Al Matto~

      More back-posts (I've got quite a handful) and memory stirring~ a big complaint I hear about how Korea does some food is pizza. I can't really personally speak for za because I've never really ate a lot of it. I just wasn't in the pie-cult. I know there are cheap 5,000원 pies available, Mr. Pizza, Pizza Hut, Pizza Etang, etc...but the chain of responses or feedback I get is "It's not real pizza."
     There was some hype of a new pizza joint in the HBC that had a beautiful array of ingredients, a real brick pizza oven, pasta and spaghetti done right, and I'm open to check it out, and when meeting with Melissa way back~ I was on board. The only thing...not a pizza kid. None the less, we were grabbing noms at Al Matto.
      The first thing we started with were the drinks. It was a horrid humid day and the sweat was collecting on everyone...and everything. I went with a mango margarita and Melissa went with the blackberry/currant/blueberry (aigh, it's been a while). The restaurant wasn't packed but it was rather understaffed. Two guys manned the place and everything, from water to getting orders taken took a sweet amount of time. But...when we did get the drinks, things rode a slightly more patient boat.

drinks~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     For food, there are a few vegan options, you can get a pizza sans cheese, and there are salads, but I wanted something super filling. I got a veggie wrap, with no bell peppers, and nearly twenty minutes after, I got a toasted pita filled with balsamic kissed caramelized onions, mushrooms, eggplant, and garlic. The dish was served with a small side salad dressed in sweet balsamic and some peppery french fries. Melissa and I threw in generous doses of hot sauce and struggled to not spill the sandwich/pita wrap all over the place. It was good, but nothing to really write home about. Saute some veggies, throw in garlic and balsamic and you've got the twin, fro a fraction of the cost. It was satisfying but not inventive, and wet. I don't eat bread often, but when I do, I don't want soggy.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     If you're with friends and feeling for a pizza, this place may be better. The sandwiches aren't that special, the salad was light and tasty but teeny, the fries were great but...I'd rather get more salad. Anyways~

How to Get There:

Noksapyeong station, walk out exit 2 and continue walking straight. When you get to the kimchi pots continue on straight and walk up Haebongchon (The HBC) for about 10 minutes, Al Matto is a little farther up the street and across from Jacoby's. 

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!