Razz'Bitten Coffee Cake

     It's October first, the official kick off day of Vegan MOFO!! October being a damned Brilliant month anyways also is all about Vegan celebrating! Hopefully this time around, I'll do a much better job of posting some drool-worthy vegan noms, itches in the kitch, gastronomical spoilings, mind-opening situations, etc...Vegan shares! So let's start this eh?
      Several months ago I got to thinking about home, my neighborhood, and the comforts of my old suburbia. My neighbor used to always whip up coffee cake and I could smell the sweet cinnamon lingering in the air, in our u-turn shaped corner, and it singled calming mornings, and dew dropped grass. I don't remember ever eating it, but this aroma was a consistent smile-birther!
     I got to oven playing and made my own fun version of a coffee cake. I threw in a lot of cinnamon, extra dark chocolate chips, coconut sugar, and ginger. The crumble topping was loaded with extra fine shredded coconut, pecans, walnuts, almonds, organic oats, maple syrup, and coconut oil!The smell that seeped slowly and seductively out of the oven left me licking my lips, and I'm not very much of a dessert gal!
     I'm not very fond of a monochromatic plate (unless it's all green) so I whipped up a sweet and cold cream-like sauce to add some balance. I wanted something tart to work with the chocolate/cinnamon coffee cake. I used a frozen banana, frozen strawberries, almonds, vanilla, maple syrup, and a kiss of coconut milk~ I blended that all up, it turned into a slightly more runny sorbet and poured it on top of the cake. Then a cute ginger slice stretched out on the dish....glory~

yumm~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The problem...can't call upon a recipe because I blind-sighted this...though I will attempt this again~

Happy Mofo VeganBeaters~~

=^ㅊ^=

Day Off, Power On

     I love full, brimming, life-filled days~ Everyday I'm living, I'm alive, but I'm I really living it?! How many of us are. How often do you simply go-through-the motions, follow the patterns, droll through the day, meeting sunset asking "Where did my day go?" With all this daily free-time, I'm finding myself sickeningly bored of sitting around. I'm still heavily scheduled, zipping from one place to another, but I'm just following a schedule.
     Yesterday was a day off, for mostly everyone in Korea, and it was one of those rut-gutting, life bursting, "ahhh" days. I was thinking of sleeping in, but an early day provides more support for having an actual day. I left my place around 9 am and walked to the Galleria to meet a student for some tutoring action! It led to a lunch and coffee date at the Oriental Spoon and Mug for Rabbit Cakery.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     I've never eaten at Oriental Spoon before but I've heard positive things about it. There are only two vegan/vegetarian friendly dishes, the tofu salad and a spicy noodle salad...what do you think I chose?

photo taken by VeganBeats

     The setting was cute, very chic recycled~ cardboard menus, light wooden tight tables, very peace-y. All the interior colors were tan, dusty browns, and celery greens. The plates were clean and pure, my salad was plated on a long rectangular dish very symmetrically. Two big soft blocks of tofu, shredded romaine and iceberg lettuce with micro-greens, shaved red onions and shallots, quartered sweet cherry tomatoes, shaved cucumber, and a sesame based sauce/dressing. The softness of the tofu paired very well with the crunchiness of the veggies. It was light, a bit pricey, but delicious. 

light and pretty (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     After a light lunch, we both went to 'mug for rabbit cakery,' a modern and indie cafe that would be a perfect study and date space. The cafe smells like freshly ground coffee, offers a wide variety of seats, has great lighting (comfy snugly dark), lots of desserts (if that's your jam)~ the space is open, yet provides privacy and even some intimacy. Super fan~

Rabbit (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We both got some americanos and just chilled~

coffee~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The caricatures greeting me coffee loving self made me squeal just a bit~~

heya~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     After sipping on loads of coffee, I grabbed a bus and met up with the wonderful Mipa of Alien's Day Out for a mini-hike and catch up date! Namsan park is pretty close to Noksapyeong, so we trucked up Kyungridan and found all sorts of vintage shops, cute storefronts, and a little grocery store that is stocked with all sorts of wonderful things!

photo taken by VeganBeats

     Olea Grocery is not large, but for its size, it really does have a variety of things. There are loads of oils, maple syrups, teas (ahhhh), nuts, bakery goods...wine!! From the bottom of Kyungridan, you're going to walk straight up for about ten minutes, Olea will be on your right side!

photo taken by VeganBeats

wine~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

loaded fig pie (photo taken by VeganBeats)

NOT vegan, but darn purdy (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I found one of the best little surprises here too! GINGER ALE~~~ (get diet, get diet, get diet)

diet please~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I know I've lived here for a while, but the touristy Namsan tower things, I haven't done yet! The most reference I have to it, besides pictures and gazing up at it, is from Itaewon Freedom!

