Cafe AGIT

It's no secret I've struggled to find coffee shops I'm happy with near Camp Humphreys, or maybe it is... Anyway, I've simply not been impressed. Either they aren't comfortable, aren't cute, or don't taste great.

Well, my search has finally been rewarded. Sadly, this is not next to the main gate, but it is in the same town, it is lovely, my espresso wasn't bitter, and I as able to completely enjoy it while sitting outside in the evening sun. I call that a win.

Not only that but THEY SELL BEANS!!!!! YAHHHHHHH.  I hadn't expected this bonus feature and I'm pretty excited about it. Prices are 10,000 won per 200g and they have a variety of options. I didn't buy any to try, but based on the coffee I had there I'm guessing it will be good.

As it turns out, the shop is next door to a coffee supply company, so they have access to all the best stuff. Maybe they even have the same owner. I really don't know. I was too busy to grill them on all the details.

The point being, it you are living near Humphreys and looking for a place to hangout, or you need some beans for home - go check out Cafe AGIT. It's worth you time and your taste buds.

*** This listing and all other restaurants reviewed by South of Seoul can be found in the South of Seoul app which can be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple App Store. ***

CLICK HERE FOR THE ADDRESS AND MAP ON MOLLA KOREA.

Maree Dessert Cafe

Yesterday I was feeling pretty sad after going to a gorgeous restaurant and having had to send my dinner back to have it remade. Not because I didn't quite like the flavor, but because it was actually impossible to eat (Yes, this is going somewhere.) After I finished I needed to go drown my sorrows so I headed to the Songtan strip by Osan Air Force Base.

For a few months now I've been watching the progress on a new coffee shop above Kustom Works and - since the roaded I was on deadened there - I decided I would go see if anything exciting was happening. Sure enough, the new cafe was open! But the sign said "French desserts" and I rolled my eyes at that. I've been promised a lot of French desserts in the last six years and only Maison de Creme has ever delivered.

The place was quiet when I arrived (they have JUST opened) and there were only a few desserts in a display cabinet, to be nice I half heart-idly went over to check them out before I ordered my coffee. What I found made me stop and take a closer look. These weren't your average offerings. There were things that I haven't seen in the area before. Not only that, I looked behind the counter and realized the woman was making them right there and then for all to see. They ACTUALLY are made in shop. So I decided to order something. I mean, so many broken promises already tonight (Yah, I was feeling overly dramatic. The perfect mood to try something French) what's one more? I ordered a lemon tarte and espresso then sat down to be disappointed (As I said, I was feeling super dramatic).

Well, I was wrong. Nothing was a disappointment. It was so good I finished my tarte and moved on to the flowerless chocolate cake, a cake made with some of the best baking chocolate in the world (this cake is only for those who love actual chocolate. Like, dark, bitter, choco perfection).

The coffee must have been fine but I hardly remember it, I was too obsessed with the lemon and chocolate deliciousness.

Now, I've traveled in France a lot. I'm not telling you these are spot perfect French desserts. I've never had a perfect, perfect French dessert outside of France. I would never hold anyone to that standard. What I am saying is that this is the best European style dessert I've had in Korea outside of things cooked at home or Maison De Creme.

Also, I'm going to say there the baker is trying things, learning, and exploring her craft. There is going to be some error and some success, but I want to be part of that journey and eat along beside her. Watching her talents and growth. It's like a dessert adventure. I love it.

Maree Dessert Cafe is located in Songtan on the main shopping strip in front of Osan Air Base. It is above Kustom Works next to Centro.

*** This listing and all other restaurants reviewed by South of Seoul can be found in the South of Seoul app which can be downloaded from Google Play and the Apple App Store. ***

For the map and address visit MollaKorea.com 

(Because hosting a map is annoying to me)

 

 

4 Fav Coffee Roasters

Coffee lovers rejoice! There are four lovely micro-roasters in Pyeongtaek. Each one a little different than the next. Since each coffee addict has their own unique pallet, we wont try to tell you which one is best. We can say that we have tried each of these and found them to be solid depending on different preferences.

It might also be good to know that, in Korea, a large number of the beans are sourced from Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. The flavor tends to be more acidic and bitter than you will be used to if you generally drink beans from Central America. It's not bad, it's just different. You also really need to keep it air tight so that it doesn't get too intense.

That said, you can get single source beans from a few of these roasters. For example, Cafe Kong has the most choices from Central America. We often use them since we prefer softer, smoother coffee.

Since pricing also vary a great deal based on bean source and market prices, we have not included prices.

All that said, here are our favs:

1. Cafe Clark: In Bijeondong

Address: 경기도 평택시 평택3로 83

2. Coffee Kong: Near Songtan

Address: 경기도 평택시 장당동 635-4

3. Gabae Maru: Near New Core

Address: 경기도 평택시 비전동 838-5

4. Coffee On: Near AK Plaza

경기도 평택시 평택동 65-23

Creer And M2

Sexiest, little new place in town. It's like I'm back in Milan or Paris. However, the name is so ridiculous and the interior so over the top that I thought for sure the coffee would be way over priced and terrible. Usually that's how it works.

The first thought that popped into my head when I took my first sip was, "I forgot what coffee tasted like." It's been three years since I've been to a country with a deep appreciation for rich beans and strong pulls. I missed it. This might only be delicious to you if you are a coffee snob, but I think this new shop has the best espresso in town. After this thought I pulled out my receipt to see what I spent on it... only 3,800 won. Which is crazy affordable for a place like this. Usually they charge as much as 5,000 won for espresso which is crazy.

Another unusual and lovely aspect of this shop is that it opens at 8:30 am. If I lived anywhere near here I would be here every week. I'm already missing it. It's ruined me on, like, five of my former favorites in just one drink.

For those that love desert, the cheesecakes looks amazeballs. I'd love to hear how it is from anyone who tries it. They had Nutella and green tea versions that looks fantastic.

 

If you do love the cakes, they come from Glamorous Penguin in Seoul. Check out the website and see if there are any you might want to have delivered for a party, then order using Ask Ajumma.

Name: Creme & M2

Address: 경기도 평택시 합정동 966-1 

Naver Link: http://me2.do/G7B0S7CM

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.