It's about 6:00 on a Friday morning. Joined some folks for a few beers and pizza at What's David's. Good all around. After we all agreed the night was drawing to a close we headed home. My wife and I were attracted to a new place on a corner that plays music by request and features a pretty nice beer selection. I won't call them out directly. We went in and had a seat. We felt lucky that we were between rushes of smoking customers. We ordered a few beers and called it a night, again.
When our bill came we were stunned. Dumbfounded. Some of the beers that we ordered were over 13,000 KRW each. These same beers can be found at a 7-11 for 2,500 KRW. The math was also a little fuzzy on the bill but that part is harder to prove. I realize we could have checked the menu for prices. I realize we were provided good service. I also realize the place is pretty nice. I get all that. I don't, however, care for the mentality that says Songdoians are open game for exploitation. There's a part of me that feels they know they are shafting folks and smile...while their businesses barely stay afloat. The dust will collect on the other beer bottles in this place and in a months or maybe a year, this place will go away only to reappear as the next and greatest Korean traditional restaurant. Yawn.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Thursday, February 4, 2010
All Awash in Yellow
It's done. I've destroyed a square piece of a tree with my bare foot, demonstrated my proficiency at the refined set of movements called Poomsae, and passed the physical test. I've graduated from white belt to yellow in TaeKownDo. I'm pretty happy with the journey too.
All along the way my English speaking instructor Brendan passed on solid information to me that he had learned while attaining almost 3 black belts so far. Some points really standout in my experiences with Yonsai Universtiy TKD. I am so impressed that they never lost sight of my advancing age or the physical shortcomings I have accumilated along the way. The goal has been to see me advance without causing harm and that's what has happened. Actually, I feel better every day after 10+ years of pain. Another impressive point is that nobody felt slighted when I respectfully agreed to simply bow to the Korean flag rather than salute or place my hand over my heart. I'm no nationalist, but hey, I have to pay respect to what my flag means to me. They bought me my very own flag. I was moved deeply by this.
I'm going to continue with this location and my instructors as this is one more great experience for me in Korea and in Songdo, Incheon specifically.
All along the way my English speaking instructor Brendan passed on solid information to me that he had learned while attaining almost 3 black belts so far. Some points really standout in my experiences with Yonsai Universtiy TKD. I am so impressed that they never lost sight of my advancing age or the physical shortcomings I have accumilated along the way. The goal has been to see me advance without causing harm and that's what has happened. Actually, I feel better every day after 10+ years of pain. Another impressive point is that nobody felt slighted when I respectfully agreed to simply bow to the Korean flag rather than salute or place my hand over my heart. I'm no nationalist, but hey, I have to pay respect to what my flag means to me. They bought me my very own flag. I was moved deeply by this.
I'm going to continue with this location and my instructors as this is one more great experience for me in Korea and in Songdo, Incheon specifically.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Taekwondo, rise up and get your Poonsae on!
About a month ago I dipped my toe into the TKD waters to see what would happen. Actually, I jumped in head first. For months my Canadian buddy Brenden had been urging me to go to Yeonsei TKD in Songdo for it for increased core strength, flexibility and balance.
Each day starts with a pretty rigorous routine of sit ups, push ups, squats with the kettle bell and jumping rope. Form while doing all of these is paramount. We finish all of this with some serious stretching. It's not easy and Brendan understands this.
A little about me. I am a 41 year old male. I've been a "good" bicycle racer and largely kept my sport persuits limited to that or some running. I broke my left hip and femur almost exactly 10 years ago thanks to a careless driver. Since then I have had some sort of pain or limitation in my hip and the muscle in my left quad. Each night during our workouts of punching, stretching, forms, and kicking, I am reminded of this injury through imbalance or weakness. However, the next day finds me totally recovered and feeling measurably better than I did the previous week. I find myself grunting less when picking things up from awkward places or just getting in and out of the car.
Brendan and Master Kang have done an excellent job of listening to my thoughts, understanding my physical limitations, and accommodating my needs. I think it safe to assume any lesser facility would be more of a sink-or-swim style. I feel like I'm swimming and doing it without injury. I should also stress that this a non-violent approach to learning martial arts. I'm approaching a yellow belt (not so rookie as white) and am assured of minimal contact for some time. Whew!
Cost is $100/month. Classes are Monday - Thursday night at 9:30PM for one hour. You can come a little early for additional workout time.
