mary eats

Butterfinger Pancakes
Seoul, Korea
Subway: Subway, line 3 Apgujeong station, exit 2, bus 301 or 361 to hak-dong saggori. Line 2, Gagnam-gu Office station exit 4, Bus #s 301, 361, get off in front of Burger King after the Hak dong saggori. Butterfinger Pancakes is one block behind Burger King.
Phone number: 02-3448-1070
Hours: 7:00a.m.-3:00a.m.
Price: $$
English Menu: Yes
Atmosphere: Hip, good for families
Overview:
Read my review of Butter Finger Pancakes in the Korea Times here.

This modern American breakfast diner is a newcomer to the area but is already impressing with their diner style servings of breakfast treats. White walls, and slick black tables, Mod lamps, and white leather booths remind you that though you’re chowing on pancakes, you’re still in Chungdam. Hits include a French toast platter with succulent white sausage, fried eggs, thick slices of brioche slathered with orange vanilla butter and seasoned home fries dusted with herbs. The Morning After, a cake like waffle peppered with minced chives, blanketed by roasted cherry tomatoes, caramelized rosemary onions, crisp bacon and two eggs sunny side up. A small selection of soups and salads are passable, but don’t hold a candle to the breakfast fixings. Desserts win big with the quick vanilla waffles, 6,200, sandwiching a healthy scoop of vanilla ice cream, and topped off with powdered sugar and raspberries. Yum.

Toque
Seoul, Korea
Subway: Seolleung Station exit 1. Take your first right and walk a block and a half. Phone number: 02-566-3834
Hours: 11:30a.m-9:00p.m daily
Price: $$
English Menu: Yes
Atmosphere: Homey
Overview:
Read my review of Toque in the Korea Times here.

Brunch has been Seoul’s biggest culinary trend over the last couple of years and Toque, in Daechi-dong, is a feel good A.M. spot south of the river. Sporting a country-chic interior, Toque is a breath of fresh air from the usual pretentious, sleek minimal restaurant designs in Chungdam-dong. Here you can don your Sunday’s best, or arrive slipper-clad in pajamas. No one will notice. The breakfast menu is straightforward and includes all the American favorites; French toast, eggs benedict, and a stack of fluffy fruit pancakes paired with eggs are winners. Coffee lovers beware: all that’s on hand is a weak and transparent, hazelnut kissed brew. Fortunately there is a Starbucks up the road. Pizzas, pastas, and sandwiches are on hand for lunch and dinner tucker as are International city inspired sandwiches.