Some like it raw

Some like it Raw

Chef Jeon Juri sits in a café in Apgujung; her skin make-up free and glowing. While busy Seoulites rush by outside to and from chain restaurants and fast food joints, we are enjoying Chef Juri’s signature zucchini-based noodles topped with fragrant tomato sauce, and garnished with a sprig of basil. Dessert is cashew chocolate chip cookies.

“I hope you’re hungry!” She says enthusiastically as we dig into the dish. “This is my favorite these days.”

Chef Juri has just returned to her homeland after studying at the The Living Light Culinary Art Institute in California with a simple but ambitious dream: to popularize the ‘Raw Food Lifestyle’ to her native countrymen.

Why Eat Raw Food?

The Raw Food Diet is based on the belief that the healthiest food for the body is uncooked, unprocessed, and natural. Dishes may be fermented, dried, or softened through soaking. Heating is acceptable so long as the temperature is below 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything hotter, Chef Juri explained, degrades the enzymes naturally present in fresh food-which aid digestion and nutrient absorption. In essence, Raw Foodists believe that cooked, processed, and refined foods lead to illness.

“Overconsumption of cooked foods forces our bodies to work harder,” Jeon added. “Over time, this can lead to digestive problems, nutrient deficiency, accelerated aging, and weight gain. We are living organisms that need living nutrients.”

There are different ways that people follow a raw food diet. Most adherents are vegan, meaning they avoid animal products. Some consume raw goat milk, goat cheese made from raw milk, sashimi, or carpaccio (raw meat). Some include occasional cooked foods for convenience. For most, raw food makes up at least 70% of their diet. Raw food advocates adopt the strict diet for many reasons. For Jeon, it was illness that lead her to raw food.

“Several years ago, I suffered from severe allergies and was forced to take some really strong medication”, explained Jeon. “This left me with numerous side effects. I researched alternative treatments and discovered that dietary changes improved my condition more effectively than medication. My first step was cutting out dairy, eggs and animal products; I felt great! I began trying some simple raw foods, but I found them bland and unexciting. After a while, I went back to the junk food ways of my past. I knew that diet had the ability to change the quality of my life, but I was unclear about the answer at the time.”

Soon after, Chef Juri ran across a raw food recipe book in a bookstore and began researching more creative, multi-cultural creations.

“The dishes I saw looked so delicious, and I figured that I might enjoy them if I applied my imagination to the recipes”.

After a month on a more innovative raw food regime, Jeon felt like a changed woman, and decided to pursue formal training in the field of raw food nutrition.

“I felt transformed. The diet changed me in so many ways. Pretty quickly I was losing weight and had a lot more energy, but the effect on my mind was the true phenomenon. After 80 days, I no longer felt craving for processed foods, and I found a raw alternative for every cooked commercial food I had once enjoyed. I think people would be surprised at their options; you can even have raw cheesecake!”

While the lifestyle has met with some criticism, the trend has a substantial following, particularly in North American and European metropolises. Critics point out that the diet is not for everyone, and there are certain foods that require cooking in order for the body to digest them. Concerns such as insufficient calories, increased flatulence, stomach problems, food poisoning, or the inconvenience of living in a region with few raw food options are all challenges a raw foodie may face, especially in a region that offers few culinary choices.

“Home-prepared foods are best”, says Jeon, “but not all restaurant food is bad. Fermented foods (like kimchi) are not cooked, nor is organic wine or tea, and most people can find a great salad which is perfect with olive oil dressing, ideally cold pressed”, she adds, noting that equipment such as a food processor, blender and spiral slicer are invaluable assets. Many foods are simple to prepare, such as fruits and salads. Other foods can demand considerable advanced planning. For example, lentils, grains, nuts and seeds are required to soak overnight to become more digestible.

“It takes some research, but you don’t have to be a good cook to prepare any of the food”, Jeon adds. “I am actually a rather poor cook!”

From a scientific perspective, a raw food diet contains fewer trans-fats and saturated fat than the typical Western diet, and is naturally low in sodium and sugar, while high in potassium, magnesium, folate, fiber, vitamin A, and health-promoting antioxidants. These properties are associated with a reduced risk of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

In the meantime, Chef Juri is pursuing a PhD in nutrition and working on sharing her skills with others.

“One day, I dream of having my own raw food café in a central Seoul location. I want all Koreans to feel the health benefits I have experienced, and to maximize their potential for health and longevity.”