If you want to contact Brendan to check out a class or just chat with him, shoot me a note.
Each day starts with a pretty rigorous routine of sit ups, push ups, squats with the kettle bell and jumping rope. Form while doing all of these is paramount. We finish all of this with some serious stretching. It's not easy and Brendan understands this.
A little about me. I am a 41 year old male. I've been a "good" bicycle racer and largely kept my sport persuits limited to that or some running. I broke my left hip and femur almost exactly 10 years ago thanks to a careless driver. Since then I have had some sort of pain or limitation in my hip and the muscle in my left quad. Each night during our workouts of punching, stretching, forms, and kicking, I am reminded of this injury through imbalance or weakness. However, the next day finds me totally recovered and feeling measurably better than I did the previous week. I find myself grunting less when picking things up from awkward places or just getting in and out of the car.
Brendan and Master Kang have done an excellent job of listening to my thoughts, understanding my physical limitations, and accommodating my needs. I think it safe to assume any lesser facility would be more of a sink-or-swim style. I feel like I'm swimming and doing it without injury. I should also stress that this a non-violent approach to learning martial arts. I'm approaching a yellow belt (not so rookie as white) and am assured of minimal contact for some time. Whew!
Cost is $100/month. Classes are Monday - Thursday night at 9:30PM for one hour. You can come a little early for additional workout time.
If you want to contact Brendan to check out a class or just chat with him, shoot me a note.
message Rx, Chiropractic care, and personal training
My wife and I have been enjoying the care of Dr. Ko recently and it's made a ton of difference. Dr. Ko actually prefers to be called Teacher Ko. The guy is supremely humble. His care however is a force to be reckoned with.
Teacher Ko has been providing us message therapy and light chiropractic care. I'm in the critical camp when it comes to chiropractic care but his approach is well executed. He's gentle and tuned in which is important to me. He can really buckle down on those difficult spots which is good too.
Last month I was attending "Dirt church" with some friends. Dirt church is a non-competitive MTB ride every Saturday. I managed to experience the fortitude of Korean trees when I warp-10'd into a small grove after a kick-ass power slide. I was the bee's knees to that point. I destroyed my helmet (good thing!) and managed to tweek my neck and right arm severely. I walked in drunk on wisky (pain killer) and he saw me right away. He worked on my entire body focusing on my right arm and neck for over 90 minutes. I got me loose enough to start some real healing. I'm trained to be critical and observant of all care and I feel he truly helped me. He charge me his standard rate of 20,000 KRW.
If you are in need of message therapy or light chiropractic Teacher Ko is fantastic. I am not in need of a trainer so I cannot comment on his abilities. Please note that his English is very limited. Thus far, it's not been an issue. He's currently working very hard on getting his English improved. Also note that in January his rates go up to 30,000 Krw/ hour. Still a fantastic bargain for this fantastic care provider.
Teacher Ko is located above the wine store in Songdo in suite 206.
Phone 032-832-6378
Cell 010-6378-6363
E-mail: jaehee2003@naver.com
Teacher Ko has been providing us message therapy and light chiropractic care. I'm in the critical camp when it comes to chiropractic care but his approach is well executed. He's gentle and tuned in which is important to me. He can really buckle down on those difficult spots which is good too.
Last month I was attending "Dirt church" with some friends. Dirt church is a non-competitive MTB ride every Saturday. I managed to experience the fortitude of Korean trees when I warp-10'd into a small grove after a kick-ass power slide. I was the bee's knees to that point. I destroyed my helmet (good thing!) and managed to tweek my neck and right arm severely. I walked in drunk on wisky (pain killer) and he saw me right away. He worked on my entire body focusing on my right arm and neck for over 90 minutes. I got me loose enough to start some real healing. I'm trained to be critical and observant of all care and I feel he truly helped me. He charge me his standard rate of 20,000 KRW.
If you are in need of message therapy or light chiropractic Teacher Ko is fantastic. I am not in need of a trainer so I cannot comment on his abilities. Please note that his English is very limited. Thus far, it's not been an issue. He's currently working very hard on getting his English improved. Also note that in January his rates go up to 30,000 Krw/ hour. Still a fantastic bargain for this fantastic care provider.
Teacher Ko is located above the wine store in Songdo in suite 206.
