Cocktail hops!~

     There is nothing that closes a tough work week like a beautiful cocktail and beautiful Seouls~ I've come a place where I will admit to myself...I do like drinking. But I have expectations, I want a visually sexy drink, something full-flavored, a nice view, and worth the price. I have no issue shelling over some bills for a glamorous cocktail~
     A handful of months ago, Fat Girls Food Guide and I started kicking off our weekends and wrapping up our work week with cocktails and all sorts of brightness!!

Our very first cocktails together started at Pier 8 in Itaewon. For the life of me...I can't recall what they were...

Cocktails at Pier 8~ photo taken by Veganbeats

     I am very aware that my drinking abilities are limited...two drinks in and I'm a sloppy kid, but the stubborn side of me is a fighter and carrying on for the sake of time with friends carries me forward! The first round (I recall) got my cheeks buzzing...and soon enough my feet were shuffling to a new place that our buddy opened...

     Bulldogs!!! This is a place that specializes in British bangers and though not very vegan friendly (asides from the complementary homemade salt and vinegar popcorn) the drinks are massive and delectable~

Fat Girls Food Guide told me that pimms are a great summer drink from her country and well...that's what we got!

Pimms~ photo taken by Veganbeats

Pimms! This jar is as big as my gut! photo taken by Veganbeats~

     Now I was beyond rosy faced and my feet were dragging like sleepwalkers but we womyned up for round three to Leftcoast burgers! I got a strawberry lemonade vodka with no simple syrup...yumm!!

Leftcoast cocktail~ photo taken by Veganbeats

     This place was wonderful and we did get some grub...but that's for another post~

Anyways...a short "heya" and promises that I'll be back!

xx

Hummus

     Itaewon has always been a food hub bursting with ethnic eats, cafes, drinking holes, and NEW restaurants.
     The other night I met up with my favorite, Pol for a catch-up date! We stumbled upon a restaurant that JUST opened called "Hummus." My eyes lingered, my heart jumped, and my attention was grabbed.

     How could I avoid anything that has any relation with hummus?  

photo taken by VeganBeats

      The place was very roomy, lots of seats, and their menus were on clipboards. Pol and I glanced over the menu and decided to get a hummus plate. We expected to get an actual plate...what we got was a small cut of hummus, a palm sized piece of pita bread, and three thin celery sticks, three thin carrot sticks, and three small green beans. What gives? Top it off, this "plate" was pricey, too pricey. The menu had hummus everything but is all was very expensive, a salad cost 23,000 원!!!
    The hummus itself though was alright, it was beany and not doused in olive oil (thankfully) but it wasn't great. It needed more spices, garlic, and all around flavor.  

photo taken by VeganBeats

      Considering this is hummus, that's great...I'm glad to see this glorious dip getting attention. But this place is far too expensive and the portions are meager. I don't think I will visit this place or eat here again, unless I have a gift-card or a freebie. I would love for hummus to be shared with everyone who's never eaten it, but in terms of Hummus the restaurant, I can't imagine being content when you get a small portion in exchange for more than 10,000원.
    We were disappointed and decided not to eat there for dinner. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this place unless you want to spend a lot of money and remain hungry. Make your own or buy hummus~

location:
Itaewon station (line 6), walk straight out of exit three for about seven minutes or so,
Hummus is located beneath Thai Orchid.

El Greco

     Mediterranean food, falafels, chickpeas, sangrias?! GET in my belly!!

