Cafe imA -- Seoul, Korea

Cafe imA is an outrageously popular cafe located in Seoul's Gwanghwamun area. For those of you who have been to Seoul, you probably know that trendy cafes and coffee shops are prevalent throughout the metropolis; however, Cafe imA seems just a bit out of place in this older part of town....its modern and sophisticated ambience seems to fit more with the likes of Cheongdam-dong or Apgujeong than in Jongno-gu. Nonetheless, it seems to be relatively well-known among Seoul's foodies and dessert enthusiasts, and is always sure to be packed.

The undisputed specialty here is the fresh waffles with ice cream. The waffles are a masterpiece in themselves, coming out at just the right temperature; the outside is perfectly crispy, while the inside is warm and moist like a freshly-baked cake. The waffles are accompanied by two scoops of premium Haagen Dazs ice cream of your choice of flavor (green tea and vanilla are a personal favorite, although chocolate and strawberry are also on offer), then finished off with two dollops of whipped cream and a sprinkling of powdered sugar. The contrast between the warm doughy waffle and the sweet coolness of the ice cream....heaven I tell you!

Fresh waffles with Haagen Dazs ice cream (12,000 won or  ~$11)

Aside from waffles, Cafe imA also offers an array of Western savory items (along the lines of brunch dishes such as croissant sandwiches, paninis, hamburger steak etc.), as well as more sweet tooth-satisfying selections such as pies, cakes and patbingsu (shaved ice). Nonetheless, the winner still remains the waffles....as can be attested by the sight of this divine delicacy on every table. 

If you find yourself craving a sweet treat for refueling after exploring the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Cheonggyecheon Stream or any of the other numerous nearby attractions, Cafe imA should definitely be high on your list. It's quite convenient....located on the ground floor of the Ilmin Museum of Art, immediately visible on your right after coming up from Exit 5 of the Gwanghwamun subway station. Once again, it's extremely popular....so do expect a wait. Cliche as it sounds, although the queue can be long, the prices a bit steep, and the calories equally steep....it's worth every bite!

Cafe imA

139 Sejong-no, Jongno-gu

Seoul, Korea

Map

02 2020 2088

Tues-Sun 10:00AM-10:00PM

Closed Mon 

ilmin.org

(Korean page only)

Claire's on Cedros -- Solana Beach, CA

Claire's on Cedros is one of the greenest, most environmentally-friendly brunch places I've had the pleasure to recently visit. Eating here makes you feel goood, if not for the scrumptious fare on offer that's great can indulge in on a breezy weekend morning, then at least because you're not destroying the planet while engaging in said indulgence :)

The venue is an eco-friendly building located across from the Amtrak station in Solana Beach. More often than not, it will be packed with a wide range of patrons happily chatting away....families, college kids, well-to-do ladies-who-brunch, surfers, etc.....in essence, it's a cozy spot where everyone can feel comfortable.

Back patio dining area, looking back towards the main building 

Although Claire's also offers an extensive lunch selection starting at 11:30AM, the main culinary magnet here is the famous breakfast menu that's served all day. Basic favorites such as eggs and omelets are prepared well; as expected, eggs are cooked as you like, and can be paired with bacon, sausage or even grilled grass-fed skirt steak. With herb-roasted potatoes and fresh toast, this staple of any American breakfast won't disappoint. 

Two eggs with herb-roasted potatoes and sausage, toast on the side ($9.95)

Basics aside, Claire's mouthwatering breakfast specialties also succeed in tempting the diner. Eggs Benedict are flavorful and well-textured, and can be served either with the standard English muffin or a croissant. The Caprese Frittata was equally satisfying: an omelette with generous amounts of ricotta and provolone topped with a delicious arugula salad in pesto and basil oil. 

Eggs Benedict with herb-roasted potatoes ($9.95)

Caprese Frittata ($9.95)

Of course, what breakfast would be complete without French toast? The French toast at Claire's is prepared with their freshly made brioche bread, served with butter and maple syrup. It provides a sweet and filling finale to a delicious brunch. 

French toast ($7.95)

Complimentary house-baked shortbread cookies 

At the end of the meal, each patron is given a small house-baked shortbread cookie in the shape of a heart, which I'm assuming comes fresh out of the oven since it was still warm when it arrived with our bill. Not excessively sweet, they were delicious and provided a nice ending touch. An on-site bakery also allows you to bring some freshly-baked treats back home for later enjoyment. 

Claire's on Cedros 

246 N Cedros Avenue

Solana Beach, CA 92075

Map

858 259 8598

Mon-Fri 6:00AM-3:00PM

Sat-Sun 7:00AM-3:00PM 

clairesoncedros.com

Piatti -- La Jolla, CA

Piatti is a quaint gem tucked away on a small commercial street in La Jolla Shores, not too far away from the beach. Part of a small chain, this particular branch (the only one in Southern California) has a warm and intimate ambience full of charm. Sharing the same neighborhood as sandwich joints and kayak shops, it nonetheless exudes an air of sophistication and class, perfect for a romantic dinner or special meal with friends. Aside from the main dining area, Piatti also has a boisterous bar area as well as an outdoor patio complete with heaters for those chilly La Jolla evenings.

The busy dining area with open kitchen

As is customary for Italian restaurants, they start you out with some warm bread and vinegar dip....but that's where the general similarities end. The dip at Piatti is a flavorful balsamic vinegar/olive oil/parsley/chili/garlic mix.....the explosive flavor provides a welcome twist to the usual dip one would see in other Italian places. All I can say is....amazing!

Fresh warm bread with the most incredible dip ever!

Piatti seems to be well-known for their pasta dishes, and indeed they live up to their reputation. The linguini pescatora came out piping hot, with well-textured strands of linguini doused in a tasty white wine tomato sauce and accompanied with generous amounts of notably fresh shrimp, clams, mussels, calamari and fish. The rolled pasta was equally delicious, stuffed with ricotta cheese, spinach and wild mushrooms in a porcini mushroom cream sauce. Without exaggeration, each bite leaves you craving more!

Linguini Pescatora ($19.95)

Rolled pasta ($15.50)

I've also heard rave reviews about their antipasti and secondi items, although that will call for another visit! Aside from a variety of savory items, Piatti also offers a tantalizing dolci or dessert selection. Although their tiramisu seems to be the most prominent item, the other selections promise to satisfy any sweet tooth. The cioccolata was perfectly executed; a not-too-sweet chocolate silk cake with a pecan and walnut crust that went quite well with the raspberry sauce. 

Cioccolata ($6.95)

As with any popular Italian restaurant, reservations are a must. Although it's better to dress up a bit, Piatti is by no means a pretentious place that one might expect. It's perfect for a special night out with friends, family or a significant other, having a good time over quality food and wine. La vita e bella indeed!

Piatti Ristorante & Bar

2182 Avenida De La Playa

La Jolla, CA 92037

Map

858 454 1589  

Mon-Thurs 11:30AM-10:00PM

Fri 11:30AM-11:00PM

Sat 10:00AM-11:00PM

Sun 10:00AM-10:00PM

piatti.com/lajolla/