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

     There were loads of people, couples, families, elderly grumpsters clucking around~ Mipa and I were on a friend date! Korea is so couple oriented...seriously! One popular stand was a cotton candy stand...this guy whipped them up so quickly, and with such grace~ 10 stars sir!

like a boss~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

candy..please (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     One popular lovey-date thing to do while at Namsan tower is leaving a love locket somewhere on the tower. All you see are canoodling couples, hand-patting players, and kissy critters...all wrapped up in one another, posing in front of their "locket of love." 

locket trees (photo taken by VeganBeats)

love love love (photo taken by VeganBeats)

photo taken by VeganBeats

     These lockets have a nice view overlooking Seoul, granted how covered in soot and dust they are...their grime has a bit of joy there eh?!

love notes, love lockets (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      I left something out there on that tower...maybe you kids will see it...

electric buses being charged~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Mipa and I walked for hours, explored new shops, new areas, caught up, and when the sun set...I felt great, a filled day....and I thought I'd sleep?!

This week, I'm only 8 hours in~

Here's to a wonderful weekend~~

Sorae Villiage Christmas Market

     Last weekend I met up with some wonderful friends (I'm loving this trend) and we trucked it over to the Christmas market that was happening in Sorae villiage. Sorae villiage is the French district in Seoul and is honestly a strip loaded with cafes, bakeries, French cuisine, and is thoroughly dusted with the French language. It's super cute, I recommend just checking the area out!
     The market was quaint, there were lots of tables and foodie items all over the place. Sadly there wasn't much on the Vegan front (Aliensdayout, let's collaborate)! They had everything from wine (^^*), breads, cakes, bindaeddeok (빈대떡), crepes, hot chocolate...ahhh I'll just lay the porn on you~

starry wine (photo taken by VeganBeats)

more vino!!! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

빈대떡 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The hot chocolate was made with dark chocolate chips and...butter. ugh~ 

hot chocolate (photo taken by VeganBeats)

all sorts of tinned items (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     There was a table LOADED with beautifully dressed pastries and warm crusty breads but...vegan lacks and wallet demanding...my eyes can gorge though right? (I mean, what's porn for!)

look at all that bakey jazz! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

photo taken by VeganBeats

Christmas logs! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

cheesy breads (photo taken by VeganBeats)

decadent (photo taken by VeganBeats)

lemon tarts (photo taken by VeganBeats)

"so good" and the model's gorgeous too! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Christmas decoration! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

olive oil (photo taken by VeganBeats)

not vegan )O: (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     It was mighty cold so we wandered into a small cafe where we sipped on hot coffees and Mipa gifted us with some BEAUTIFUL treats from her bakeshop. Check it out~ buy buy buy!!!

ginger coconut muffins and Boozy Christmas Fruitcake (photo taken by VeganBeats)

hand-dripped coffee..ughhhh (photo taken by VeganBeats)

cute! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

It's around the bend...and these treats wrap it kindly~

photo taken by VeganBeats

Christmas is LESS THAN a week AWAY!!!

Make sure to get some DELICIOUS vegan treats from aliensbakeshop.com If you get some now, you may have time to order another batch of noms (because you may just eat it all prior to gift wrapping!!

Think Cafe Korea

     I'm a die-hard Halloween girl, but lately I've been humming Christmas tunes to myself AND hoping for snow (I blame the kids). It's not too far away, and planning gifts and all that jazz is~ UGH not going there until necessary.
     My first year in college, I kicked it to Jaxs in New York during the winter break. Christmas in New York is a Hallmark card. Tree carcasses line the streets, Santa's ring bells at every corner, buildings are really decked out...it's sparkling. Christmas for me lies in the memories shared with Jaxs while in New York...
     The other day Jaxs and I had a date that led us to some "happy-home" finds! We were originally going to go to BiBap, a stage preformance but due to minor complications (Oops) we didn't end up going and instead Jaxs was a FABulous tour guide and we found Think Coffee, from NEW YORK! Immediately we ran in (chugging out other coffees by the door) and took in the "New York" we could.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     All the coffe is fair trade AND organic (the Vermont parts of me were itching) and the menu...the menu~ REAL New York bagels. Staring at the nom options for a good fifteen minutes we came to our minds...

VT mama likes this! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Jaxs got the grilled cheese sandwich, and it was served crunchy-crunchy with real cheddar (It's Real Cheese!!!) and pesto, along with a side dish of jalapenos and pickles. I think it cost around 6,8000W. They forgot her tomato (she ordered it) but...we were both a bit too giddy to care. 

crunchy~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

pesto...ugh (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Scrolling for vegan options, the had bagels. I haven't had a decent bagel for years....years~  I'm by no means a bagel pro, or connoisseur but I want quality, especially if I'm packing on them carbs. I couldn't figure out what my body was wanting, sweet or savory... They have TOFU CREAM CHEESE, so I was trying to figure out what to base around that. 

