Korean Mama

I always say that when I left South Korea five years ago, I left a part of my heart there.

After work today, I planned to go home and make soup for dinner. But I found myself parked outside my favourite Korean restaurant. It would be my first solo Korean meal, but I'm proud to say that I know my way around Korean cuisine - as long as it's all veg!

The place is owned by a Korean couple - the lovely lady in the pic is affectionately known to me as "Mama".

At first I was hesitant to dine alone, but I  was greeted so warmly. Truth be told, a meal in Mama's restaurant is like eating in a mum's kitchen. She hovers around making sure everything is ok. And today...I was without my dinner partners, no translators - real life / digital!

Mama's English is far better than my Korean, but today we were armed with notepaper and a pen! You can't believe that Mama sat with me throughout my meal. We spoke about so much - current news, movies, religion, life away from family...

Once again, it is proven that age, religion & language barriers can be broken!

Lettuce Tea for Insomnia

I was wondering what else lettuce can be used for besides salads, sandwiches and garnish. Well, I came across this article that explains how to make lettuce tea! Apparently, it will help with insomnia and also acts as a mild sedative.

Recipe for Lettuce Leaf Tea

- 2 outer leaves of organic romaine lettuce

- 8 ounces of water

Thoroughly wash the leaves and then simmer for 20 minutes in the 1/2 pint of water.

Strain and drink before bedtime

Lunch at Cape Town Fish Market

With Aunty Bonz and my mum at Cape Town Fish Market

On Tuesday (November 16, 2010) my Godmother, Aunty Bonz took my mum and I out for lunch. It was my first time to Cape Town Fish Market at Hemingways Mall. They have a sushi bar, and I guess that was the only thing that I (kinda) enjoyed - it reminded me a lot of what I used to eat in South Korea! I had a grilled hake with vegetables. My mum's hake was raw in the center so it had to be sent back. Service-wise, a bit shoddy...

Cherry Tomatoes

Taken at lunch time on April 12 2010

Jeju Island: All American Lunch

Friday, August 6 2010

We had an all American lunch at Burger King and then Baskin Robbins for dessert.

Burger King

Baskin Robbins ice cream

School Kitchen Tour

Everyday, the children and teachers enjoy a wholesome lunch at school. I usually enjoy it (when there's no meat on the menu). I was really curious to know what the kitchen looks like, so on Thursday, July 15 2010 I got special permission to visit the place where our food is prepared everyday.

There are special shoes that must be worn in the kitchen

 You have to "clean" your shoes on this wet mat

Aprons and masks

Paul's Family

Paul the Octopus has family living in a tank outside
a restaurant down the street from me!

Dried Anchovies - Delicious?

This is a popular snack in Korea, especially with alcohol.
(I've never had it)

Milk Pudding in a Bottle

This is Milk Pudding in a bottle from Paris Baguette. It's pretty light & tasty.
  

Jeju (4) Carb-loaded Continental Breakfast

Jeju (1) The idea to go
Jeju (2) The Hotel
Jeju (3) The Sauna

Thursday, May 6 2010

I took it easy on Thursday morning. Since Mr Kim told me that rain was expected in the morning, I thought I'd venture out into the city in the afternoon. I went down for breakfast rather late, even though I was up at 6am - forgot to turn off my wake-up alarm!

The Continental Breakfast consisted of a glass of water, a choice of juice (orange, pineapple or tomato), a slice of white bread, a mini bread roll, a mini croissant and a tasteless something which I guess was meant to be a muffin. All this was served with a ... fish knife which I had to use to spread butter / jam on the breads. Talk about a carb-overload, right?!

Mr Kim came over to where I was sitting. He pointed to the sky, indicating that it wasn't raining. I told him I wanted to go to the city - to one of the botanical gardens. I asked him how much a cab ride would cost.

"My car," he said.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"Together, in my car," he said again.
"You're working," I told him.

"Today is off day," he replied.
"Uh, no thanks - I'll go alone."

Flashback > Singapore: December 2008. Same thing! Man at reception offered to take me on a tour. Of course, I declined. This Mr Kim, however also kind of reminded me of Sam from Egypt - remember him?

View from the breakfast table:

Click here to read Jeju (5) Halla Botanical Garden
   

3 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cookies

I was looking for some activities for my 3rd grade classes and found this recipe amongst some class activities. I'm curious to know what it tastes like!

Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter / 1 cup sugar / 1 egg

Method: Preheat oven to 350 degrees / Combine all ingredients and mix till smooth / Roll into 1" balls / Lightly press with a fork / Bake for 6-8 minutes

Toasted (Grilled) Cheese Sandwich

One thing that is hard to come across in Korea (at least for me) is a really good toasted sandwich. Today I'm craving a classic - toasted / grilled cheese!

   Image from Google Images

Mini Fanta

Sometimes when we crave for something, we just want to satisfy our taste buds with just a tiny piece or a little sip. So I was pretty chuffed when I saw this 'new' smaller bottles of Fanta at my grocery store! I put it next to my bottled water so you can see the difference in size.

    

Sweet Namaste Pizza

This is a new pizza in Korea called Sweet Namaste with a curry sauce. It has meat, so I definitely won't be having it, but the name amuses me! For those who don't know, saying Namaste is how Indian people greet each other.