     In Noksapyeong there's a great little Greek place that has loads of vegan friendly plates, and body snuggling drinks~
     I doubt I'm the only one, but every so often  I crave Greek dishes, anything. Maybe it's Athena sending me "smart" meal deals. 
     A while back, (prior to Philippines) Scotty Soul and I trucked over to Kyungridan and got an early dinner at El Grecos. The seating is limited, the place is a hole in the wall but it's pretty local. First though...they have sangria, both white and red. So we got both and shared over these sweet delicious little drinks. For food though...what can a vegan's heart beat for?

sangria~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The falafel plate obviously! This plate comes with five falafel balls, hummus, tabouli salad (heavy with parsley!!!), fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, a small salad with red and green leaf lettuce, and some red onion~ there is a tzatziki sauce, but I asked for none of it. And the pita bread is from Baker's Table!
     The plate was filling, the falafels fresh and beany, and when it comes to Baker's Table, there is no wrong doing. I'll go again...and the drinks won't be forgotten~

Falafel plate~ photo taken by VeganBeats

How to Get There?

Noksapyeong station, walk out exit 2 and walk straight. Go through the underground tunnel and walk out of the left staircase. Walk to the corner, cross the street (you'll be on Noxa's side, facing it) and take a right. Walk until you pass by a BBQ place and take that left...you'll see the cute El Greco's!

Nom up~

Taco Amigo

     Last week, after Easter brunchin' a few of us checked out Rico Amigo, a Mexican/taco spot that's been on my radar for awhile. The owner, a super kind guy know, KNOWS what vegan is and is beyond accommodating. Kia and Sean, along with other veg-heads have told me, for nearly two years now, to check this place out; I'm very glad we did.
     The place is small and bustling with people to the point where lines form- all the time. It's always a good sign if people are willing to wait for food and the space is always packed with smiling diners. We were the waiting crew and while our orders were taken outside, the staff moved some tables and chairs around to make some room for all of us. (thanks!) I got a lot of great suggestions and went with the vegan chimichanga. But first...a pitcher of "margarita." ...

glug glug glug~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     We went with a lime pitcher (25,000원) and though it was strong, it was more of a slushie with tequila than a margarita, and not very lime-y.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     Jaxs got the veggie nacho and it was loaded with ingredients! I love seeing dishes that have variety and color...feed the eyes then the stomach. 

Jaxs' nachos! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     My vegan chimichanga (I think 11,000 원) was tightly packed with lots of veggies. It came smothered in guacamole and jalapenos, still hot, crunchy, and smelling all sorts of divine. 

photo taken by VeganBeats

     I was pleasantly surprised and taste-bud spoiled when crunching into this monster of goodness. When I mean generously filled with veggies...I mean Christmas morning spoiled. Look at this!

loaded~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I was filled to the brim before finishing the plate, but it was one of those "this is so good, how do I stop" situations. I now totally understand why so many people pack into this place, and why all my vegan buddies have recommended it. 

     If you want a loaded and generously filled vegan burrito, chimichanga, taco~ check this joint out. It's decently priced, everything is made fresh, and it's more than filling~

Directions:

Itaewon station exit 4 (이태원역 4번) walk towards Gecko's and walk straight (where IBK bank will be on your Right side, on the corner). Taco Amigo is very close to the bus stop. 

Some vegan eats~

     Oh right...this is a vegan blog~ Here are some eats from the past couple weeks...

loaded 김치김밥~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

반찬~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

마파두부~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

extremely disappointing hummus from Rocky Mountain....do NOT get~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Pol's Birthday~

     This weekend began so well, Friday was such a great day! It started off with smiles and a "heavy" head but continued on with all around smiles and plans for Pol's Birthday! Pol, being one of the main Seouls in Korea, chose to have his birthday at one of the best quality restaurants in Seoul...think chill, fresh food, flavor-packed portions, a great staff, and all around great environment...

