Maison de Creme

This place is so precisely sensual I would eat here just for that fact. 

The fact the food is also excellent just adds to it's dreaminess.

Sometimes, when I'm ordering, I ask myself, "Why am I spending all this money on this food. That's just a little cookie. That's just some meat on some rice." 

But then I eat said cookie and I eat said meat on rice, at which point I think, "Please, just take all of my money. Why didn't I give them more money?"

Maybe it's just me, but it tastes perfect. As perfect as the table setting and placement of each item in this cuter than cute cafe. Everything is just so spot on. The owners of Maison de Creme are obsessed with perfection and you see it and taste it.

In all honestly, I'm obsessed with their obsession.

It has nothing to do with it even being the best in Pyeongtaek,

I'd dig this place any where, any time, any place.

Address: 경기도 평택시 비전2동 871-6 1층

Cafe CF

Have you always wanted to find a desert cafe where everything looks as good as (or better than) the pictures? Well, we found it.  Cafe CF in Songtan (main street in front of base, across from the bank) has amazing, giant desserts that are a feast for your eyes and your belly.  Don't come here if you aren't ready to gorge yourself on sugar.

To make it easier to order, they even have photo menus where you can see what each desert looks like. Usually these types of things leave me feeling horribly disappointed, but not here.  The have flavored sodas, shakes, bingsu, juice, coffee, etc.  Something for everyone.  After we pig out for dinner or lunch in Songtan, this is almost always were we end up after.

FYI the fruit desserts, like the one pictured above, are usually seasonal.  During winter they will not be available. Don't panic, there are many other options.

El Gitano

With great delight, I welcome El Gitano to the neighborhood. For five years I've dreamed about having something like this in my life again, so by next Wednesday I will have eaten there four times in their first week. Yes, I'm that excited. Since I'm not in the military, I haven't been to the US in three years, and go to Seoul only twice a year - having this open near me is a life changer.

Based on the Chipotle concept, El Gitano/s ingredients selections include: two kinds of beans, two kinds of rice, fresh cilantro, a variety of specially prepared meats, fresh guacamole (which is an extra charge), fresh salsas, pico, homemade sour cream, queso, corn salsa, Craftworks on tap, an assortment of imported beers, etc.

For those from base, you may be shocked by the cost of the guacamole, please don't complain too much.  I'm begging you. Based on the price of both the limes and avocados (which have only recently become available on a regular basis at any kind of "reasonable" price) the additional cost is to be expected. Even at 3,000 won for the add on it's likely their profit margin is minimal. So, when customers complain about the price of guacamole restaurants usually just take it off the menu and stop offering it because they can't afford to drop the price. 

As someone who desperately wants guacamole on her burritos, again, I'm begging you not to complain too much. Not all of us (Koreans, teachers, foreign spouses, etc.) have access to the privileges of the commissary and we really need this. Even at 3,000 won it feels like the guac gods have finally taken pity on us and we are thankful.

Name: El Gitano

Located: Anjeongri, walking distance from main gate

Near Black Box/ UHair building down the street from Bang,

If you walk East from the car gate in front of Humphreys, a few blocks down there is a Chinese restaurant on your left. Turn left there. El Gitano will be on your right at the next intersection.

Gringos Burritos: Delivery Across Korea

For years, before all the fancy new restaurants, Gringo Burritos has taken care of expats across Korea. They ship fresh, tasty, homemade burritos and sides right to our doors. They are delicious, reliable, and a blessing to have around.

If you find yourself wishing your freezer was filled with magical prepared food, I highly recommend keeping your freezer full of Gringos.  They are the perfect solution for those pesky, late night burrito cravings. 

Order your own: 

www.gringoskorea.com

www.gringoskorea.com

UnWined

Tucked away on a back street in Songtan, near the AF base, UnWined is my favorite drinking establishment. They have a small, but nice selection of wine that please nearly everyone. They also speak English and have English menus.  

The food is Italian inspired with things like pizza and cheese plates. A favorite aspect for me is that they will make me delicious cheese-less Pizza smothered in tomato and basil and pepperoni.  Since cheese is a no-go for me, I really value their willingness willingness to cater to my dietary restricts. Something many eateries won't do, especially pizza shops. 

Each month the Songtan and Seojeongri Teachers group meets here to share battle stories and get a little tipsy. I've also heard there is a wine tasting group that meets there once a month or so, ask the bar about it.  

Name: UnWined

Address: 경기도 평택시 신장동 317-29

Hiking Next to Pyeongtaek Lake

Recently our lives have calmed down and we have more time to explore. Our first lazy Sunday found us wandering through the woods in one of the pretties hike in the area. It's also a great area for walking your puppies. Not a lot of people, but plenty with little puppies of their own. (As always, remember to pick up after you puppies.)

