Well, this happened to me in Korea (again), during my first week back in Jeonju, and I’m so glad to be re-united with my people again.   There is a new restaurant in my hood called “Café Lemon Table.” (As of 2/2011)  The “French-inspired” interior and exterior décor is AHHH–MAZZZING — though the food is not really French.  I love the exposed brick and stucco walls, the shinny floors, the vibrant colors, the gorgeous wall mural, the comfy pillows, the beautiful accent lights and the attentive staff.  Ahhhh — Every single detail is perfect.

My meal started with two fresh and flaky, warm pieces of croissant bread sticks, served with honey.  Ummmm — VERY YUMMY.  I ordered the burger and fries set from the menu, which arrived at my table within 5-10 minutes of placing the order.  Though I was not impressed with the taste of the burger, the French fries were superb, and I LOVE the small portion size.  You literally get 10 fries, which I think is more than plenty as a side dish.  I personally prefer the taste of the meat at “Krazy Burger”, but I will certainly go back to this restaurant to taste some of their other dishes like: the mushroom fettuccine, the grilled chicken sandwich, the pizzas, the salads and the honey pie.  I’m especially interested in the “honey pie” — very curious to find out what this will be like.   I’m assuming it’s like a “sweet pizza”.

After eating, I went to the counter to pay for my meal, but my debit card would not work.  The manager and the employees were very apologetic, and tried to run my card several times.  I did not have any cash on me, so I told them that I would come back later to pay with cash.  They asked me to write down my name and a phone number, and they continued to say, “I’m sorry” while wishing me a good day.

I must admit that this has actually happened to me before (in Korea and in the states).  When this happens in Korea, people are typically understanding and trust that you will come back to pay your tab.  In the states, people usually give you the side-eye, and they don’t care much about whatever “good excuse” you may have for not paying your bill at the time of service.  I understand that people in the states tend to be more jaded and cautious for good reason.  However, I’m glad to be back in a place that feels so warm, welcoming, friendly and understanding.

Not to say that every single place in Korea conducts business this way.  However, my experience has been that MOST businesses in Korea REALLY VALUE their customers, and they really want them to have an enjoyable experience so the customers will return.  The staff members are typically extremely helpful, friendly and attentive (In Jeonju at least).  You will see the workers RUNNING to get what you request.  I RARELY saw a server or employee “RUN” before coming to Korea.  This customer-focused behavior and attitude is just not as common and wide-spread in the states.  There is nothing like being greeted with a smile, being bowed at respectfully and being treated like royalty when you are spending your money on a service.  Also, keep in mind that TIPPING is prohibited in Korea.  You are not  “allowed to tip”, because this high-level of customer service is simply the norm and expected.

Korea also has the “bell system” in place.  Most of the restaurants have “bells” on the tables that you can ring to get immediate attention when you need something.  The wait staff will typically scurry over to see what you want and quickly return with what was requested.  Yes, there are times when a Korean restaurant will not have what you desire, or they may not be willing to accommodate your “special request” (which can be annoying), but for the most part, the staff will bend over backwards to make sure you are happy.

I did frequent a restaurant called “The Boulevard Diner” on Holcomb Bridge Road in Sandy Springs (Atlanta), which catered to customer satisfaction.  The owner, Abass, was very involved with making sure his customers were pleased with everything.  Abass would always come out and speak to all the customers to make them feel welcome and to make sure they were satisfied.  I’m not sure if he would have let me leave without paying for dinner (he probably would have), but he was very interested in customer happiness nonetheless.  In fact, I typically frequent restaurants that not only have great food, but also honor and appreciate their customers.  I have been to a zillion “fancy shmancy” restaurants in Atlanta, and of course, they tend to have excellent customer service.  However, it seems that MOST Korean restaurants care about their customers — not just the “fancy ones.”

This was a brand new restaurant that just opened in Jeonju.  They had never seen me in there before.  I was thankful that the owner allowed me to settle my tab later, and I have already been back a few times with my friends.

