Review - Seoul Town Tapas at Breadbar

Grilled Nutella Sammie w/ Pain de Mie and Blueberries

Last Saturday night, the Mister and I wandered over to Breadbar on west 3rd, to dine at chef Debbie Lee's pop-up restaurant, Seoul Town Tapas, a modern take on Korean Pub Grub. Oddly enough I haven't seen/read any reviews, considering how much coverage Ludovic Lefebvre received at the same location, twice.

Here are my thoughts:

1. This type of venue/menu would be a nice permanent addition to the neighborhood, but it isn't "destination" food that draws "foodies", hence the lack of buzz. Everything we ate was simple and enjoyable, but not necessarily worth driving across town for. Chef Lee needs to make sure that wherever she plans her permanent location should have heavy foot traffic.
2. Her menu would actually work really well as a food-truck concept.
3. My faves were the daikon kimchee amuse bouche, the curry hummus w/wonton crostini, the chicken meatball (tasted like sweet/sour chicken) and the ultra-yummy (soon to be recreated at home) grilled nutella w/ blueberries sandwich (pic above).
4. Prices were good, but I thought $16 was a bit much for the Korean Fried Chicken. I have a very high bar when it comes to fried chicken, and I only enjoyed it $10's worth.
5. Chef Lee would benefit from coming out of the kitchen from time to time. I like it when chefs connect with their diners, even if it's minimal.
6. Am planning on returning before this ends on April 10th, since it's an easy and walkable few blocks away. Will definitely try another dessert and forgo the fried chicken.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Sunday Strawberry Sweet

Sweetie-pie surprised me today with a strawberry macaroon from Breadbar and it was large enough for us to share.

Though a larger and bit denser interpretation from traditional macaroons (I miss Boule), I enjoyed this pretty pink perfection and look forward to trying their vanilla and coffee flavors.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe

Neighborhood News - Chado Tea Room/ W. 3rd Street

photo - www.chadotea.com

Still recovering from the loss of Zipper on W. 3rd street; I recently asked the owner/manager of Chado Tea Room about their business, in light of the recession and the on-going exodus of businesses from the area, when she informed me that their lease is up in two years and she isn't sure what they will do. Her tone suggested that no matter what, they will leave their current address at 8422 1/2 W. 3rd. Having tea and sandwiches at Chado is one of my regular affordable pleasures that I would truly miss and if you feel the same, I ask that you let them know how much you would like them to stay in our neighborhood.

As for my much missed Zipper... The last time I was in there to bid my adieus, the owners said they may (and I stress MAY) consider opening a pop-up store in our neighborhood, around the holidays. I couldn't have made my enthusiasm for such an idea more clear, so keep your fingers crossed.

Until next time... Miss Absinthe