Phone 032-832-6378
Cell 010-6378-6363
E-mail: jaehee2003@naver.com
Dental Care (Songdo Dream Dental Clinic)
I've long eyed the large tooth sign on the 3rd floor, suite 304, on corner above the convenience store across from Sinsagae basement grocer. At a friend's suggestion I gave them a go for my teeth cleaning needs.
I found Songdo Dream Dental Clinic to be very professional and sufficient enough at English to get me through the process. I filled out a simple health question sheet while I waited for less than five minutes. I was told the whole cleaning would take about 30 minutes and they were right. I feel I had less pain than I have had at places in the States but I cannot say if they went as deep as other locations. I usually need an ibuprophen after a cleaning when it's been a while but I'm cool for now. The total price was 60,000 KRW. I'll certainly go again and I'll do it in six months like a good boy.
Phone 032-858-2800
I found Songdo Dream Dental Clinic to be very professional and sufficient enough at English to get me through the process. I filled out a simple health question sheet while I waited for less than five minutes. I was told the whole cleaning would take about 30 minutes and they were right. I feel I had less pain than I have had at places in the States but I cannot say if they went as deep as other locations. I usually need an ibuprophen after a cleaning when it's been a while but I'm cool for now. The total price was 60,000 KRW. I'll certainly go again and I'll do it in six months like a good boy.
Phone 032-858-2800
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What's David's? in Songdo (good eats, drinks, entertainment)
I was sweetly reminded by my better half that I have not posted anything in a looong time. This is true and not without a lot of excuses.
In the middle of August a new dining and drinking establishment named What's David's? opened in Songdo, Incheon. No, the question mark is not a typo in the middle of my sentence but rather an omage to the constant questions the owners David and HeeKyong Moore fielded when What's David's was opening on a baren side of the Dream City building in New Songdo City.
What's David's? has two central themes, provide a great bar for patrons to saddle up to for fish and chips witha pint of Guiness or Kilkenny. They also provide a trendy spot for people to get tasty tapas and pizzas. It's an unlikely combo, on a once very raw location, that has taken off well beyond all estimates. And get this, it's NON-SMOKING! Patrons can easily step outside for a puff.
The menu Is largely Western with some tips of the hat to the East. For example, the fish and chips are not a simple batter coating but a crispy, flaky style loved by Koreans and westerners alike. Burritos come 3 per plate in a cone and are tasty. Burgers are generous and hand made. Yes, hand made and come on Chef Max's own special made buns. Hand tossed Pizzas roll from the clay oven with various styles and topping available. You like steak? What's David's features Wagyu beef from Australia and it's quality is noticable. Many items come with a side salad that features a mustard vinagarette. Yum! No artificial transfat containing products are used at What's David's
The drinks range from Kilkenny, Guiness and Max on tap with a fridge full of US, Mexican and Belgian beers. The wine selection features wines from Spain, France, Argintina, Australia and more. Mixed drinks and whisky drinks are avialale as well. I'll confess, I've slammed a few of a special drink named after a German patron called Helmut. It's OJ and Jagermeister. Never in my wildest dreams woould I have thought of that but here I am, a fan.
The decore indicates that someone may have lived in Spain at some point adn that is true. The owners lived in Spain for quite some time and have a warm spot in their heart for the county. Rich colors over stucco contours really make it happen for this place. Recessed seating in the back of the place make for cozy social sitting with friends. The bar is just what David ordered and does a great job of propping up weary Westerners and Asians alike.
The entertainment is often provided by a local acoustic quartet called "Hazel". They are comprised of 2 violinists and 2 guitarist who play pop, rock, folk, and a bit of Jazz. We are awesome...ooops! Yeah, I'm in the band. I'm bad at horn tooting so I'll just tell you to check us out on facebook.
The meal prices at What's David's are certainly more than you will pay for chicken and hoff but you get so much more. For example, a buger with hand-made fries and salad are in the W10,000 range. At the Sheraton something similar is W18,000. Beer prices are on par with other places in and around Songdo.
Kids? Sure! This is a place meant for everyone. Check out What's David's for business lunches, dates, and just blowing off some steam.
What's David's is open seven days per week. Check out their Face book account for more details. Look under "David's in Songdo".