The trail is a nice challenged, but not difficult. Simply a pleasant, meandering walk in the woods. There are plenty of benches and even a napping platform if you get knackered... or I guess I need to say tired.

Although there are many enterences to this little trail system, I've given the address to the area with the most parking if you drive.  There is also a bus that will take you here, although I don't know the number, or you can ride your bike.

Address: 경기도 평택시 현덕면 신왕리 산66
Naver Map: http://me2.do/xpx7saS6

4 Fab Shabu Shabu Restaurants

Shabu Shabu (샤브샤브) is one of the most delicious things you can eat. Originally from China, but also famous in Japan, it is often called "hot pot". In Korea it has many delightful variations that involve a fusion of different cultures. 

In the Pyeongtaek area we have eaten almost as much Shabu Shabu as we have eaten Budaejjigae so we've done our research. These are our favorite styles thus far, as well as our favorite place to eat each one. This list is in no particular order and summarizes our favorite places and styles.  Click through to the full blog for additional information and addresses. We are too lazy to put it all here.

1.CLOSED: Vietnamese Shabu Shabu

with fresh rolls.

This is what we eat when we are craving crazy amounts of veggies. At this particular restaurant, you not only get veggie but you also have unlimited meat. So come hungry.

Click here for full review.

2. Pork Shabu Shabu

with Duck Roasted in Pumpkin.

Go here hungry because the side dishes are a meal in themselves. You will be feasting on shaved pork and duck cooked in pumpkin. Then you will be left wondering how you lived before eating this meal.

Click here for full review.

3. Seafood Shabu Shabu

with Udon

Sometimes we aren't feeling like a lot of meat, so we choose seafood shabu shabu which is lighter... well, it would be lighter if we didn't our body weight in side dishes. This particular restaurant is nice because the pot is split in half. So you can actually order pork and seafood at the same time and cook them separately.

Click here for full review.

4. Beef Shabu Shabu 

with Homemade Noodles

The full blog for this restaurant will come along in a few weeks, but it needed to be on this list. This restaurant does not serve side dishes with their shabu shabu, instead they rely on one of the most delicious broths I've ever tasted. This particular restaurant is a chain, but they are not all created equal. The one in Anjung-eup is one of the best meals I've ever had and non of the other versions of this chain come close. Since there isn't a bigger blog for this yet. Here is the name and address.

Name: 등촌칼국수

Address.안중로18번길 - 경기도 평택시 안중읍

Nave Map: http://me2.do/5PqAbmnV

Review it Forward

This blog was created because I love living my expat life in Pyeongtaek. Love eating the food, doing the things, and going to the places. It's also delightful to support my community and stay involved with the world around me.

However, while typing away on my next novel I realized there is something you can do to support the blog. If you find South of Seoul enjoyable or useful in anyway, you can buy my novel Chasing Tales on Amazon.  It just happens to be all about living the expat life, eating the food, drinking the drinks, making the friends, and doing the stuff. So it should be right up your ally. It's also available for kindle for $2.99. I promise it's not as bad as you might think, a few folks have even told me it's changed their lives. Which seems a bit intense, but also makes me happy.

 



 

Wait, you're not done yet! When you finish the book, and this is actually the most important part, can you pretty PLEASE review it on Amazon and Goodreads?  

 

In the next year (ish) I will be releasing the second book in the series and I need to get back on the requesting reviews wagon. Most people don't even know I write books at all so any amount of promotion is better than I've done in the past. So if you have been to a restaurant or people have been to your restaurant because of South of Seoul, consider reading the book and posting a review. I'd be over the moon and back. 

 

Thank you all and happy eating.

Oishi

When I want sushi rolls I go to Oishi in Songtan, full stop. I'm not talking sashimi, I'm talking rolls. Since college, I've been a sushi roll addict so I'm glad I can still get my fix in my neighborhood. Sometimes I'm there two or three times a week, and at this point it's like my Cheers. My absolute favorite things to order are the Spicy Tuna and Spicy Salmon Rolls (although I have loved every other one that I have tried) and Shrimp Tempura Udon.

There are three primary reasons this place is my go too:

1) They don't use too much rice

2) Their sauces don't ruin the roll

3) The fish is quality every time

In addition to the food, the staff is simply lovely and I enjoy my time there. It's relaxed, they know me. When I'm eating alone I can pull up a spot at the sushi bar and chat or just chill by myself if I'm tired. I like that fact, I can talk or not talk.  It's my choice.

If you are looking for you sushi hangout, consider getting your butts over to Oishi.  No one I've met has ever regretted it.

Name: Oishi 

Address: Shinjangdong 298-70, Pyeongtaek