VeganMofo "itches"

     Catching up on some stuff I've missed throwing on this page of mine~
These are some "itch'n'the'kitchs" from the beginning of October~

SUPER protein packed stir fry, SUPER Protein, Fabulous fiber, Delectable~ photo taken by VeganBeats

the breakfast I'm excited to eat, apples, cinnamon, walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries and cherries All downed with a GIANT coffee~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Super green wrap, kale/broccoli/zucchini/gosari cutlets (gluten free), avocado spiced spread, dijion mustard, cucumbers...nom nom nom~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Vegan "tuna" sando (inspired by AliensDayOut)~ photo taken by VeganBeats

a messy open-faced sando on whole wheat baguette. Slivered zucchini, garlic green hummus, dijon mustard, thick tomato garlic onion sauce chalk full of kale, cabbage, tofu, nutritional yeast, and spinach...Oh and there's a tofu cashew nut basil cheese...sando preggo~ photo taken by VeganBeats

Yikes~ O_o#

Happy VeganMofo kids~

Birthday post is coming because VeganBeats its sprinting into the upper 20's now (aigo!) And I'm sprinting with smiles~

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. 

Oncoming Wilderbeasts~

     Monday began sloppy, crazy, dissociated, incoherent-  Melissa introduced My Drunk Kitchen to me and since then, I'm just a little bit hooked. Sunday evening I kicked it with my crew and whilst showcasing and sharing this youtube gem, I decided that wine for dinner was a GREAT idea. It was, at the time. I had a blast, attacked my twitter and kakao, almost bought plane tickets, scheduled some new art "appointments", but...woke up still beyond inebriation. I had a small window of feeling pretty sober, just fuzzy, but alcohol digestion got me stupid hammered until two in the afternoon. Though...my drunk motivated me to be pretty damned productive. I snuggled with my girl, finished a book, studied French AND Korean, ran five miles, did an hour of yoga, and then~ finally got sober. While walking home I kakaod my lady:

"I feel like Mufasa walking against oncoming wilderbeasts."

     I recall walking forward, able to see then a rush of blur hit me and maneuvering around everyone seemed impossible. And anyone in Korea can resonate with how people here tend to organize themselves...I was feeling way way lost and so confused. I stumbled home and fell into bed where I put all my energy into trying to see straight. I downed water, ate something~ instant vomit...still groggy but naturally a bit clearer..I grabbed Hamlet and snuggled while stopping the spins and diving into my book(s).

Hamlet~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Time passed and everything was still spinning so in a stubborn and determined state of mind, I tried to do whatever I could to hit Sober city. First, I hit the books...I've been working on my Korean skills for a while, and am now revisiting the world of French. 

study study study~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I got through a couple sections of Korean and a chapter of French until I started rolling into my books. Run time~ I threw on the essential running gear and tried to throw in my LMFAO but...it was too loud. Running silent was the only option...five miles in, and I was still a tripped up trotter. I shin-splinted home and got to downward doggin' yoga. An hour later, it was approaching two and I was slightly better. I had work in a bit, so this was another opportune time to go trek around, sweat or burn off more wine. 

     Sober city was reached right before my tutoring gig...ugh~

     After two hours of tutoring, I went on a two hour walk, grabbed pics of cherry blossoms and wandered my way to Noksapyeong~

Cherry Blossoms~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Where of course, Standing Coffee was visited and a large iced Americano was knocked back. I had dinner plans made with the wonderful Kia and Sean and was already eager to spend some time with great people, pups, and a cleared mind!

Powerful ladies stop for Standing Coffee~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Kia and Sean are...ugh too amazing! They have improved Seoul and Korea in so many ways~ I haven't seen them in a while and dinner dating is and was perfect! Kia whipped up another wonderful meal, but for starters....we had a wine cocktail~ I was going to swear off but...pureed mangoes, raspberries and white wine...?!?!

mango puree, waiting for that there vino~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Result, divine! Fresh, cooling, very summery, and something I will be making and craving again! This is what a Summer drink should be! 

...and now them razzies~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     For the main course, Kia made a lentil salad full of fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes! This was another great Summer salad, super healthy, full of flavor, and refreshing!

lentil salad~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Kia also made butter-bean cutlets, which we paired with all sorts of fixin's to birth a sandwich. Mine I loaded up with hummus, lettuce, tomatoes, the cutlet (of course) and both mustard and ketchup~ Drinks, salad, pups, beautiful people...Sober city is a nice place!

that there is a sando~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     Kia and Sean have also taken in another foster pup (who thinks she's a cat)! Too cute eh!

derpy cat-pup~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

IN-N-OUT Burger

     Today was a big day for Californians! My friend invited me to an event that was held in Sinsa over on Garusogil! She, being from Cali, and being an omnivore said that the "comfort" fast food of Cali-kids is the burgers from In-N-Out Burger. This morning/early afternoon, the franchise came to Garusogil and specially prepared their "famous" hamburgers to growing lines of people. I don't think I'll ever understand the fast-food trend or comfort it seems to provide (and I don't want to), but it was interesting none the less to be part of all these eager people.
     My friend is a CA gal and she's been craving fast food, Western food, home-food (there's someone growing in her ^^*) and during class this am she texted me~ she invited me along and I got to witness a load of stoked Gyopos! I don't have much to say but here are some pics!

photo taken by VeganBeats

     The In-N-Out was set up inside Cork for Turtle (Mug For Rabbit) cafe and looked all diner-esque! (Is it bad that I just wanted to binge on coffee while people nommed on buns?!)