To learn more about Chef Juri Jeon’s classes, visit: http://blog.naver.com/julls8628

Help for hopeless hair-part 1

Provided by Korea Wig Distibutors

Most people who know me know that I’m a chameleon when it comes to hair, and it isn’t entirely because of choice. If only we all had Blake Lively’s mane and needed no more than a brush out to pull off ‘tossled sexy’.

I was born with what the fashion industry calls ‘angel hair’, but make up artists and stylists don’t always mean it kindly. It’s thin, fine, easy to style up and a real pain to style down. Throughout my life, I’ve done it all: shaved it (really-I have shaved it and bleached it a la angsty teenager), dyed it every color, cropped and pixied it, tacked on fake pony tails and clip on extensions to the degree that people forgot what length my hair was, and hid under hats to a degree that would make Isabella Blow proud-all in an attempt to make it look presentable and reasonably healthy. After my 2010 surgery left me in pretty sub par health, it became even tougher to meet the industry norm for ‘hair to style’ when filming odd gigs-and I’m not on camera so often anymore. Basically, I dreaded being on camera-ever. I dreaded auditions. I pitied every stylist who has to deal with my hair.

My newest solution to hopeless hair came to me by a gentle CEO David Lee, whom I contacted for extensions when my fave Dongdaemun vendor went out of business. I love clip on extensions, but they’re bulky and those with thin hair have to worry about the layers showing. David hooked me up with a gift of Human Remy ‘to be colored’ extentions for the time being.

Mr Lee owns Korea Wig, a mass producer of accessories for hair. David has a show room in Seoul, but doesn’t not bother with boutiques. He ships to the UK and N America and offered to sponsor me as I tried his newest product. I ‘go under the stylist’s clutches’ tomorrow, and I’m quite excited. I’ve heard terrible things about extensions-they can weigh heavily on hair causing damage, they hurt, they’re tough to keep up, etc…but Mr Lee assured me that the light weight of this product was perfect for someone with my ‘condition’. We shall see!

I will be snapping up shots of the process and listing the 411: I am told I may expect 3 months with careful handling and care. The system involves double sided tape being sealed with heat.

Away from home and in the hospital-Yonsei Severance

The Staff of Yonsei Severance International Clinic, 2011

Staying in a hospital can be a frightening ordeal for many people, especially for expatriates. The prospect of being hospitalized in an unfamiliar culture breeds fear of misunderstanding and suspicions of incompetence, exacerbated by the absence of family. 

As Korea develops its medical tourism climate, Yonsei Severance Hospital in Shinchon, northern Seoul is taking measures to ensure patient care is foreigner friendly.

Dr. Park Chan-shin of the hospital’s International Health Care Center says success begins with excellent doctor-patient communication.

“There is a tendency to associate competence with language ability, so smooth communication leads to confidence and comfort,” Park said. “Right now we have on-site coordinators to accommodate Russian, Chinese and English speakers.”

As impressive as Yonsei’s state of the art facilities and contemporary aesthetics are, Park is cognizant of the fact that the little things really do make a difference.

Every morning, she and her colleagues make rounds that include visits to foreign patients to ensure mental wellbeing, and to clear up any confusion that may arise through the hustle and bustle of the hospital experience.

Park emphasizes the need for hospitals in Korea to think ahead when choosing staff, and the International Department team reflects the sentiment.

“We hand-pick interns who have lived and studied abroad to be sure we have culturally aware doctors,” Park says.

Yonsei Severance currently employs 13 bilingual interns to help manage the increasing inflow of foreign patients-a need which Park admits is a waxing challenge as Korea becomes a more active player on the medical tourism scene.

“The nurse to patient ratio isn’t what it needs to be, and we do our best to make sure every patient gets the optimal we can give and every patient is different.”

The hospital goes so far as to offer meal options for foreigners, including pork-free choices for Muslims and mainstream Western dishes.

Park is a firm believer in treating the individual needs of each patient and fondly reminisces about an Arabic patient who received urgent surgery, and later returned as a medical tourist due to the quality of personal care he received.

She fondly recalls orchestrating his unique menu, making provisions for the man’s wives, and assisting staff in making him feel at home-efforts which ultimately led to his patronage. Yes, that was “wives.”

Park discussed plans for a new international hospital in Incheon, noting that special attention is being given to foreigner comfort. The facility, which is set to open in 2015, will have features such as special beds to accommodate tall patients.

