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

Vegan Beatin' in the Philippines, day 2: Exploring Port Barton and the first meal

paradise~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      Getting into Port Barton, we had to check ourselves in and find a place to crash. We met a friend on our jeepney that recommended Summer Homes Resort. The rooms were affordable, electricity was on for two four hours blocks throughout the day, there's wifi, a restaurant, and it's right on the beach! (It's genuinely hard not to be really) We spent 750p a night (20,000원, about $18.00) for a room with a clean bathroom, huge sun-welcoming window, a fan, and a big double bed! (the staff is awesome, kick it here.)
     After throwing our bags and jugs of water down our tummies started grumbling (so beer, nuts, and bread isn't the way of the game, eh?) Our friend who mentioned our new home (!!!) highly recommended a restaurant! But before I get into the noms...here's my cat (he stayed with us often) Mingming!!!

pretty sleepy kitty~ photo taken by VeganBeats

      Now...the restaurant is called Jumbalayas, ...

answers? photo taken by VeganBeats

     It's right off the beach front, houses the coldest beer on the island (no really, it does) and offers a lot of vegan yumms!

     The drinks menu boasts of ginger infused jams, coconut milk pina coladas, etc...what did I go for?

photo taken by VeganBeats

     For a main meal, I went with the stir fried veggies with a bed of steaming rice. The veggies were not the usual peppers, potatoes, and slobs of onions...I got carrots, zucchinis, pumpkin, cabbage, sweet onions, garlic, and mushrooms!! It was light, flavorful, and more than generous portion-wise.

yum~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     While sipping on cold flavor-filled drinks, filling my tummy with nutritious food, and setting sights on the crashing waves...the lounge-loving life was embracing me...

ginger jams and beachy spoilings'~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I wasn't alone in the chill jam...kitties snuggling in the sun~

loungin love~photo taken by VeganBeats~

sleepy kitty~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     The beach was glorious, and being that it was a temporary home, my heart was dancing in glory....soaking in the vitamin D, eating up the sun, stretching my feet in the sand and bathing in cool salt water, the adventures were waiting around the corner...

photo taken by VegnBeats

     Glory is soon approaching~

coconut pup~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Summer Homes Resort:
e-mail: summerhomes@vconn.net.ph
phone number: +63 (0) 9285944484, +63(0) 9214016906

Jumbalayas myspace

Vegan Beatin' in the Philippines, day 1

     The Philippines was spread over eight days for this Vegan lady, I'll cover all that I did, ate, saw, etc through day coverings, then I'll do a final review post...aiii may be a lot~

     Scotty Soul and I took the first day flight via Philippine Air to Manila, which only took about 5 hours total! I got the veggie meal and it wasn't all that bad, I was surprised actually! I got vegan soy milk, vegan butter, maple syrup (from New Hampshire!!), a whole wheat roll, a small fruit salad of watermelon, apples, and honeydew, and the main part was a steamed slab of tofu, steamed shitake mushrooms, carrots, and spinach, some roasted cherry tomatoes and sesame soy cubed potatoes! I ate the tofu, mushrooms, and spinach, along with the fruit~ according to Scotty Soul, the potatoes weren't all that bad! >.<#

vegan meal~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     We landed around noon in Manila and jumped into a jeepney, while it rained! There were only about five hours to play with until another flight via Cebu Pacific Air to Peurto Princessa! 

     My initial impression of Manila, it's pretty rank, rather dirty, and properly scary. Of course, I was stressed a bit and rushing around a wet city with everything important on me. I looked lost, was very clueless and chased around/haggled by dozens of old men, or young wide-eyed boys seeking money or offering tryc-rides.       

     There are about 10 flights daily (by the hour) from Ninoy airport to Peurto Princesa, and the entire flight is an hour long! The plane is small, but not too packed, the window seat grants visual access to the beautiful islands that only tease the traveler's heart! 

     Peurto Princesa wasn't quite what was expected. I heard from friends that it is beautiful, hugged by beaches, surrounded by the ocean...gritty, lots of shops, stores, hunkered restaurants, and still the try-riders that insist on driving you somewhere, no matter how often you swear you're alright. 

     Finding accommodation was a bit challenging, nothing looked very promising, but the growing stress and frustration led to a pricier place but it was air conditioned and available. 

     First adventure in Peurto Princesa was Ima's Gulay Bar! A restaurant I've been reading loads of reviews about, a highly recommended all-vegetarian place! And it was only ten minutes from where I was crashing. Considering the holiday I was on, my mental "don't eat too much" jam and "I have to exercise" wasn't so loud...spoil yourself!! I'll blog more about Ima's later...it deserves it's own blog post really~

    Post dinner and tummy-stuffings we did some exploring and followed some reggae jams and ended up in Reggae Pulse, where live reggae music was being pumped! There were loads of drinks options and food stuff...but meh, pass the drinks!

das menu~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     One in particular caught my eye....

my drank~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     ....oh hey liquid marijuana!

Drinks were delicious, the music was fun and gloriously chill....day one Philippines was so far a very peacy success. 

Reggae Pulse information:

Facebook page 

Phone number: +63-947-867-3322

Email address: reggepulsebar@gmail.com

Address: 4th District, Rizal Avenue, 5300 Puerto Princesa City, Puerto Princesa, Philippines 

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)

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

Local Hard cider in Noksapyeong!