My heart glows for Korea, and I swear the people here can feel it.  I continue to receive food offerings on a constant basis.  I was walking with my assistant director this week, and we passed by a fruit stand.  I wanted to purchase two oranges, but the fruit guy insisted that I simply take them for free.  Just recently, I was at a doughnut shop with friends, and the ladies behind the counter gave us all a free doughnut to sample.  As mentioned in a previous post, my friend and I received free blankets from Papa John’s after our meal there.  It’s really weird, but I really appreciate all of these simple acts of kindness.  It’s great to be back in the generous land of Korea for another year.

Update: Café Lemon Table is now one of my favorite restaurants in Jeonju.  The menu selection is huge and the prices are reasonable.  All of the menu items I’ve tried have been tasty (with the exception of the burgers).  A large group of friends and I went there AGAIN for dinner, and we all sampled several food items, which were all exceptional.  I have now had the pasta dishes, the cream cheese pizza, the chicken salad, and the chicken dish with a chili glaze sauce.  At some point, I’d like to try their steak, and I still haven’t tried the honey pie yet.

Cafe Lemon Table is near the Jeonju River Bridge in Jung-Wha-San-Dong.  Right next to the BMW dealership on the main strip.  Check my other post in the FOOD folder for complete directions and a list of other great restaurants in the area.

We spent Friday night at the Dragon Hill Jim-Jil-Bang (Bath House) near Yongsan Station.  I must say that spending the night in a Bath House is VERY different from spending a few hours getting pampered there.  For some reason, I’m not bothered by soaking in hot steamy water with a bunch of naked women.  I don’t have any reservations nor fears about naked bodies nor germs (IN WATER).  But for SOME REASON, I was a bit disturbed by the thought of sleeping in a crowded, closed room with a bunch of hot breath. Lol.

After soaking in the baths for a while, I made my way up to the sleeping rooms.  The first room was jammed pack, and there was no space for me to sleep.  The second room was dark and jammed pack as well, but I found a small space next to a sleeping baby and a young woman.  I slowly pushed open the door and carefully stepped over dozens of legs and feet.  After laying down on the hard floor, my paranoid thoughts about all the hot breath overwhelmed me.  The room was filled from wall to wall with rows of bodies.  Tons and tons of bodies in pajamas.  Many women were snoring, and others were tossing and turning.  I honestly started to feel a little suffocated.  Thoughts of slave headquarters and concentration camps continued to surface in my mind, as I tried to close my eyes to rest.

A few people opened the door and peeked into the room with their cell phones leading the way.  The light from the doorway pierced through the darkness and annoyed me each time.  At one point, the young boy sleeping next to me rolled over and threw his arm around my body in a gentle embrace.  At another point, the woman on the other side of me rubbed against my leg and put her knee into my side.  I had no pillow, no cushion and no sheets nor covers.  I knew that I needed to get some sleep, so I had to push away all my inner thoughts about getting sick from my mind.  Eventually, I stopped focusing on all the hot breath and went to sleep for a few hours.  When I woke up, we booked a hotel room for the next night.   I’m proud to say that I have had the experience of sleeping over night in a Bath House now, but I’m not too sure if I’ll ever do that again.   Perhaps, the trick is to get a spot in the room early enough, so that you are passed out and sleeping soundly before the crowd comes.

On Saturday, we spent time at the Co-ex Mall during the day, and then we went out for a FABULOUS night of dancing in Itaewon.  On Sunday, we met up with Christine and her husband for lunch, and then we went to a “Love Jones” screening at Roofers in Itaewon in the evening.  After the movie, there was a discussion and a poetry night.  I didn’t expect to have “too much to say” about “Love Jones,” but we had a really good discussion and the live poetry was fantastic.  We had a great time and headed back to Jeonju late on Sunday.

If you are interested in events and happenings in Seoul, join the “Brothas and Sisters Of South Korea” page on Facebook to get in the loop.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=25747883752&ref=ts

If you are interested in a great Jim-Jil-Bong in Seoul, I recommend going to the Dragon Hill Spa near Yongsan Train Station (Tell the cab driver “Yongsan Yuck”).  See my full write-up of the Dragon Hill Spa in the Jim-Jil-Bangs folder.