Despite the impressive pace of Korean medical technology, Park hopes to see “less talk and more action” on the patient care front.
“Nowadays, medical tourism is growing and a lot of people are talking, but the overall infrastructure is still weak,” she said. “We have the passion and the intention, but the practical progress is lacking.”

Mid-range priced Spring Make-up review, special thanks to make-up artist Celine

Once again, I’ve opened my mind the The Body Shop-a house hold name in my Canadian hometown.

I swapped up my usual Missha for a bottle of KRW 17,000 Camomile eye make up remover. Smelled lovely, seemed promising, and I’m a fan of the flower. After much rubbing and scrubbing to remove my mascara, it stuns me that this is a popular product. Not only was it ineffective, it actually irritated my skin. It’s double the price of the products I normally use and I will continue with my norm.

As a bonus after a shoot, I was sent home with limited edition eye palette-and while it doesn’t compete with my beloved MAC for texture, the colors are lovely as a set and they throw in an eyebrow stick and brush, making it a perfect ‘palette for the purse’:

Also available in cooler tones of pink, charcoal, cobalt blue and silver. A London Fashion Institute creation. KRW 30,000

Fractional Laser, Part 1

I have been researching and writing about numerous popular new skin and teeth treatments for my column, and this falls under my latest, though the info will have to come in chunks as laser treatment is a process. In the past, it was a much more invasive process and the 5 days downtime of the Fractional laser is a walk in the park compared to treatments of the ‘older’ days.

The thing that intrigued me abuot lasers was their commonality, overnight success, and lack of pain and misery. In the past, I’d had dangerous pigment removed via Q Switch laser, a much more painful and cumbersome treatment, but my research on fraxel and other brand names seemed encouraging so when a doctor suggested I give it a shot while writing about it, I happily obliged.

Most people do not simply undergo one treatment, though one does make a tiny difference (or maybe a big one-we shall see). According to my research, the machine, doctor and candidate all play a role in the results achieved. In my case, I attended Skin Clinic Ever in Itaewon for a good portion of research.

A little education from the Google gods, and I do recommend you read up on any procedure before giving it a shot:

Fractional laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment that uses a device to deliver a laser beam divided into thousands of microscopic treatment zones that target a fraction of the skin at a time. This is analogous to a photographic image being enhanced or altered pixel by pixel.

Fractional laser treatment has bridged the gap between the ablative and non-ablative laser techniques used to treat sun-damaged and aging skin. Whilst ablative laser treatments work mainly on the epidermis (surface skin cells) and non-ablative treatments work solely on dermal collagen (mid-layer of skin) only, fractional laser treatment works at both the epidermal and dermal layers of the skin.

The first fractional laser marketed was the Fraxel® device. There are now a number of machines available that use fractional technology, based on erbium:YAG lasers for superficial treatments and CO₂ lasers for deeper treatments.

What is it used to treat?

Fractional laser treatment is used for the treatment of facial lines and wrinkles (rhytides) and skin pigmentation associated with photoaging, surgical and acne scarring, and chloasma.

Fractional laser treatment can be used on any part of the body, but is particularly useful on the neck, chest and hands when compared to traditional ablative modalities.

Fractional laser treatment may also be of benefit for poikiloderma of Civatte and stretch marks.

How does it work?

To understand how fractional laser treatment works a basic understanding of skin structure is required. Briefly skin consists of 3 layers, the epidermis (uppermost layer), dermis (mid-lay) and subcutis (lower fat layer). The epidermis contains pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for skin colouring. The dermis is made up of collagen and elastin fibres that provide skin with strength, toughness, elasticity and pliability (click here for detailed information on skin structure).

As the body ages, the appearance and characteristics of the skin alter. The epidermis becomes thinner so blemishes become more visible, and collagen in the dermis is gradually lost which contributes to the formation of facial lines, sagging skin and wrinkles.

Fractional laser treatment works by targeting both the epidermis and dermis. It does this by delivering a laser beam that is divided into thousands of tiny but deep columns of treatment into the skin. These are called microthermal treatment zones (MTZs). Within each MTZ old epidermal pigmented cells are expelled and penetration of collagen in the dermis causes a reaction that leads to collagen remodelling and new collagen formation. By using MTZs, the laser targets and treats intensively within the zone whilst surrounding healthy tissue remain intact and unaffected. This fractional treatment results in a faster healing process than if all tissue in the treatment area was exposed to the laser.

content source: http://www.dermnet.org.nz/procedures/fractional.html

What does the procedure involve?

