Had an amazing Chicken Bacon Avocado Torta at El Pino 323. Plush, warm bread topped with oozing, flavorful chicken, crisp bacon and creamy avocado. The avocado was perfectly ripe and the whole sandwich was one that you have to grip and hold onto and eat until it is gone. It is not a sharing sandwich unless you cut it in half first. Wow. Possibly the best sandwich I have had in Korea. The bread made the dish and was pleased to hear it was made in house. I had a chance to talk with Chef D. He is intense but passionate about his food and craft. Very interesting but I was polite and understood I was a guest in his house.  We ordered Guacamole but he didn't have it. I let it go and didn't bring it up. He probably used all those delicious avocados on our sandwiches and tacos.  His tacos and enchiladas were also amazing. The rice and beans were definitely Mexican-style since he didn't use the heavier Korean rice. I thought the tortillas were legit.  Directions ar...

Green Enchilada with Chicken and Tomatillo Sauce Real Guacamole Interior Chorizo Tacos At B'Mucho Cantina in Yeonnamdong is the best Mexican that I have had in years in Korea. I have dealt with tasteless Mexican before and accepted it because of the lack of ingredients and what-not, but all of that has been proven wrong with my most recent visit to B'Mucho Cantina.  The flavors are bright and spot on. They have real limes. They have red onions. They have cilantro and they are not afraid to use it. The guacamole (8,000) was just a bowl of creamy sunshine with a bit of pico de gallo and chopped cilantro on the side. I wish I could just spread it over everything. The chorizo tacos (5,000 each) where big and filling. To be honest, 1 taco and sharing the guacamole would have been enough for lunch. But...no, that's not how I do things. We got the Enchilada Verde (14,000) which is the much hyped dish at this place. It's really good but...I didn...

Pros: Super reasonable prices, tasty tacos, and weekly specials. Easy transition from dinner to drinks night. (Well, it is Korea.) Cons: Cave-like decor harkens to its (probable) past as a hof and doesn’t lend much to style or theme. Seoulites might be wary of non-Korean food made outside the trendy capital, but its little brother to the west is proving itself just as ready to be food-forward. For expats and locals alike, Incheon’s Taco Cielo may as well be heaven sent. Situated in the Arts Center area of Guwol-dong, Taco Cielo opened fittingly on May 5th with a menu serving general Mexican food. Taking the elevator up and stepping into the dimly-lit restaurant, I took a breath of relief. It was nice not to see sombreros and other kitschy knick-knacks that seem to plague Mexican-themed restaurants in Korea (and worldwide, for that matter). However, black dominates the scene and some of the booths are located under isolating, cave-like arches. The place is obviously the former home of a...

This is a guest post written and photographed by the fabulous Megan O'Brien.  Vatos Tacos in Itaewon Vatos Tacos in Itaewon Vatos Tacos in Itaewon Vatos Tacos in Itaewon It is a fact that Korean food is up and coming on the world food scene. It is also a well known that tacos have been making a triumphant comeback for a couple years now. In the U.S., food trucks have been popping up in cities offering a combination of the two in the form of Korean tacos. The simple presentation of tacos provides an opportunity to be creative and artistic with ingredients and the distinct flavors of Korean BBQ is the perfect filling.  Recently in Seoul, two guys from California and Texas, respectively, have been able to successfully offer Korean tacos in a casual, sit-down restaurant format. With the hip name, Vatos Urban Tacos, you get the impression that the guys know a thing or two about what people in Seoul are looking for in a taco and have given taco enthusiasts in Seou...

I got this letter from a reader today. Think anyone might have the answer for pulled pork tamales in Seoul??? Dear Dan, I'm 6 months pregnant now and my baby girl seems to be craving all sorts of yummy Mexican food that is hard to come by in Seoul. I've tried Taco Chili Chili (or Chili Taco Taco, whatever they're called), Dos Tacos, Amigos in Itaewon, Tomatillo and On the Border....all pretty good in their own ways. Wondering, is there anywhere in Seoul that does pulled pork tamales?  It thought perhaps you would be the one with the answer to this :) Rosa Come take a cooking class or take a Culinary Tour in Seoul! http://www.ongofood.com Pictures are taken either with my Panasonic DMC-G2 Camera with 20mm Lens or with my iPhone 4G Join the Seoul Eats Facebook Group Page to keep to date with the latest events.