photo taken by VeganBeats

     None other than Vatos Urban Tacos, located in Itaewon. It's the only restaurant that I get excited going to, want to share with others, and often suggest. All of the food is fresh, everything is made to order, and the drinks are pure perfection!
     I made a reservation for 22 for the night (we're so lucky to have gotten the tables) and Vatos was packed! I could hear satisfied sounds escaping from stuffed mouths! This was all about Pol, but I was more than eager to have our crew kicking it in this place and about to greater understand the glory of Vatos! Kenny, Jonathan, and Jeena were GREAT~ they gave us the roof (!!!), were super patient, got orders in with ease, and service was awesome. We ordered over 50 drinks over the evening, everyone got plates of food, salsas and freshly made tortilla chips were served throughout the evening (that red chipolte salsa is amazing!), and kimchi carnita fries were feasted on by all them omnivore folk!
     Because there were so many people, and an overwhelming number of orders being thrown at Kenny, I didn't want to add too much trouble with making something special and vegan...worry about the other 20+ orders. Due to heavy traffic and a packed house, beans, avocados, and some other ingredients were lacking...but I got a great salad!

special salad! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The salad was exactly what I wanted. Chopped cabbage, jalapenos, salsa fresca, and an onion mix blended perfectly together to give me that crunch and sweetness that allowed the ingredients to shine. I threw on some of the salsa verde and chipolte red salsa just because I can! Along with the mango makgeolita(s)...this vegan lady was stuffed.

     I can't thank Vatos enough for their accommodation, and for all of the crew for coming and supporting both Pol and Vatos!

My past Vatos pieces~

Beans and Pasta~

     I am loyal to Foreign Food Mart, there's a wide-variety of goods, the owner's a really nice guy, and it feels like...."home." I don't want a ritzy, clean grocery store, I like my busy, packed, multi-lingual/ multi-cultural places, where you are always finding things. Like a little treasure hunt, there's an adventure waiting around the bend. Recently, I've been grabbing curiosities... Discoveries to make while at home!
     I've been spending a lot more time in the Itaewon area, so making the truck over to the Foreign Food Mart isn't so difficult...which is great in terms of getting much needed things, but a little stabbing on my wallet. This past week, I've grabbed some GREAT things, protein, fiber, delicious~ beans! Dried beans are far cheaper than canned ones, and at the Foreign mart they bags of dried beans are all around 3,000W! AND you get well over 5 pounds of beans per bag. Needless to state, but boil a ton of these and cooking is not needed throughout the week...not to mention all that hummus!

beans bean beans~! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Aside from them beans, I made a massive pasta dish a while ago (saving money, stomach pains) that was loaded with flavor and broccoli florets! I really don't like pasta but...you can make a whole lot, and it's a "college" cash saver... For seasonings and spices I used a lot of white and black pepper, spicy red pepper, green tea salt, oregano, basil, and some rosemary, crushed and stewed cherry tomatoes. Next time, I'll just make carrot noodles. 

too much pasta (photo taken by VeganBeats)

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~~

one gross foreign food find~

     To make consumption easier and quicker, we as people have created a lot of nasty stuff, like....

squeeze onto bread~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     blech~

Moving onto cuter and better things~

Sadie snuggles (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Bailey love (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Vatos Urban Tacos on TV!~

Chyeak ye for Vatos~~

If you haven't gone yet....GO!~

Last time I went~
The time I went and THIS was being filmed!  (Hannah and I are getting those maekgolitas!)
The first article I wrote on them~

Vatos Urban Tacos~ chyeak ye

     I completed week 1 of the P90X regular but have switched to the lean workout...so far, still loving it. I've kept with my vitamin schedule, have been present with my family back home (chyea skype), do my stretches, and have been social. I'm finding I have more energy, am overall more present in situations, and I've even gotten back into reading (more than usual). Currently I'm getting into The Omnivores Dilemma, it's been on my list for years (why have I waited so long?) I've been getting into the habit of reminding myself why I chose this lifestyle...am I the only person that does this? I watch the food education films (Forks Over Knives, Gary Yourofsky's speach, etc) only to get upset, but also to keep myself in touch with my reasons...