Well, in my case, I underwent an assessment of my skin texture and issues with Dr Kim, and she determined whether or not I was a
candidate for laser treatment. She then recommend Fractional Laser, and advised that 2 to 3 sessions over a 3 month-1 year period may be desirable, but that this would be up to me. She proceeded with BEFORE PICTURES: and I am critical of any dermatologist that doesn’t bother to do this.

The first stage was cleansing. After being sure my skin was spotless, technicians applied a thick anesthetic cream all over my face. The procedure isn’t very painful-a little stinging comparable to pin pricks is about the max of the ‘ouch factor’. This numbing cream time is perhaps the lengthiest portion of the procedure, but it’s rather soothing and my bed was heated while piano played in the background.

Next, I was taken to the treatment room, and the whole thing was done in 5-10 minutes.

Cooling and hydrating follows, and this lasted approximately 20 minutes (and you’ll want your skin cooled down as you will feel sunburned). The burning subsides, but there is tenderness and redness present this morning, and immediately after I saw tiny pin pricks of red at a few puncture points-all of which were gone by morning, a little swelling, and some pigmentation appeared a little darker. Unlike my Q switch experience, it was no biggie.

Dr Kim sent me home with some literature about ‘do’s and do not’s’ for the next few days, and one ‘do not’ is swimming for a week. Suncreen must be worn at all times and heavily; washing should be done gently, and crubbing should be avoided. I udnerstand that my skin will begin to harden and dry at day 3, though this won’t be visible so much as I will feel it. The optimal results take 2-3 weeks to surface. Think of it as ‘garbage’ falling away from your skin-years of tanning and pollution damage dropping off as rejuvenation occurs.

Today, I’m pink, the burning is gone, and tomorrow I can apply a little make up if I choose. I guess time will tell It is the sort of endeavor that would involve a planned investment if pursued, but as technology develops, price decreases.

Dermal Fillers in Seoul-Doc’s for expats

In the past, cosmetic surgeons solved the issue of wrinkling with a few incisions and ‘pulling’, and this led to our many jokes about the taught appearance of aging celeb skin. Sure, it smoothed out a few wrinkles. More often, it looked weird. Then, someone deduced that, much like a piece of fruit, it wasn’t sagging that was the issue for some candidates, but loss of volume. This led to trends of dermal filler, fat transplants and grafts in the face, and both were often paired with BOTOX or lasers.

Just a side note: My newest article for The Times will cover lasers, but I’m currently working on a story that will touch on lasers. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a doctor for laser therapy, as the quality of a machine is as critical as the talent of the administrator, but for now, an overview is in order. I interviewed over a dozen people during this research, and while they wish to remain anonymous, many, many thanks to them for sharing their experience!

So, what are they are what do they do? They tend to fall into two categories I found a excerpt I feel sums it up nicely, and you can view the original here:

The main permanent dermal filler in use today is silicone. There are a variety of temporary dermal fillers currently in use and several include Hydroxyappetite (Radiesse), hyaluronic acid (Restylane and Hylaform), sculptra, fat, and collagen. Temporary fillers are absorbed by the body over time, usually in 2-6 months and require repeated treatments to maintain the effect.

Silicone Dermal Fillers
The use of silicone fillers has been controversial in the past because of the risk of bumpy scars called granulomas that can form even decades after treatment. New formulations of silicone and new injection techniques have reportedly eliminated granuloma formation but long term studies are still in progress. The FDA has not approved silicone for this particular use. One advantage of silicone is you do not repeat treatments once the desired look has been achieved.