     I'm still trying to catch up~

     The other week Chris was kind enough to bring some of us to a tiny bar where they were selling homemade alcoholic cider! When hearing this, my sternum literally jumped to my chin, VERMONT! Does anyone know of Woodchuck cider?
     Woodchuck cider is brewed in Middlebury, Vermont and offers a wide range of flavors, from the original apple to pear, raspberry, granny smith, etc. It's a hard cider (in case you missed that) and it's more than yummy. I remember grabbing this stuff when to knock back on hot summer days. Ahhh Vermont...
     Anyways, hearing that hard cider was going to be around got me pumped and with David, Pol, and Chris~ we went for a little brewed tasting^^!~

all lit up and stuff (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     There were two different kinds brewed, a sweet cider and a dry. They both were delicious, bubbly, apple-y and got me running through the orchids of Vermont. I found myself doing that slow eye-closing deep breathe post-sip~ you know, commercial like! There are rumors that this cider will be available at Maloney's!

     Chris also got some local brew made from a buddy of his...ahhh Vermont, are you coming to Seoul?

American I.P.A ughhhh (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I have more pictures for sure, but they'll grace my pages maybe sometime later.

Oh, Christmas, you sneaky pickle, you're coming close aren't ya?

Apartamento

     After the art inspirations of last week, I wandered over to 가루서길 (Garusogil) to meet with some buddies for a few drinks and conversations. I've been tromping this street for a while now, and each time I fall a little bit more in love with it. I never thought it would happen, but this lady here is starting to like fashion! (Whaaa!!!) I've gone from skinny jean-cons-band tees to dresses and dare I say, heals.
     Garusogil is a strip lined with trees and loads of vintage, craft, and fashion-themed shops. But besides that, there are lots of cute restaurants, bars, and cafes. I've played in a bunch of the cafes but this time around I got introduced to Apartamento. (CNNGO review) This cafe/bar is truly lovely, it is located on the second floor and a lot of the tables lie next to wide windows overlooking the street. Apartamento is better known for their pizzas and rustic Italian cuisine, but I have to say I can only speak for their wine and mimosas for now...and for that, go!

mimosa ^^* (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The drinks aren't on the cheap side (10,000W for wine-14,000W for other cocktails) but with the ambiance and general pleasure of the place, I think it's worth it. My mimosa was bubbly and tangy, and truly delicious. Last time I had a mimosa was when I was in the states, Christmas time 2010. It's been a hella while. My nana and I knocked back a bunch of these giggling like children while everyone drank alcohol-free cider and hot drinks. Ahh, nana, how we rage!
     One of the great added touches of Apartamento is the way they serve their water. It's in recycled tall glass bottles, very much like balsamic vinegar jars, or home winery bottles. They also give garlic bread twists (not vegan) but it was cute.

water and stix! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I don't have any pictures of the wine, but for 10,000W a glass, it wasn't bad at all. The red house wine was dry and full bodied...I've been falling in love with wine again~ missing VT.
Anyways...Apartamento is worth checking out...I'll be back for sure!

Twitter: @apartamento_bar
Directions: Sinsa station exit 8 (신사역 8번) walk straight and take the left onto Garusogil street. When you are next to the Tom'n'Toms, look across the street and diagonal from there in the 2nd floor you'll see Apartamento!

Drinks at The Concorde

     As the weather starts to chill and birthdays arise and pass~ all whilst being celebrated...the level of drinks consumed seems to increase. The vegan eats have been lacking in terms of anything worth sharing (salad can get a little boring for others....) but the delicious drinks and nightlife in Seoul has been pumping.
     I've been enjoying lots of liquid formed treats lately, a lot of it being wine, but at the Concorde in Noksapyeong I had some of their new off-the-menu drink creations!!
     The first drink I had was the coffee-infused coffee cocktail...delicious and hella strong.

coffee and liquor~^^* (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Kia had a passion fruit mojito and this was DELICIOUS! Punch, mint, sweetness, and mixed to perfection! It was Kia's birthday so this was a special drink~ go and ask for it...this NEEDS to be on the menu!

passionfruit mojito~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

    The Concorde is a GREAT little bar that's got a very hip and comfy vibe to it. The staff is more than kind and personable, the community there is interesting to say the least, and you can get plenty of people watching in while you sip on great cocktails, strong liquors, and IPA's~good beers!!

Directions:
Noksapyeong station (line 6), go out exit 2 walk straight and cross the under-road tunnel. Get out towards the left side, when you walk up the stairs, walk straight until you see Noxa...take the right up that street and The Concorde is RIGHT THERE!!

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)

Meer Attempts at Photography..

     I always want to explore new areas, especially artistically. Writing is a constant, my brains always working on new sketches, but photography is always something I've wanted to learn. Here are some random shots...they could use work...but early early starts...

driving down south (photo taken by VeganBeats)

my 할머니 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

I love the next one~~~

heads will roll~ by a hair salon (photo taken by VeganBeats)

sad ape (photo taken by VeganBeats)

fruit stand in 인사동 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

서초 path (photo taken by VeganBeats)

horse sculptures (photo taken by VeganBeats)

more horse sculptures (photo taken by VeganBeats)

flowers with visitors (photo taken by VeganBeats)

alone on the subway (horrid quality ) photo taken by VeganBeats)

할아버지(photo taken by VeganBeats)

rainbow bar in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

rainbow bar in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Rainbow bar in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I always promise to learn...