini-mall, with stores within a store. In a lot of ways, they are similar to Nordstrom's or Bloomingdale's with a kick-ass market and food court in the lower levels.

Tom's had a cafe! It was pretty awesome to see.

The Starfield Department Store feels like an actual mall. The second floor has all the designer brands, viz. Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo, et. al, but for me, I love the first floor. Since Starfield is a subsidiary of Shinsaegae, who also owns E-Mart, there are a lot of their own brands like Daiz and Molly's. Starfield Department Store also has a Zara and H&M.

The best part of Starfield, for me, was the variety of food. So much food. I loved how there were so many choices, from sit down restaurants to a fancy food court. There is even a bar in the third floor! In addition to the vast amount of food, there is also a movie theatre and also a water park. The reason why I think this is and has been so popular amongst Koreans is that it isn't *just* shopping; one can make an entire day of it.

People waiting in line for steak.

Another great thing about this place is that it is dog friendly, i.e. you can bring your dog into the department store. For pet owners, this is a great thing since sometimes it's hard to leave the dog at home always. Not all stores allow for pets to enter and signs indicates which ones do. If there is a store you want to go, you can always leave your dog at Molly's cafe and they will take care of your dog. Their rates are per hour and not very expensive.

The information centre has a variety of languages, including Chinese, Japanese and English.  Koreans love to do sthing during the weekend, so if you're curious to know what is a typical weekend, do go check out this department store.

xo Jane

Life in LA: Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is a tourist trap. Loads of people go there who clearly are not from the area. But, it's a tourist trap for a reason.

For me, there are a few things I love about the Pier.

1) The view

Call it what you will, but the view on the Pier is absolutely lovely. Whether it is cloudy, or windy, or sunny, being right above the ocean gives me a sense of peace I find exhilarating. Yes, there are a lot of people, more so in the summer, but I love to people watch there. Today, for example, there was an artist who was filming his music video there. I really admire his ability to not give any care and just perform for the camera. I love watching the kids scream in the carnival rides on the pier and I love the artists who perform on the pier for people to listen. The music, the dancing, et al, really add to the energy that surrounds the pier.






2) The shopping

Third Street Promenade is close by and I really like how there are so many shops that are close to the ocean. I particularly enjoy looking at the window displays of brands like Louis Vuitton with their constantly changing artwork. I also love how they have stand-alone stores like Aesop but they also have stores like Uniqlo and H&M.












3)  Pokemon Go

If you play this seriously addictive AR (alternative reality) game, *this* is the place to go. With constant lure, you will catch loads of water Pokemon which is really nice. I love to take a quick loop and see what Pokemon I catch.

By car, there are public parking lots. The closer to get to the pier, the harder it is to find parking and also, more expensive. There is also a lot of traffic. I like to park a bit further out and then just walk. I justify it as exercise.









Eats
When you're actually *on* the pier, I love eating a Japadog.  Made famous by Psych, the Japanese-inspired hot dog is your best bet when you are on the pier. There is a Coffee Bean on the pier if you're looking for some coffee. There are other sit-down restaurants, like Bubba Gump Shrimp, but I really like Japadog because you can get the hot dog and then eat it whilst people watching. Japadog is a bit expensive (I paid USD $7.75 for one) but I still think it's the best bet for the pier.

Not the best looking but so so good!

If you are on the Promenade, there are loads of restaurants you can try. Many of them, however, are not my cup of tea, as there are a lot of chain restaurants, but you won't be without.









If you do end up going to the Pier, I would love to hear about your experience. And, if you have any recommendations for me, do let me know in the comments and I will try and give it a go.

xo Jane

Life in LA: Uber Drivers

I tend to use taxi drivers to get to the airport. Recently, I find myself using Uber in lieu of taxis, as it is easier to hail a Uber in LA rather than a taxi, unless you're at the airport. I use UberX, not Uber Pool, as I prefer to ride straight to the airport rather than wait for them to pick a few people en route.

Is it just me or are the Uber drivers a bit ... off? All I want to do is get to the airport. I don't want a lecture on how "Americans are selfish and American sports suck," (I mentioned I liked baseball) and/or "the environment is caused by greedy corporations and/or how people shouldn't need other people.  I don't mind small talk and I don't mind a discussion but a discussion should be two-sided, not shouting down at me. All I can do is sit in silence and pray I get to the airport as soon as possible.  Please tell me I'm not the only one who experienced this. The fellow at the airport counter did mention he also had a few odd Uber drivers, as well, which gave me some comfort.

And, no, I'm not going to text you my number because I don't know you and. honestly, you scare me. 

xo Jane.

Life in LA: Santouka Ramen (Various Locations)

Today, I thought I'd expand a bit and talk about my life here in Los Angeles. I moved here from Washington, DC less than a year ago and the adjustment, to be frank, has not been easy.  Moving when you're older always is significantly difficult than when you are younger, and when you move without any social safety nets, the barriers can be daunting. That is not to say it has all been so tough. Los Angeles is a vibrant city and a city where, if your personality matches its vibes, is a great one.

I am of the belief what works for one in a city does not work for another, so please take my experiences with a grain of salt. Yes, the adjustment not been smooth for me, but that doesn't mean the same applies for you.

A highlight of Los Angeles is the wide array of food that you can explore and find throughout the city. It's absolutely lovely. One of my favourite places to go is Santouka Ramen.  Whilst it's so nice to go to restaurants, sometimes, especially when you are here alone, it's tough to find someone to go with, and, yes, I've gone to restaurants alone before, but it's not something I prefer to do each and every night. Santouka Ramen is nestled in the Mitsuwa Supermarket and in their food court. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat, this is the place for you.  I love how they are Hokkaido style ramen, with their thin and chewy noodles. There are a variety of soup bases you can choose from, from shio (salt) to shoyu (soy sauce) to spicy miso (which is the one I normally get.) You also can get a variety of sizes. I prefer the small and I also get a soy sauce infused egg on the side. It's not only absolutely delicious but just enough for me to finish without feeling stuffed. If you're extra hungry, do get the larger sizes; in fact, most people there do get the medium or the large.

Sadly, Santouka does not do take-away nor do they take credit card. It's cash only and no bills above USD $20. But if you're in the LA area and you don't want to sit alone in the ramen shop, give this a go. And after you are satiated with such a delectable meal, go to the supermarket section of Mitsuwa and load up on all the Japanese treats that you can. I generally get a nice chunk of maguro and red snapper as well as all the Japanese candies and potato chips my heart desires.

xo Jane