This Restaurant has Closed Here is a taste of an upcoming review: Fajita Hotplate with beans, Hard Shelled Tacos and Corn Pudding at Mamacita's Mexican Grill and Tequila Lounge in Apgujeong. Ok, now back to work. Mamacita's Mexican Grill and Tequila Lounge in Apgujeong Mamacita's Mexican Grill and Tequila Lounge in Apgujeong Mamacita's Mexican Grill and Tequila Lounge in Apgujeong Mamacita! 135-189 서울특별시 강남구 논현2동 94-17 1층 02-511-7088 It is down the alley behind the Bennigans across from Cinecity.

Someone asked me the other day where I thought had the best burritos and Mexican food in Seoul. It's a pretty tough question because Koreans don't do Mexican food well. Sorry, that's the truth because the Korean idea of Mexican is much different than what westerners think. As an American, when I think of Mexican food, I think of cumin, cilantro, tart tomatos, sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole  and fresh onions. In Korea, I've had ketchupy salsa, mayonnaise, sweetened red beans (CASA MAYA...I WILL STILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU FOR THAT...I hope you are closed now).  And Mexicana chicken is not Mexican. Koreans tend to associate Mexican with spicy and not with the flavors. Tomatillo is the closest, in my book, to American style Mexican food. It's very similar to Chipotle in the states. Dos Tacos used to be my favorite, but I think their menu has expanded too much now and quality on what matters (tacos and burritos) have suffered. The food at Tomatillo is made ...

Pulled Pork Tacos at La Taco in Samcheongdong  La Taco in Samcheongdong Lauren McPhate's last review of La Taco wasn't very exemplary. Here's a quote from the review: "My taco was very tasty, although I don’t think I would call it a taco.  It was a veggie wrap.  There were onions, lettuce, veggies, cheese and sour cream wrapped in a soft flour tortilla.  Very nice, but not quite a taco." The restaurant owner, Maureen, was a tad upset and I went to talk with her to see what she was doing at the restaurant. She said that she didn't think the review was quite fair since she had many other items on the menu that she felt were much better. When I went she presented me with a brand new Mexi-Korean concept. You could get moist pulled pork stewed in Korean red chili paste or spicy chicken barbecue with sides of fresh pickles, green chives, sour cream, and tortillas. It was a fusion of Korean tastes, table manners, with Mexican flair. I was intrigued.  ...

La taco in Samcheongdong CLOSED La Taco by Lauren McPhate When Dan told me a new taco place had opened in Insadong I was instantly intrigued.  I’ve tried Los Amigos, Taco Taco, On the Border (a favorite happy hour jaunt back in DC), and Dos Tacos in several locations, and I find it’s ok but it’s just not the same as home, and you generally have to go pretty far out of your way to find it.  I find it’s expensive for the portion size, too.  Shouldn’t there be leftovers?? Not to mention overflowing amounts of guacamole?  And cilantro?  Remember cilantro?  So on a rainy Sunday afternoon I made my way up to Insadong to try out the newest of the tacorrias. You find La Taco in a cute little alley filled with coffee shops and restaurants.  It has a sweet little sign tempting you to come in.  Once inside, you’re not disappointed at your dining decision.  It looks like a cute café right out of New York.  Checkered black and white tiles,...