BE WARNED: In Seoul, there is little regulation regarding who can administer cosmetic treatments and I find that a plethora of all-purpose ‘women’s clinics’ have spring up over the city, often run by gynecologists and technicians instead of board certified Dermatologists. These aren’t all bad, though I wouldn’t trust them with anything more complex than hair or tattoo removal. They often do promote a fair bit of questionable treatments, including what my home doc likes to call ‘witchcraft’. Basically, if they’re charging 60 bucks to have goo, vitamins, and a light shine on your skin, ditch them. They are often dramatically cheaper than a well qualified Derm, and this, combined with their ‘pretty and feminine’ marketing tactics, leads to their popularity. For instance, Dr. Sung in Hannam Dong, who is everyone’s fave gynocologist (including mine), does offer dermatology services including dermal filler and BOTOX. Dr Sung is a nice lady whose firm and calm manner is appreciated by many, but she isn’t a board certified dermatologist. Her prices are literally half the norm, if not less, and the protocol relfects that. She charges 200,000 a syringe for BOTOX, and 100,000 for the trendy ‘meso-BOTOX’, a watered down version that penetrates the dermis, not the muscle. This is fine for thick skinned people who don’t wish to touch their muscles, but the effects are short (1-2 months), it doesn’t have the long term effects of true BOTOX and some Doctors find it wasteful. She also offers laser treatments such as IPL (a little outdated now, but still useful), Q switch (and I like her machine and her price), mole and hair removal and facials. Her dermal fillers include hyaluronic acid based brands such as Juvederm at a shockingly cheap price of 400,000 KRW, but for fillers, I recommend someone with board certification as Dr Sung may have plenty of turnover, but her rushed mannerism, lack of surgical attention-possibly due to the high volume of patients she sees, and lack of training at the fellowship level make me uneasy. She also offers fat grafting, but the results can be unpredictable as fat can and will ‘grow’ in the body over time. Just FYI, your own fat is used, and she isn’t alone in using this method. One of my biggest issues with Dr Sung was her own lack of accuracy when her methods were challenged.  Her data wasn’t up to speed, and her staff was even less qualified, though they’re a sweet group. She is well frequented though, and she is one of the few in this city that actually needs no advertising to succeed. She aggressively pushes packages a fair bit and I felt her staff overkilled the ‘pushing’, but she does a few procedures well and cheaply, and she is a fabulous gyno. She doesn’t believe in touch ups (usually critical), or follow up appointments for dermal procedures, and I felt put off by the lack of attention. Having a filler administered by Dr Sung is a 5 minute procedure that leaves one blinking their eyes and wondering: ‘Did that just happen?’Too little attention, no anti septic, no prescription, and no touch up or follow up. Conclusion: I’d use her for tat removal, simple laser procedures such as hair removal or moles, and I refer all ladies in search of a comfortable pap smear to her. I hear good things about her nutritional counseling. Pass on the facials, Vitamin therapy (wasteful), and anything more invasive than a zap to remove pigmentation (Q switch, 50,000 KRW). You get what you pay for.

On the other end of the spectrum are doctors with outstanding credentials, such as Dr Julius Jon of TengTeng in Sinsa (exit 2). Dr Jon uses cutting edge equipment, has flawless credentials as a member of the American Association of Dermatologists,  a John Hopkins grad, and he keeps on top of the tech.  He is accessible via email (and never fails to be open, thorough and frank when emailed). His prices reflect his platinum expertise, though he shies away from Juvederm these days due to it’s temporary nature. He charges 600,000 KRW for the 6 month filler, and prefers a more permanent filler called Aquiad, which is believed to last 3 years and costs 1.5 million. Dr Julius is cautious with patients, preferring them to start slowly-though some might find him a little too cautious, and his lasers, which include PDT and Fraxel, run around 600,000 a session (3 are typically required). Dr Jon is fluent in English and his clinic is an elegant, Zen place. He doesn’t believe in packages, and he doesn’t push procedures on anyone. My only issue with him was a lack of advice when I directly asked for it. His desire to avoid pressuring me kind of bit him in the butt, but the intention was good. There are some cases in which a patient wants a doctor’s trained eyes to assess them. Regardless, Dr Jon has always promptly answered all of my emails, and has been generous with my questions. I find him to be a great choice, particularly for expats-if one can afford it. He is frank, and his training is solid. However, if you’re interested in a more temporary filler, you may head to Dr Kim in Itaewon.

Dr Kim of Clinic Ever is my pick for a mid way pricing. She is Korean Board Certified practitioner who uses Stylage, among other fillers. This filler is noted for it’s antioxidant component and lasts around 9 months, though the FDA will tell you 12. She’s pleasant and attentive, and her prices are somewhat middle ground. BOTOX runs around 250,000 KRW for the forehead and varies based on anatomical region (as it should, though Dr Sung sells it simple by syringe). She uses Fraxel, CO2 and IPL2 lasers, and her Fraxel runs around 300,000KRW. Stylage costs begin at 600,000 KRW (standard) for a small region needing minimal filling, such as shallow lines around the mouth, and her technique is reportedly good. She accepts walk-ins, and resides in the heart of tourism bustle in central Itaewon.

As the tradition goes…

Every spring, I update my personal list of Seoul faves. I’ll add to it as time goes by, but for now, enjoy!

