MANNA Announces Thursday Date Night Specials

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Due to the fact my partner-in-crime works evenings and I work mornings, I spend a lot of my dinners at the solo-friendly western restaurants since I can hangout at the bar, eat, and share stories with folks.  Last night I found myself at MANNA's bar talking with Chef Francis (the Chef responsible for the menu's at The Stoop and MANNA) and he told me about new Thursday Date Night Specials that are starting at MANNA today. Since there isn't any way for me to go with my best guy, you all need to go for me!

The special will run every Thursday from 5:00 pm until close. Couples can choose between 1/2 off a bottle of wine or 2 free desserts. It's a great opportunity to get out of the house on a night when maybe a few more babysitters are free.

(Seriously!!! Why does my guy have to work late every Thursday night!! This is his favorite restaurant!!! but I digress...)

MANNA is super easy to find. About a block to the right as you walk out of the "walking gate" at Camp Humphreys, sitting over Sushi In Jay and under Boiling Crab & Shrimp. It's in the Julie's Realty building. For new folks, who aren't used to restaurants being on the upper floors, don't worry. It's a normal thing here and there is even an elevator if you are feeling lazy. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

Although the restaurant is fancy, the prices aren't crazy. If you are on a budget their sandwiches are amazing and some are under 10,000 won. The main courses are hearty and between 13,000 - 30,000. You will get all the fancy without breaking the bank and nobody cares if you don't dress up. To be honest, I bike commute and show up a totally mess all the time. Nobody looks at me funny.

So grab your best guy or your best girl and go to MANNA tonight, or any other Thursday coming 'round the bend. They really do set the mood with a nice atmosphere, cozy environment, no TV's or loud music, and super delicious food.

TO READ MORE ABOUT MANNA 

Click Here AND CHECK THEM OUT ON MollaKorea.com

Sponsored Post (Apparently I do these now.) 

Thank you MANNA :)

MANNA the Kitchen

 

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Yesterday I FINALLY was able to stop by MANNA The Kitchen which is, in essence, an upgraded Stoop. Whey did The Stoop need an upgrade when it was already as good as it gets? The answer is simple: space. The kitchen and dining area simply weren't big enough to accommodate the growing customer base. So MANNA was born.

Even though the space is new, they haven't thrown-the-baby-out-with-the-bath-water. They have kept their signature items on the menu while also adding equally delicious new items. For example, I had their new Rigatoni pasta which was piled with both my favorite house made meatballs as well as their new house made sausage.  I could barely finish it. So good. It's going on my favorites list.

 

For the their sandwich and brunch lovers, you will be happy to know these items are still blissfully featured with the same competitive prices. I personally think there isn't a better deal in town when looking at price point and quality for either lunch or brunch. For example, most of their sandwiches are under 10,000won.

The space itself is simply beautiful and feels luxurious. MANNA is The Stoop all grown up. The open kitchen plan and cozy carpet make you feel like you just got a promotion. You might think, "This is going to be sooooo expensive!" when you first walk in, but don't panic. Even though the ambiance is money the menu won't break your bank.

 

So fancy and yet nobody kicked me out when I showed up for dinner "fresh" from my bike commute in the hot sun. You will feel comfortable on a date or just stopping in to grab something on the way home for work. Also, if you are dining alone they have a big long bar where you can make yourself comfortable. Even if they tables are full there is a space for the singles to mingle.

The only problem I see with MANNA is how I'm going to choose between the MANNA menu and The Stoops new pizza. I LOVE the pizza and there are only 7 days in the week. How am I going to fit all this delicious food into my schedule?

For Additional Information like a map

CLICK HERE to visit MANNA on MollaKorea.com

Of course, if we are talking upgrading, Beyonce should always have the last word... 

The Stoop Pizzeria has Arrived

For years I've dreamed of American style pizza. The kind of pizza where I get to make it just like I want it. Vegan pizza? no problem. Pizza with all the meat and no cheese? Yah, they got that. White pizza? Of course, come on over. Nothing but cheese? Well, of course. I mean really, did you think the brilliant minds behind the first incarnation of the stoop were going to let you down?  

But it's not the just the toppings that stand out, the crust has gotten better every week as they perfect their technique, find the right flour mixture, and learn their ovens. Just when I think, "All right you guys, you've nailed it" I go back and it's just a little bit better.

It's so good to have pizza back in my life. I love it so much it's a once a week ritual for me now. Half dripping with cheese for the hubby, and half dripping in sauce for me. 

If you haven't had it yet, grab your wallet and get your butt over there. Give them all your money and eat all the pizza. It will be time and money well spent. 

MollaKorea Listing: CLICK HERE

The Stoop is Growing!