I think that this is an excellent cause and I'll be doing my part to help. On Thursday, February 4th, I will be at the Tomatillo at Yeoksam Station at 7pm. Please come out and support this great cause. Directions: Yeoksam—Located at Yeoksam Subway Station (Line 2) in the Gangnam Finance Center (GFC) Building, B2. Here's Tomatillo: Mexican chain partners with UNICEF to donate 100% of February 4 th  sales to Haiti relief. SEOUL, 26 January 2010  --  Local Mexican food chain Tomatillo, which has two locations in Seoul, is donating 100 percent of all sales on Thursday, February 4 th  to help the survivors of the devastating Haiti earthquake.  Partnering with UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund), Tomatillo announced today that it will hopes to raise money to support UNICEF’s relief efforts for the children and families affected by the January 12 th  disaster. On February 4 th , you can help donate to UNICEF’s Haitian relief efforts by go...

This is a preview of what will be in the January Issue of the Groove magazine. This article is by Brian Dye of Kissmykimchi.com Let’s be honest. When it comes to Mexican food Seoul is a wasteland of dried shriveled jalapenos. I had resigned myself to places that serve up burritos that look the part but taste bland or other restaurants that dazzle you with colorful sombreros and piñatas or fruity margaritas in a desperate attempt to distract you from the food. Well, that was then. Today I’m pleased to inform everyone that I’ve found the real deal when it comes to Mexican food in Seoul: Taco Rico. Jong-Sun and Allen are the co-owners and lifelong friends behind Taco Rico. They’ve known each other since their middle-school days in Korea. Adulthood took them in separate directions. Allen spent years studying in Bogotá, Columbia. Meanwhile, Jong-Sun studied in France before securing a consulting position with a top Korean company. The two kept in touch over the years until an opportuni...

Now I don't know how this place got under the radar, but it must have something to do with it's location. I must admit, I am a bit biased when I hear about restaurants in Gangnam. I think over 80% of the restaurants in Gangnam have great interiors, but with horrible, overpriced food. I might have to bite my tongue, because I found a street that I really like. To get to this street, you need to get out exit 7 of Gangnam Station and make a right at the Jump Milano building. Go up the hill and you'll find Waffle and Caffeine Row. This place is teeming with coffee and waffle places. You'll also find my favorite Al Bap Place. Al bap is fish eggs in a rice bowl with vegetables. I can't read Japanese but the picture is below. My favorite Al Bap (Fish Eggs Mixed Rice) place Waffle and Caffeine Row has so many coffee and waffle shops that I go into a diabetic shock just thinking about it. Most of these places are for dates and for people to have long conversations over...

Go out exit 5 gangnam station and make a right at the Jump Milano. Excellent enchiladas and slyders (small hamburgers). The enchiladas have a tart salsa with cheese on top. Tortillas are alright, a bit dense. Slyders come in teriyaki, chili, and or topped with cheese. Good meat and flavorful. I didn't like the cheeseburger slyder-no flavor. Concrete interior with a mock taco truck inside. Lunch specials for 5800. Entrees start at 6800. I want to get the burrito next time. Sent from my iPod

End of Summer Blues??? Cheer up and mark your calendar for Mexi-Palooza! A day of great food, drinks, and LIVE MUSIC. Don't miss our 4,000won margaritas! Don't pass up on your choice of Mexican Beers--4,000won! And that's not all....check our our EVENT TENTS to purchase your choice of menu items... --2 Pork Carnitas Tacos--4,000won --Grilled Summer Veggies Quesadilla--4,000won --4 Chicken Taquitos--4,000won --Mini-Nachos--4,000won So far, we've got a MARIACHI BAND...stay tuned for other bands joining the show! Tell your friends...this will be an event you won't want to miss!!!! Stay tuned for more information! Go to their Facebook page to reserve!