 

Maison Kiwa in Gwanghamun has the best French I’ve had in Seoul, and the restored Hanok is stunning. It’s a splurge, but it’s fabulous

Le Saint Ex in Itaewon, but be wary of their hours as they will ask you to leave with a freshly ordered cappuncino in hand if they’re prepping for dinner (my one, yet persistent complaint). Still a decent choice is you crave French in the Itaewon region. I don’t feel it’s Number 1, but it is a taste of France

Drinks at Naos Nova, a true hidden gem in Northern Central Seoul-very conceptual, very chic; their 4 levels are named “Heaven, Hell, Earth and Zero”) Kyle Lee is a true artisan.

Nachos at Hard Rock Cafe, Itaewon(I will keep them here till they bring them back!)

Italian food at Antonio’s (I strongly prefer the Apgujeong branch-though he recently opened in Itaewon)-everyone should try his stuffed pasta dishes, but I am warming up to CasAntonio in Itaewon, and thus far have NEVER been disappointed. I love it Antonio is playing the piano. His fresh fish is perfect and his stuffed pastas steal the show every time. Top it off with home made limoncello. Love the posh interior at the Itaewon location!

Bulgarian food at Zelen’s (excellent), in Itaewon-everyone should try their stuffed chicken with smoked cheese. To date, I’ve yet to have a bad entree or even a ‘so-so’ one000they always blow me away. RESERVE YOUR TABLE though as they fill up fast. I’m not as keen on the new Hannam location but owner Mihal is always there, so that’s a plus!

A good old fashioned, no-nonsense hamburger and chips, central itaewon, and recently featured in Eloquence Magazine as well as Seouleats.com, WOLFHOUND PUB

 

Indian/Nepalize food at a hidden gem called EVEREST in Dongdaemun

 

Korean Galbi at Samwon garden and Itaewon’s new Maple Tree House, now in Itaewon for a chic style galbi experience

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Dinner for the FABULOUS panoramic view of Seoul at N. Grill (not easy on the budget and the staff are not overly organized so book in advance-FAR in advance!) The restaurant rotates! Worth the $$$ Read the full article here

Royal court dinner (very traditional, very posh), in Seocho, but runs about 120 bucks a head

Tea, Patbingsoo (bean and ashaved ice dessert) and street candy in Insadong, our official art district and worth a stroll for both sights and refreshments

Dessert at Tartine in Itaewon, they have 3 cakes available: Cheescake, Chocolate tort and Raspberry

 

 Pita Time Pitas are my new fast food that’s good for me! Newest location in Habongchon is a winner for vegetarians and meat eaters alike. Simple, but nice. I go falafel or hummus.

 

Obviously, seeing our big palace: gyounghuigung Palace near city hall…you may hear me as the narrator if you take the guided tour;)

 

Metro Hotel, Myeongdong, perfect location for shoppers!

Spa at Grand Hyatt with Buffet lunch, and possibly the best view in the city. Sue Yoon is the director of Spa and a genius at hand tailoring packages. Remdinds me I’m overdue for pampering! Team leader Christine Choi knows how to use oils and the team does a fab job

Museum: The Leeum in Hannam dong-underrated, the place is lovely and perfect for a quiet day

War Memorial, Samgakji, a date, photography, or family location

Strolling by the cheonggyechun

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 Cherry blossom season along the Ttangchun (Bundang)

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Japanese Fusion at Zen hideaway, Apgujeong-ask for the private room but book 2 weeks in advance if you expect to get it!

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Hair done by the famous Michelle at the Green Turtle, Itaewon-he always makes me feel awesome about myself and I’m not alone on loving his skills, though Brian in Harbongchon is the guy with the lighter schedule who is winning me over, not least because he’s in front of my complex. For more, check out Hair to Dye for under HEALTH

Visit Seorak-san (not in Seoul but fabulous and not far). Bring lots of snacks and extra film!

Traditional Tea ceremony, performance and meal at the famous Samcheonggak, a little out of the way but an awesome cultural experience, (but save your pennies for this one!)

Indian Food at Ganga in BUNDANG (it has to be the Bundang Branch), Order their tandoori chicken, it’s heavenly.

Shopping  in Myeong-Dong (Doota, Migliore, the whole sha-ang), Check out MIDNIGHT MADNESS a for the full article on Seoulstyle

Shopping in HONGDAE and hanging out for drinks afterward (make it early summer and go for late night barbecue and yogurt flavored soju)

NORIBANG-ANYWHERE, and a few drinks help

Lunch at Grand Hyatt Hannam for one of the nicest views in the city and a buffet to die for – but don’t miss serving time or you won’t be seated

Kebab in Itaewon at either one of the street vendors (you’ll see them on either end of the main drag), we’re liking the beggie options that are slowly cropping up!

