I just found out that the New Phillies in Haebangchon has been sold and they will be undergoing reconstruction to transform it into a sports bar. If it will keep the name is still yet undetermined. The previous bar was named Phillies, so for the future bar to be called, "The New NEW Phillies" might be a bit ridiculous. The original Phillies, which had its heyday about 5 years ago as a local bar and brunch restaurant, was sold to Y (Yoryang Kim) and another owner. Y bought out the primary owner and has recently sold the bar to an unnamed buyer. Y still owns Jacoby's, HBC's burger restaurant. I also learned that Jacoby's is planning on opening another location in the next year. Does anyone know what's going on with Wing Bakery? I heard that its the owner of Gecko's Bar that started the operation on the main street on the Gyeongnidan side but the shop in Haebangchon, opened and then quickly closed up. Rumor has it that there was problems with equipment. C...

G20 Seoul Summit 2010 The G20 Global Summit puts Seoul on the world stage. Now even though each country's delegates are all coming her for a specific purpose, there is one thing that unites them all: they all have to eat. Here is a list of of some of my recommendations for people if they would like to eat their way around Seoul. Recommended Korean Restaurants in Seoul This restaurant list has general directions and phone numbers because addresses are hard to find in Seoul. It is often best to ask people where the restaurant is (Rest-au-rant O-diseyo?), have a guide call the place, or call the place to help you.   This is a common thing in Korea so don’t feel embarrassed.   If you are taking a taxi call the place and point to this: 이 번호로 전화하고 여기로 가주세요. (Ee bon-ho-ro chonhwa-hago yogi-ro kajuseyo.) The hot regions for dining depend on the region, the history, and the economics of each area. To the Northwest of Seoul, you can find Hongdae, which has Korea’s most famous Art’s Un...

Chez Simon in Samcheongdong, Seoul Back before Samcheongdong became the date hotspot, the street was famous for restaurants. These days the trend seems to be on turn and burn establishments and too, too many cafes. My favorite bouillabaisse went defunct and became another cafe. Just when I thought all was lost, I happened to find Chez Simon. For years they have been turning out great homemade cuisine in a 20 seat, reservation-only restaurant. Chez Simon's menu changes regularly depending on local ingredients that are available. The secret to the restaurant's success is the ability of the chef to transform these ingredients into works of art. Each plate is adorned with mini fireworks of flavor. The crispy ravioli first course was served over tomato and bean sauce, accented with oregano. The potato foam soup was frothy like a perfect cappuccino. The pasta was cooked al dente and the anchovy, mushroom sauce was just right. My steak was cooked medium rare- the outside crispy a...