     The offered bagels are plain, blueberry, cinnamon raisin, and onion. I was choosing between two:

1. onion bagel, tofu cream cheese, tomato, and onion. 
2. cinnamon raisin bagel, strawberry jelly, and tofu cream cheese. 

     They were out of the tofu cream cheese so I went with a cinnamon raisin bagel with peanut butter and strawberry jam, toasted.

toasty! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I savored this, I literally licked my fingers after and just melted with it. The bagel was crunchy, chewy, warm...the peanut butter gooey (at it's best, in my humble opinion) all of me was happy. (BUT, they forgot my jam!) I had my bestie by my side, a bit of New York with us, the states visiting us with real states-available food, and "classy" Christmas decorations around. 

*drool*<~ Homor Style (photo taken by veganBeats)

     The staff was so kind, and got a kick over the foreign ladies (us) smiling like stupid kids, muffling out orgasmic responses to toasted sandos. They're a little shy with their English skills (you guys did GREAT!) so maybe that's why the tomato was left out, and my jam was peaced on. Meh...life. 

photo taken by VeganBeats)

     There was a cute stand by the counter full of mugs, thermoses, and tote bags boasting "Think Coffee: New York to Seoul." Adorable, pricey, too pricey...ahhh just like New York.

Anyways...highlights, there are many but for the us vegan folk~

1. vegan cream cheese
2. vegan sandwichs possible
3. soy milk IS an option
4. organic and fair trade coffee

I'll be back...and tofu cream cheese, you'll be there!!

Address: 서울 종로구 중학동 14 번지 트윈트리 A동 102호
Seoul, Jongro-gu Joong Hakdong 14 beonji, Twin Tree A Dong, 102

Phone #: 02-6016-6860
Hours: 7am-11pm

Directions: 
Anguk station, exit 6 (안국 역 6번)~ Orange line
Walk straight for 8-10 minutes or so (You will pass by Insadong street, another main street, and then a side street on your left).
You will see a Starbucks and FamilyMart on your left and there will be a small staircase on your left...it will lead you New York in Seoul

website: http://www.thinkcoffeekr.com/

AWEH art show

      This weekend was...loaded. The first night proved...disappointing to say the least. I went to an old area and...was slapped in the face with mediocrity. I am aware this sounds cold, and rather critical, I don't mean to sound hateful...this is reflective. I need to do me more.
     I have been reviewing what I've been doing here, who I've been kicking it with, what I've been involved with, etc and there are many changes I've got to do. Re-evaluating moves...I have some wonderful activities and people, undeniably so, but there is more I need to be doing.

      Anyways, Saturday morning was AWESOME! I went over to Noksapyeong to steal some oven time over at Kia and Sean's place while playing with their adorable cats and pups! We ended up spending the day together and just kicking it. I learned some World of Warcraft from baking goddess and dear friend Kia, got introduced to Jersey Shore (O_o#), engaged in thought-required conversations and had an all around wonderful day.
     Kia whipped up some power packed smoothies that I have been thinking about since first sip!

     I LOVE kale, LOVE IT! And Kia threw a BUNCH of that awesome green leaf into a strawberry and banana smoothie. I have't indulged in a smoothie in...jeezum, years! This reminded me that getting a blender would do me well! After baking and chilling I stopped by home only to shower and return for an Art Show!!
    AWEH was having it's launch party and the plan was to kick it there! AWEH is: "...a subculture webzine that documents creative culture across the globe. We aim to capture casual creative culture and document the talented individuals around us."
(AWEH info                 ...web...facebook...twitter...vimeo...                         )
     The event was held at a small and very intimate artist collective called The Laughing Tree, located in Noksapyeong. I've walked by this collective so many times and was really glad to be checking it out. The lovely Mipa had some of her beautiful pieces featured in the AWEH launch party!!

LOVE! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

eee! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      Mipa's paintings are so lovely and colorful! I am always blown away by how creative and awesome some of my friends are! Inspiration- motivation- drive!
     Several times throughout the night I grabbed coffee and fell upon a secret gem! Located next to Wing Bakery is Standing Coffee! The americanos are reasonably priced and pretty yummy! Big coffees, strong smooth and ugh~~~3,800W!!! I got about 3 last night....I'm not ashamed.

Standing coffee! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We spent the remainder of our evening kicking it at the Concorde, chatting, laughing, and eventually popcorning it up to Forks Over Knives (a film that examines and explains that most degenerative diseases that afflict people can be controlled and sometimes reversed by living Vegan)

....nothing beats spending time with those people in your life that you admire, respect, and genuinely care for. 

I've realized even more so that spending time with these people inspires me and brings a genuine joy...I'm not pretending!

PS~: look out for some Gluten-free goods to be freshly available~~ ^^*!~ (and other vegan goodies kids)