   

Bollywood-style Nando's ad (UAE)

For those who don't know what Nando's is:

Nando's is a restaurant chain originating from South Africa with a Portuguese/Mozambiquan theme. Founded in 1987, Nando's operates in 26 countries and on five continents.^[1] Nando's specializes in chicken dishes with either lemon and herb, medium, hot or extra hot peri-peri marinades (properly known as Galinha à Africana). In some countries, Nando's has other flavour options like mango and lime, lemon and herb, or Mediterranean.

 

      

Egypt (10) Istanbul: Lunch

Egypt (1) The Idea to go

Egypt (2) Incheon Airport

Egypt (3) Turkish Airlines

Egypt (4) Breakfast is served and it's raining

Egypt (5) Istanbul: Hello Turkey!

Egypt (6) Istanbul: City Tour begins

Egypt (7) Istanbul: Turkish Islamic Art Museum

Egypt (8) Istanbul: Blue Mosque

Egypt (9) Istanbul: Blue Mosque Beanie Drama

Saturday, January 23 2010

It's time for lunch and as always I opt for the vegetarian option. It was quite tasty. The Turkish coffee was delicious!

Egypt (11) Istanbul: Hagia Sophia

Bangkok (19) Lunch at Swagath

Bangkok (1) The idea to go

Bangkok (2) Adios snowy Korea

Bangkok (3) Holiday Travelers

Bangkok (4) The drive to the hotel
Bangkok (5) P2 Boutique Hotel
Bangkok (6) The Family from SA
Bangkok (7) Breakfast on Wed morning
Bangkok (8) Pratunam, Scooters & Tuk-Tuks
Bangkok (9) Central World
Bangkok (10) Sukhumvit Road 
Bangkok (11) Himali Cha Cha
Bangkok (12) Beware of Cheating Drivers
Bangkok (13) Private Tour - for FREE?
Bangkok (14) Chao Phraya River
Bangkok (15) Chao Phraya River Vids
Bangkok (16) Stop at the Temple
Bangkok (17) Chin Jewelry Factory
Bangkok (18) FURIOUS in Bkk

Day 3: Thursday, December 31 2009

We decide to go to Swagath Indian Restaurant. It seems clean and decent. We order so many dishes. Samoosas, chicken curry, chicken tikka, pakoda.... I stuck to veg options and just ordered paneer & naan.

 

 

To be honest, I've had better Indian food, but I'm enjoying the company. I admire Sarah's beaded bracelet and without hesitation she takes it off her wrist and gives it to me. I don't accept gifts very well, but she insists.

The conversation varies from history to each other's country to travel to movies. As time passes, we become tired. Sarah is very sleepy, and wants to go back to the hotel. I'm enjoying the music they're playing in the restaurant and I jokingly as our waiter if he'll give me the CD. He thinks I'm serious and looks at me like I'm crazy. He tells another guy who comes over and says if I come back in 2 days, he'll have it copied for me. Of course, I'm just kidding... and we leave Swagath.

Bangkok (20) My Thai Massage

Bangkok (11) Himali Cha Cha

Bangkok (1) The idea to go

Bangkok (2) Adios snowy Korea

Bangkok (3) Holiday Travelers

Bangkok (4) The drive to the hotel
Bangkok (5) P2 Boutique Hotel
Bangkok (6) The Family from SA
Bangkok (7) Breakfast on Wed morning
Bangkok (8) Pratunam, Scooters & Tuk-Tuks
Bangkok (9) Central World
Bangkok (10) Sukhumvit Road 

Day 2: Wednesday, December 30 2009

I'm sure I'd find an Indian restaurant, so after walking around for a while, I come across Himali Cha Cha. The menu seems fine and it looks clean and neat inside. There is no one else in the restaurant.

I order an Aloo (potato) Parantha. The waitress is hovering around my table. We start talking. She tells me that she's from Nepal and she is surprised that I'm in Bangkok alone. With a very serious and concerned face she says, "Please...be very careful. Bangkok no good for alone woman."  I appreciate her concern. She is sweet-looking and is probably in her mid-20s. We small-talk for a while before I pay and head out. 


Bangkok (12) Beware of Cheating Drivers

VIDEO: Live Prawns for lunch

At a restaurant in Sorae Po-gu in Incheon on Wednesday, October 21 2009
Live prawns were brought to the table in a pot and
were cooked right before my eyes!

Live Prawns for Lunch

Today (Wednesday, October 21 2009) the 6th Grade teachers went out for lunch. We went to Sorae Po-gu ... a little port area in Incheon City.

This isn't an aquarium!! You choose your meal from here (very fresh, indeed)

Not a water feature - someone's lunch!

Prawns were brought to the table still kicking in the pot

This guy jumped off the table onto the floor near me.
Yes ~ I freaked out!


....soon they were in Little Prawn Heaven

...and Prawn Cremation

I ate the carrots sticks

Bet this lil' guy didn't know he'd end up like this today

Way too many eyes in this bucket!

I ate a bit of the noodles

With Jeong-mo (6th Grade teacher)

Many restaurants in Korea have aprons you can wear so that
you don't mess your clothes when eating!

Swimming happily - but will end up on someone's plate soon

Sunset - time to go home