Book hunting at WHAT THE BOOK in Itaewon (located below Wang Thai-NEW location

 Poetry night at THE ORANGE TREE in Haebangcheon *STAY TUNED FOR A NEW SLAM IN THE CITY! Details next month on Seoulstyle.com

Wang Thai in Itaewon across from McDonald’s near Noksapyeong (KEB Bank BLDNG), 4th floor. THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE I WILL GET MY THAI FIX IN SEOUL NOW. The service is literally perfect and the prices are shockingly friendly for the posh interior. I love the booths that double as private rooms in the back. You won’t be disappointed! I walked up four flights of stairs on crutches twice to get this grub!

Kimchi Jigae at Kimchi Jigae Neu in HBC. Head toward Namsan from Itaewon and you will run into it. It is THE place for this dish

Facial and scalp massage at D’ecleor in Hannam Dong, (next to Liberty Building). It’s hiding under the giant SUNWOO sign. Pricey but OOOHH so worth it.

Taco’s and burritos at Taco Amigo in itaewon. try their Mexican beer!

Casual eating and chilling at Maison Guillaume in Cheongdam. This is worth hunting a little for it (but it’s near the Burger King, Gangnam Gu Office Station exit 4 is the reference point). Divine! Check out my article on the main page for deets

Sophie’s Hair for a fast and friendly service in HBC. if you want a stylist you can get to know, I recommend Brian and Min at Sophies. They’re easy on the bank account and lovely people. I stress: NOT POSH, but NICE

Flying Pan Blue in Itaewon (head toward the Hamilton Hotel and look left as you face Hannam dong). This place is for sweet, fatterning and yummy brunch lovers. Gooey cheese and pancake platters abound! It’s never empty. It’s beating Butterfinger for creativity at the very least

French Onion Soup and India Pale Ale at Craftworks in HaebongChon. Heading toward Namsan, it’s between noxa and IBK (across from Noksapyeong exit 2). Ultimate in pub fare and they support moonbears

Carrot cake at Indigos. It’s just worth it. Local pleasures need mentioning

Shopping for wine at Jell Wines, Kyungidan. You may need to google it to find it, but if you’re coming from HBC (toward Namsan) and hang a fast right, you’ll see it on your left before hitting the Hyatt. This is THE place to shop wine.

Thrifty and tasty in HBC

The following are unrivalled when considering cost, taste and the ‘local’ factor. Sadly, this photography is crappy but c’est la vie for now…

The first is actually just ‘unrivalled’.

There is one thing on the menu, and the place is NEVER empty. KIMCHI JIGAE. The real deal.

Trevia presents a taste of Euro bread, cheese and nut platters, as well as freshly made pizzas. I enjoyed it, but the layout is a little awkward and it’s self serve (which is OK…but not really a ‘fancy date’ atmosphere). Anyhow, it’s yummy and not astronomically priced. It’s in a place I’d least expect brie and fresh French bread…

I have better photos than this but they’re hiding on my old phone. Anyhow, it’s on the same side as Noxa if you’re heading up to Namsan from Itaewon. A nice change from the norm for those of us who love a platter of numerous cheeses-and I was surprised to see blue, smoked, swiss, cream, and dates included. Nice-uh!

I LOVE Itaewon burritos with the exception of Pachos, and have an ongoing competition in my head for the ‘bestest’. On the border is kind of the bomb, but this is a cheaper, more local option I love:

Taco Chili’s is just across from Noksapyeong exit 2 and I’d skip the nachos and stick with the burritos. It’s fast, local, and definitely not for impressing a date. Go when you crave spice and cilantro. For authentic Mexican and more options, Taco Amigo in Itaewon is THE place. I mean, the Mexican ambassador dines there-it has to be doing something right! You’ll find the owner is hustling and bustling and happy to share in the merry mingling of his venue. It’s a friendly place, though it’s a little cramped during meal times. Well, a lot cramped. Still, the food is worth it. The first place in Seoul to have a proper Mexican beer menu and some interesting dishes I never knew existed.

Next on my list to try: BAO. I hear they have the best noodles in Seoul.