First the good news:
The stoop is expanding! The foodie community in Anjeong-ri has really embraced them and they are branching off into two locations.

1. The Stoop restaurant itself is going to be moving to a new, much larger location above Julie's Realty, below Boiling Crab, directly across from Camp Humphreys, and next to Bear Paw. This new location means a bigger kitchen and more items on the menu. At this point what will be on the menu is just rumor, but all the rumors sound delicious so I'm sure it will be perfection.

The new location is an open concept kitchen with seating for a little over 50. Other perks are attached restrooms, an elevator and a small balcony area. The menu at the new location will be upgraded so you only have about 2 more weeks to enjoy the current menu before it's time to move on to the next one.

2. The old location will be getting a new name and will become an American style pizzeria. Considering the head chef at The Stoop's commitment to quality, this can only mean good things for pizza lovers. Not only that, rumor has it they will have delivery. This is one number you are going to want on speed dial.

Now the bad news:
Maybe it's time you sat down for this. During this transition we are going to be without The Stoop for a few weeks. Shhhh, don't cry, it's going to be ok. It's just a few weeks. I promise we can make it through this together. Just please don't panic when you see The Stoop closed. They will be opening up again with two great options instead of just one. Please tell everyone you know to help prevent the trauma and shock of thinking The Stoop is gone forever when they see it closed for a bit.

Also, a few weeks before the new shop opens they will be offering reservations for opening week. Currently opening day is all ready booked solid and they haven't even announced when it is yet. Folks in-the-know are just that excited to be there on day one.

Entrance near Sushi in Jay

You can take the elevator or stairs.

Kitchen is starting to come together.

The view of the main driving gate to the right.

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

The Stoop

Pyeongtaek Food

We Love:

Anjeong-ri

If I could reach through the screen, grab you by the shirt collar and drag you to The Stoop I would, because you must eat here. Personally, I have been waiting 4 years for a magnificent meatball sandwich to arrive in my little corner of Korea so I might be more excited than most. Sure, maybe if I was willing to go to Seoul I could have found one earlier, but I get to Seoul about once a year and there is no time for searching when I am there.

When news arrived that The Stoop had appeared I was on my motorbike and headed there immediately. Once I walked into The Stoop I felt right at home with all the black walls and arm tats.  It felt like Seattle, but with waitstaff that showered.  Plus, the menu read like a "whose who" of hipster Italian soul food - which is not a bad thing - and I might have been seduced by some of the other dishes if my heart hadn't already been set on finding the perfect meatballs.

Maybe you are thinking, "Hey, Nae-nae, you've been out of America for a long time.  You don't even remember what real western food tastes like" and I would answer, "Valid point."  Except that I make killer meatballs at home and have never lost my pallet for tradition or American Italian.  It's my jam.  I have a garden in front of my house just so I can make it perfect every time.  I have standards.

Now, this isn't Italian, Italian.  This is New York Italian in all it's glory: saucy, full of fennel, super soft texture, and kind of melty.  This is a sandwich that makes you feel like you need to put on a safety vest and cat-call some ladies - which is totally unacceptable behavior unless you have just eaten a really delicious meatball. 

The one word of advice I can give is that the meatball sub, like most meatball subs, is not nearly as great later as leftovers.  It needs to be eaten hot in the shop for maximum amazeballs.

Address: 경기도 평택시 팽성읍 안정리 148-5

Naver Map:  http://me2.do/x8MGbcHZ

Le Miel

To Eat: Le Miel

As downtown Pyeongtaek slowly dwindles,

other areas like 동삭동 are starting to take off.

Sometimes we don't go near AK Plaza for months.

A new reason to try the new neighborhoods

is this love Italian restaurant called Le Miel.

This is where you want to go 

for blue cheese pasta or real carbonara 

which shine more than the seafood tomato pasta.

It's also one of our favorite new date nights

since the restaurant sits right on the river walk.

After dinner we can go and take a lazy stroll

and tell each other stories.

Far more relaxing than the hustle and bustle downtown.

Address: 경기도 평택시 동삭동 704-7 

Phone: 031-657-7288

Website: 031-657-7288

Del Vino

Pyeongtaek Restaurants

Del Vino

 Sometimes one just wants to eat pretty things.

You want little bites that trigger memories

of days you loved to live.

It's not that you don't love

 every moment of today.

No, it's not that.

It's just that you want to remember.

Fresh, spicy tomato seafood pasta.

Homemade Lemon Sorbet

Perfectly pulled espresso.

Lovely open kitchen setting.

As a quick side note.

It has been discovered that Del Vino is run

by the super awesome former head of wine bar.

Which explains why it's so lovely and inviting.

This my on of my continued favorites.

Address:  Pyeongtaek-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do

Phone:031-658-2323