FatManSeoul

Summer is upon us, and the time has come for lazy strolls on warm evenings . . . but in a place as busy and noisy as Seoul, where to go for a bit of pleasant wandering? Where can you get a bite to eat without eating road dust along with your food?

Fear not, Seoulites!  Garosugil will serve your need for food without speed.

This section of Banpo-dong, near Shinsa Station is known for its large French population, and this section of streets has taken on a distinctly European air.  Wine bars, cafes, and restaurants lie along a shady, tree lined main road and quaint side streets, making it a quiet and relaxing place that seems miles away from the bustle of nearby Apgujeong.

One of the most famous stops along this street is the cafe Mug for Rabbit (and her boozy upstairs sister, Cork for Turtle.)

Urban and spare, serving up excellent espresso drinks is their speciality, and they were one of the first places in Seoul to jump on the current cupcake craze. Their cupcakes are fine in the frosting department – Fatman was utterly transported by a lovely mint frosting with a nice hint of vanilla – but could be just a touch more cake-like rather than muffin-esque in the crumb.

Drinks, however, are expertly done, and, we must add, adorable. Look, it’s a bunny rabbit! One has to wonder if the wine from upstairs is as decorative . . .

Bloom and Goute is another major stop on the route.

This is one of the larger bistros on Garosugil, and a favorite among the hoards of couples looking for a romantic date during the daytime.  The atmosphere is vintage chic, the dining rooms are airy, and the patio breezy and cool on a summer day.  The food ranges from dainty nibbles to gigantic hearty plates (just like the lasagne, in the first picture.)  Prices range likewise, but most come in quite reasonable for bistro fare.  In addition to their lasagne (hearty, but a little light on tomato UMPH ~ could also have used the richness of a good ricotta or bechamel somewhere, but we can’t all be perfect!) there’s a good, solid quiche packed with veggies and meats and whatever your heart may desire . . . assuming of course your heart wants quiche lorraine.

Just a short stroll down the lane will bring you to the cute and cozy (by which we mean “tiny”) At Me: Multi Snackshop.

Despite the name, this place probably packs the most punch into it’s edibles. Gigantic grilled sandwiches, monsterouly heafty soups, and the most glorious cheese fries in the country. If your sweetie has an appetite, start here and you may be able to stave off starvation from the smaller portions that rule the rest of the street.

Sandwiches here come on homemade bread, with Korea-friendly flavors like green tea. This cheese and mushroom sandwich is just the thing to charm the vegetarians among us, and even the most voracious carnivore will enjoy the meaty fungi and generous savory cheese slices. Speaking of cheese . . .

Will that be enough for you? This is no nacho “cheese” but a huge, heaping, generous pour of real melted cheddar over crispy house-made fries, with a side of amazing home-made ketchup. Yes, that’s right: Even their ketchup is made there, not from a bottle.

What? You need another dessert? Are you serious? Alright then, let Fatman oblige:

Deux Cremes is the creme de la creme of dessert shops in Seoul. Rich, creamy, and sinfully delicious, this cafe had a cool, dark, and intimate interior that helps you feel both slightly naughty and safely hidden away from prying eyes as you pry your fork into a slice of their rich chocolate cake. Spoon your sweetheart, or a wedge of creamy tiramisu.
To get to Garosugil, take exit 8 from Shinsa Station (신사역 on line 3) and walk about five minutes until you see the signpost for 가로수길. Bring your wallet, this one is probably going to set you back a bit.