     Anyways, let's tie this into being social. Last week I got together with some of those Amazing Seouls that bring so much brightness into this country! I spent all day Saturday apartment hunting then wandered to Itaewon to the glorious Vatos Urban Tacos. The restaurant was super busy and buzzing with happy diners (and drinkers)! At first the group was just myself and three buddies, but soon enough we were joined by four more people! Kenny, John, and Jeena were more than accommodating ^^*!~ Pol and David had never been to Vatos and earlier that evening they suggested my showing them some vegan eateries...made the recommendation for this urban taco joint and they were down. We first got some drinks and UGH~ delicious!

my mango makgeolita up front (11,500w) and David's frozen orange margarita (12,000w) photo taken by VeganBeats

     I went with the mango makgeolita (which I got last time) and David went with the orange frozen margarita. The makgeolita is only ONLY available at Vatos and it is too good, I find myself craving this! I love makgeoli, and this just makes it better! Even David (not a makgeoli fan) said it was good. The drinks are generous, massive bowls of tasty drinks~ you can't find any drink this size, for these prices...worth it. And what did Pol get?

Mexican Martini 15,000W (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The Mexican martini, "This is three drinks...Jesus that's good!"
I've never been a fan of martinis, too salty, briny, and as wimpy as this sounds~ I'm not a fan of tasting liquor...(unless its a good whisky). But this drink(s) was very well done. It was strong, heated (there were jalapenos in it!) and again, generous. The mixer was full of more drink and it was so good that our table downed about four of them!
     Let's get to the food...I've heard nothing but great things about the kimchi carnita fries, not vegan but I wanted the guys to have a great impression of this joint (they were already impressed with the drinks...so) but so far, not difficult. The kimchi carnita fries (9,900w) are french fries served with shredded pork, salsa, cheese, sour cream, and lots of green~ the guys dug in and literally moaned when the forks hit mouths.

kimchi carnita fries (photo taken by VeganBeats)

      DO NOT FEAR fellow veg-heads, Vatos is SUPER vegan friendly. They have a new chef that has a lot of vegan experience back in the states and he whipped up a super spicy and delicious taco! Everything here is made to order and it's fresh, the quality of the food makes this very clear.

Vegan taco~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The taco was loaded with heat, well cooked and sauteed veggies (onions, peppers, cabbage, etc) and served in a crunchy fresh corn tortilla. It was served alongside a cabbage slaw that I really can't get over. I'm a bit of purist when it comes to veggies, so having something presented so honestly really makes this Vermont girl smiley (yea yea, I know I'm a Mass woman too)! Back in VT, I ate fresh, always fresh, local, honest food, so when it comes to fresh, I'm a snob. I LOVE that Vatos makes everything to order, and that everything tastes like REAL food. I've had tortillas that just, yech...it tastes like chemicals, old flour, salt...just awful. Having a real tortilla is a treat (Vatos makes them!!), and having veggies that aren't weeping (in Korea)...Awesome!
     The crew I was with were raving, and more than happy with the service, ambiance, energy, food...and drinks! The lay out of the space is very true to Kenny's intentions (check out the NEH article I wrote about it a while back)~ it's urban, chill, and welcoming. Everyone's in a positive state of mind, the food is great, drinks delicious...we left with smiles, happy tummies and:
     "I'll be back here again...many times."
       


This is for sure~

For directions/hours check out their site or my other post
Vatos Facebook site

Lean P90X Workout

PHASE 1 - 1st month

Week 2

• Day 1 - Core Synergistics
• Day 2 - Cardio X
• Day 3 - Shoulders and Arms, Ab Ripper X
• Day 4 - Yoga X
• Day 5 - Legs and Back, Ab Ripper X
• Day 6 - Kenpo X
• Day 7 - Rest or X Stretch

Born to Run Global Sighthound Rescue Vegan Bakesale

     There is a bake sale coming up on January 29th to benefit the Born to Run Global Sighthound Rescue. The goal of the group is to "ensure that Sighthounds in need to not suffer and are given a chance at life." Greyhounds are absolutely beautiful creatures and so many are left to inhumane conditions when their career takes a turn to the bleak. There will be a yummy spread of vegan goodies prepared by the fabulous bakers! Make a point to come down, check out the site and the facebook page! Hope to see y'all there!