032-833-1225
Friday, July 31, 2009
Beer
When I first arrived I strolled the aisles in search of an alternative to Korean beers Hite, Cass, and OB. To my surprise I did find a few Belgian and Mexican beers. The bottles were dusty and expensive. For our obligatory housewarming party I bought damned near ever good beer available from every E-mart, Lotte, and Homever. Eighteen months later the selection seems to have improved but the price has not. I do not expect those prices to change either. I adjusted my expectations on beer prices and continue to politely say "no thanks" to the Korean beers while coughing up the dough.
Below is an ongoing list of the places I frequent near Songdo and what non-Korean beers they have. I'm not saying all of these beers are what I call good so I marked an astric next to beers I feel are exceptional for the area. If it does not have a notation, it may suck or I have not tasted it yet. This list will continue to be updated.
I'll leave you with one comment on K-beer. I was recently back to the states twice. On both occassions I had the pleasure of cruising nice Korean supermarkets. In all occassions a few Korean beers were available in the large 2 liter bottle...and they were dusty and lonely. Koreans may miss home when they move to the States but they don't miss their beer. But, Korean beer does have it's place with the food. No, Korean food is not bad, it just goes well with their beer and in a way unlike I've ever seen. Crisp, light, and tastless is a good compliment to offset the variety of Korean flavors.
Homever (Has the best selection but is a bit more expensive)
Erdinger Weiss
Erdinger Weiss* (dunkel) This is outstanding!
Duvel*
Leffe Blonde*
Leffe Dunkel*
San Miguel*
Hoegaarden*
Moosehead
Budvar
Coopers
Paulaner in several styles*
Paulaner in mini kegs!* (warning: same price as buying bottles)
Sam Adams
Tesco brand Lager
Heineken and Heineken Dark (sometimes)
Heineken mini kegs (again, same price as bottles)
Guiness
Oettinger
Asahi
XXX (sometimes)
Corona (sadly, limes are not available in Korea)
Miller
E-mart
Duvel*
Leffe Blonde*
Leffe Dunkel*
San Miguel*
Hoegaarden*
Heineken and Heineken Dark (sometimes)
Guiness
Miller
Oettinger
Asahi
XXX (sometimes)
Corona (sadly, limes are not available in Korea)
Budweiser
Lotte Mart
Duvel*
Leffe Blonde*
Leffe Dunkel*
San Miguel*
Hoegaarden*
Heineken and Heineken Dark (sometimes)
Guiness
Miller
Asahi
XXX (sometimes)
Corona (sadly, limes are not available in Korea)
Budweiser
Below is an ongoing list of the places I frequent near Songdo and what non-Korean beers they have. I'm not saying all of these beers are what I call good so I marked an astric next to beers I feel are exceptional for the area. If it does not have a notation, it may suck or I have not tasted it yet. This list will continue to be updated.
I'll leave you with one comment on K-beer. I was recently back to the states twice. On both occassions I had the pleasure of cruising nice Korean supermarkets. In all occassions a few Korean beers were available in the large 2 liter bottle...and they were dusty and lonely. Koreans may miss home when they move to the States but they don't miss their beer. But, Korean beer does have it's place with the food. No, Korean food is not bad, it just goes well with their beer and in a way unlike I've ever seen. Crisp, light, and tastless is a good compliment to offset the variety of Korean flavors.
Homever (Has the best selection but is a bit more expensive)
Erdinger Weiss
Erdinger Weiss* (dunkel) This is outstanding!
Duvel*
Leffe Blonde*
Leffe Dunkel*
San Miguel*
Hoegaarden*
Moosehead
Budvar
Coopers
Paulaner in several styles*
Paulaner in mini kegs!* (warning: same price as buying bottles)
Sam Adams
Tesco brand Lager
Heineken and Heineken Dark (sometimes)
Heineken mini kegs (again, same price as bottles)
Guiness
Oettinger
Asahi
XXX (sometimes)
Corona (sadly, limes are not available in Korea)
Miller
E-mart
Duvel*
Leffe Blonde*
Leffe Dunkel*
San Miguel*
Hoegaarden*
Heineken and Heineken Dark (sometimes)
Guiness
Miller
Oettinger
Asahi
XXX (sometimes)
Corona (sadly, limes are not available in Korea)
Budweiser
Lotte Mart
Duvel*
Leffe Blonde*
Leffe Dunkel*
San Miguel*
Hoegaarden*
Heineken and Heineken Dark (sometimes)
Guiness
Miller
Asahi
XXX (sometimes)
Corona (sadly, limes are not available in Korea)
Budweiser
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