photo taken by VeganBeats

my friend's box of food~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

up close (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I was the only vegan around, I honestly felt a bit guilty for taking up a seat and stealing a bracelet for a spot, but...meh~
     The lines grew exponentially, we were only inside for maybe 20 minutes and by the time we left, the crowd was easily over 200 people! I heard it sold out...ehhh
     After fulfilling the cravings, my buddy and I wandered around and did some shopping...I bid farewell with a cheesy hat!~

glamorous~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

홍대 Hungover creations~

     홍대 is back, and in full force. Ugh~ devilish chocolate bar!!
There are always a few things that hit my mind faster than a shot of soju, 홍대 is: lots of dancing, lots of drinking, lots of laughing, and some sort of hangover. It's not always guaranteed that all of these things will happen, but being prepared for at least 80% is a smart thing to do.
     The past few weekends have granted me a "next morning" glory of groggy cooking, simple (or uncomfortably complex) head-healing noms. Here's nearly everything~ (I'm still stuck cooking with my eyes...ugh the repeated meals~)

green pea and chickpea white pepper hummus, whole grain mustard, smoked tempeh, sprouts, spinach, lettuce, and cucumber on balsamic toasted foccacia (from The Baker's Table)~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

red lentil, green pea, and torn tofu dahl~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

spicy cheezy (nutritional yeast) ramen, loaded with broccoli, carrots, and garlic along with chick'n style tofu~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

the best "pick-me-up" tea~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

premix 콩나물비빔밥 (soybean sprout bibim bap)~ photo taken by VeganBeats

post mix  콩나물비빔밥~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)  

     And the best cure for any 홍대 hangover (whether from too much fun, dancing legs shake, sleep deprivation, eye spoilings, etc.) kick it with your friends, spend the day laughing in bed, snuggle up~ 

The Baker's Table

the Baker's Table, European Breads & Foods~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     There's a new bakery in town, and it's loaded with BEAUTiful German loaves, pretzels, rolls, and the like. The Baker's Table has been getting a lot of buzz, even though it's quite young. The shop is filled with yeasty smells, and spicy jams where you get to taste test some very scrumptious, complex creations.

bread is still coming out~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     There are a lot of vegan breads, but the available loaves change daily. The baguette, ciabatta, foccacia, pretzels, all are safe, but the owner speaks English so getting some helpful answers is not an issue. My eyes danced over all the breads, literally squealing in perplexed delight. 

onion foccacia 3,500W~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     What I love the most about bakeries in the morning is grabbing those fresh, warm, crusty loaves, their heat warming your hands as you hold them. I bought a pretzel and an onion foccacia and eagerly wandered home to make a massive sandwich.

     Have you ever whipped something up because your eyes were feasting? I went on a long walk this morning and my body was craving something decadent, and this warm foccacia and onion wafting to my nostrils had me creating an imaginary loaded sandwich. When I got home, I got to work, and created this massive sando...

loaded~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     What is it all? "Bulgogi" tofu steak, chickpea and pea spicy garlic hummus, whole grain mustard, sprouts, lettuce, romaine, and sliced cucumber all stacked on the broiled foccacia with a little balsamic reduction. It was HUGE....is HUGE. I couldn't finish it, so tasty, but simply too much to handle. 

     The foccacia was perfect~ pillowy, crunchy on the outside, the onion was subtle- not overwhelming. And it was generous in size! I have an inkling I'll be running more just so I can eat more of this!

mammoth~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     I foolishly also made a protein packed salad for the side, I know I'm over-doing the tofu, but there was just a bit left from the "steak" so I felt the need to do something about it. The salad was lightly pan-fried tofu in a pepper garlic redux on top of steamed broccoli and more greens. Again...my eyes ate this stuff, without realizing that my stomach can't handle all of this. 

salad yummm (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I'm already excited for eating this jazz throughout the day (and probably some tomorrow)!

How do you get to The Baker's Table?

Noksapeyong station, line 6, exit 2, walk straight and go through the underground tunnel, take the left staircase. Walk straight and pass Noxa on you right, continue straight towards the overpass and right before the stairs, you'll find The Baker's Table on your right.

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/

I eat Sando...

     To cure a morning hangover there are several ways to fix yourself up. Most go for greasy goods, more drinks, a call in sick~~I'm a big jug of coffee and liters of water. But once in a hell of a while, I need a loaded sando. But that's only when the pain is beyond intolerable. I don't let myself eat sandos ever, I have never been a sando gal.
     I fell in love with the post drunk sando thanks to Spy's convincing and the glorious City Market back in Vermont. City Market is one of the largest coops in America and had a great sandwich bar that was super vegan and gluten intolerant friendly. For those evenings filled with more whiskey than I want to recall, the next morning was a groggy ordering of a loaded T.L.T. The vegan B.L.T, I would get smoked tofu, hummus, cucumber, sweet heirloom tomatoes, red onions, sprouts, frisee, thick chunks of lettuce, dijon mustard, and hot sauce (everything is organic huzzuh) thrown on organic whole wheat bread. Packed of nutrients, loads of texture, and a healthy hangover cure. Extended gut and all...I would get a goofy grin and the echoing noggin of mine would chill and instant curing ensued.
     This morning was one of those days where I NEEDED City Market to be behind my house. But Seoul!! Going to school, all these food smells hit my face like a battleaxe and well getting sick at school is downright embarrassing...and not classy. This was my cure.

O_o# photo taken by VeganBeats

     A thick slab of steamed tofu, then chilled, thick rings of organic onions, homemade kimchi, loads of organic lettuce, sriracha, and grain mustard. The bread isn't organic but meh...I can say I feel rounder, but I'm grinning like an idiot.

so big! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     and....food....coma