This is from Steve Reyes. You can sign up on Facebook here. End of Summer Blues??? Cheer up and mark your calendar for Mexi-Palooza! A day of great food, drinks, and LIVE MUSIC. Don't miss our 4,000won margaritas! Don't pass up on your choice of Mexican Beers--4,000won! And that's not all....check our our EVENT TENTS to purchase your choice of menu items... --2 Pork Carnitas Tacos--4,000won --Grilled Summer Veggies Quesadilla--4,000won --4 Chicken Taquitos--4,000won --Mini-Nachos--4,000won So far, we've got a MARIACHI BAND...stay tuned for other bands joining the show! Tell your friends...this will be an event you won't want to miss!!!! Stay tuned for more information! Here are some other posts I've written on Tomatillo Quick Bites Cinco De Mayo

Don't worry, the 3 chefs have their clothes on. Here they are. They speak English well and I think they might have studied overseas. W4,000 won gets you a beef taco, chicken taco, or chili dog. It's not bad for Itaewon. Oh and look! They have all the spelling right. Here is their piquant salsa. It is definitely homemade. The finished taco is overflowing with goodness. You can catch the Naked Chef Taco truck in Itaewon on Friday and Saturday Nights. They usually park in front of the Hard Rock Cafe. If you see a puke yellow truck passing through Itaewon with "Naked Chef" written on the side, don't puke. They serve up some pretty mean tacos with homemade sauces and salsas. Dan

I'm a fan of Tomatillo's Mexican food and they are having a Cinco de Mayo Party. I'm going to be there. Anyone interested in joining me? Go to Facebook to make a reservation. Dan Come out to Tomatillo's 1st Cinco de Mayo Party! Enjoy your "RED DAY" with us and some of your favorite Mexican Flavors... Food Specials! 2,000won Tacos (pork or chicken) 2,000won Taquitos (Pork) 2,000won Mini-Nachos Drink Specials 2,000won Tequila Shots! 3,000won Margaritas! 3,000won Mexican Beer (Corona and Sol so far...) Also...LIVE MUSICA. Cinco de Mayo Band Line-Up 12:00-1:30—The Kari Vanderkloot Quartet (Latin jazz) 2:00-2:45—Dharma Club (Pop/rock) 3:00-3:45—Gitalottabass (Latin jazz) 5:00-6:30—South Mountain Orchestra (Latin jazz) 7:00-8:00—Mariachi Band and that's not all... We'll have a Kids Zone from 12 until 5pm--so bring out the kids for this event too. And stay tuned for information about our 1st Annual Burrito Eating Contest!!!!!! Date: Tuesday, May 5, 200...

This will be published in the March issue of Eloquence Magazine. Gostiny Dvor There is a prominent Russian population in Seoul, and you have been wondering where they eat. Once you walk out Dongdaemun Stadium Exit 7, you’ll be transported to little Russia. Gostiny Dvor has exotic dishes like Pelmeni (lamb mandu), Soyanka (a warm, piquant sausage soup), and Selyodka pod shuboj (a layered dish with beets, potatoes, smoked fish and cheese.) Delicious. #2275 7501. Chez Simon Samcheongdong has the right to be a little pretentious. It is the place where the rich and elite live and they should know good food, right? Chez Simon is up and at the a little alley, on the raised terraces of houses in the center of Samcheongdon. It has a set menu for lunch and dinner. It’s chef’s choice, and it’s reservations only. This French trained chef will not disappoint. http://blog.naver.com/chezsimon #130 1045. Tomatillos It’s like a Chipotle Mexican Grill that has been transported to Seoul. This kinetic Mex...

Here is a review that I wrote for Eloquence magazine. I tried to be nice in my review but I have to admit, it's not the best Mexican Restaurant in Korea. If I were to rank the best Mexican Restaurants in Korea I would rank them like this: 1. Dos Tacos 2. On The Border 3. Taco Taco Chili Chili 4. Los Amigos 5. Choi's Tacos 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. ... 99. Casa Maya 100. Panchos I'm going to make it over to Tomatillo's at some point. Because SeoulSteves keeps raving about it. Here is the review: A restaurant is more than just food. It is the environment, the personal service, and the introduction to a different culture. Often the best cultural ambassadors are the chefs. Now when you meet someone from a different culture, there are often compromises that have to be made. For example, take the flavor of cilantro. It has an herbaceous, anise, and earthy flavor that I've found many Koreans really don't like. I hated cilantro when I was young, and yet now I won't consider s...