Making ‘Sense’ of Scents

Preface: I wrote this story for The Korea Times, but like to include ‘notes in the margins’ for my online readers. For 5 years, I’ve enjoyed a relationship with The Spa at Grand Hyatt, and while they aren’t my first pick for facials, I find them to be our undesputable number one for pampering-assuming price is no object.

Director Sue Yoon and Team Leader Christine Choi are class A acts. I regularly send guests, clients and friends to enjoy the packages offered at The Spa. Grand Hyatt remains my fave hotel in this town. The Shilla may have a cultural flair, but there is something about the view in the lobby and piano that just steals my heart at the  Hyatt, not to be confused with the Park Hyatt.

I hit it up at New Year’s and during those times of much-needed indulgence. Again, emphasis on the stipulation of ‘price being no object’. You get your own private room and shower, organic refreshment, and there are even rooms for couple massage:) Overall, a fabulous service at a stunning venue in Hannam Dong.

Most of us have used a scented room spray or candle from time to time to calm our nerves, enhance the mood, or simply because we enjoy the scent of a well perfumed room.

Trendy aromas such as lavender, rose and jasmine are easily recognizable and inspire a plethora of commercial goods. However, most people are unaware of the actual health benefits of true aromatherapy, a practice which dates back to the times of ancient Egypt.

Today, the meaning of aromatherapy extends to the holistic practice of using a plant’s volatile essential oils to treat body, mind and spirit. Experts advise that quality is critical in order to obtain the ultimate benefit of an aroma.

“Many people identify with a scent and turn away when they see the high cost of the oil. They may spend less on a synthetically scented product, but the optimal health benefit is lost,” aroma therapist Christine Choi explains.

“Everyone knows what lavender smells like. What people usually don’t know is that lavender oil can help relieve the symptoms of allergies, ease tension and even prevent headaches if used properly. It also soothes burns when directly applied,” she said.

Trained at Tisserand Institute in England, Choi is now a team leader at the Grand Hyatt’s The Spa, where she oversees the use of oils in massage, hair, skin and body treatments.

According to Choi, oils can be potent enough to cause damage if not used properly, but are easy to enjoy with a little guidance. Choi explains that different oils have distinct properties and applications.

“Frankincense oil is often found in spiritual places such as churches, and this isn’t an accident. The oil is noted for its positive effect on concentration and mental clarity,” she said.

Choi adds that the quality of the oil is related to the number of distillations that occur from the actual plant.

“Oil derived from the plant’s first distillation is best, but they are often very costly”, she said. “For example, 10 milliliters of high grade rose oil runs at 40,000 won, but it’s unbeatable for moisturizing the skin.”

Amazingly it takes 600 pounds (223kg) of rose petals to create one ounce (28.3g) of rose oil.

Aromatherapy isn’t just for exotic spa use. Choi notes that there are plenty of ways to use oils at home, through the use of manual or electric distillers or a simple basin of clean water.

“Diluted oils can be applied behind the ears, at the base of the neck or under the nose as a breathing or stress reducing aid,” she said, emphasizing that pure oils should never be put directly onto the skin.

“Tea tree oil is a great anti-septic, and can prevent fungal infections on the feet. A few drops into warm water make an excellent foot treatment. Eucalyptus and peppermint are excellent for the respiratory system ― just a few drops in a burner or distiller improve the breathing conditions in the room,” she said.

And of course, in addition to the health benefits, they smell beautiful.

Newly discovered stars in town: both in bread and art (or bread-art?)

I heard it from the mouths of 2 Parisians in attendance ” The place has bread that warrants a thumbs up from the French. They claimed it, and apparently, it is so. To be honest, I was too busy with the crusted cream cheese on basil, brie with candied fruit and walnuts on baguette, creme freche and smoked salmon, mega multitude of puffed pastries and rare beef on herbs to notice the texture…oh the cheese!

Boulangerie Guillaume – Home http://www.maisonguillaume.com/

Good wine, fabulous food, posh location in Cheongdam, though unless you know the region, you may not find it easy to spot. The map on the website is decent. Worth it, especially for a casual/classy date.

The occasion that brought us to sample the house fineries was Yoon Kim’s exhibition-her first show, and it is hard to believe that such a brilliant fine artist is only on show UNO. I see bright success in Ms Kim’s future, and she had sold one lovely peice as I was leaving. I had the honor of posing as ‘The Peacock”, and what a pleasure it is to see her work. Brilliance, pure brilliance.

Stay tuned fore her next show!