According to Wikipedia, our team is actually ranked as the #1 team in Korea with 4 Championship titles.  The KBL (Korean Basketball League) started in 1997, and there are 10 teams in the League.  The season is from October through April.  To buy tickets, take a taxi cab to “Chun-Buk-Dae -/- Khu-Jun-Moon”.  Facing the entrance of the college campus gates, walk WEST, and the basketball stadium will be a few steps down on your left.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_Basketball_League

After the game, Joy and I enjoyed Papa John’s for dinner.  We ended up getting some free Coca Cola Blankets and free chicken strips from the manager while we were there.  Thanks Papa Johns!!!

#KoreanFact — I always seem to get FREE random gifts when I’m out.  #NeverFails

I played some tennis while I was in the states too, and I have played a few times since I’ve been back in Korea.  The best courts for Tennis in Jeonju are at Chun-Buk-Dae University in my opinion.  They are free of charge, and there are several clay and hard-tops.  Sometimes it’s difficult to get an open court, but it’s worth the taxi ride to try.  Take a taxi cab to “Chun-Buk-Dae” — “Khu-Jun-Moon”.  Walk through the Gates through the University Campus, and the tennis courts will be on your left, past the basketball goals.

I have also included some photos of a few of my favorite food items that I have enjoyed since being back in Jeonju.  Gooksu (Guksu) Noodles are my absolute favorite, and I had a few fresh-baked items from the Paris Baguette Bakery.

While in the states for four months, I sucked up as much quality time as possible with all of my loved ones.  My idea was that I could fill myself up with enough love to carry me through the year.   By the fourth month, I was really ready to get back to Jeonju.  I had a few really good photo shoots, traveled to a few great cities and worked hard to stay in-shape while I was at home.

I had a GRAND time in New Jersey and in New York with my cousin Laquinda, I had a FANNNN-TASTIC time in Miami for a solo vacation, I spent two WONDERFUL weeks in Tallahassee with my Florida family, and I had a few INCREDIBLE weekends in Texas.  After all my trips, I was honestly “vacationed-out” and ready to get back to work.

Here are just a few of the millions of photos I took during my four month break in the states.

Please excuse all THE FOOOOOOD!!!!

Cafe Il Mare:

A lovely, chic restaurant that serves magnificent Italian food in Jung Wha San Dong.  My favorite menu choices are the shrimp and tobico cream pasta (without tobico), the chicken calzone and the Margherita pizza.  They also serve steak, salads and a wide range of other delicious Italian dishes.  Italian food can sometimes be very thick and greasy, but this place manages to prepare superb dishes that don’t leave you feeling stuffed and sluggish.  Cafe Il Mare is a nice option for a romantic meal or a more intimate meal with friends.  Lunch and Dinner sets are offered, and item prices are in the 10,000-30,000 won range.  063 – 227 – 2022

Cafe Il Mare - 063 - 227 - 2022

Margheritta Pizza

Shrimp Pasta

Aladdin’s Lamb:

A wonderfully decorated and spacious restaurant that serves various cuts of delicious grilled lamb meat.  My favorite menu items are the lamb skewers and the AMMMMAZINGLY flavorful Greek Salad with REAL FETA CHEESE – YUMMMM!  Although the menu is limited, this is a great place to go with a group of others and share different meat choices.  They offer small side dishes with your meal and the prices range from 7,000 won – 30,000 won.

Restaurant Interior

Grilled Lamb Meat

Greek Salad

BBQ Beef Restaurant (DONWOORI):

I eat here wayyyy too much.  For some reason, the perfectly grilled marinated meat never gets old.  My favorite menu items are the tantalizing BBQ Beef Slabs and the tasty Ramen (Ramyen) Noodles.  The meals are served with many side items including a small salad with a sweet creamy raspberry dressing.  I have also tasted the duck meat, which is pretty good and is enough to serve a group of four or five.  This is another great place to visit with a large or small group of friends who don’t mind smoke and noise.  The prices are affordable, and meals range from 5,000 – 20,000 won.

Restaurant Exterior

Table Spread

Grilled BBQ Beef

Ramyen Noodles

Little Jakob’s Sandwich Shop:

I was suuuuuuper excited about having a new sandwich shop near my house (as of 8/2010), and this place has won my heart over.  Although they don’t serve deli-sliced turkey meat, as I had hoped, they do have thinly sliced ”Chicken Ham” meat, which is close enough.  My favorite is the Chicken Ham on the toasted multi-grain Ciabatta bread.  The “Turkey Ham” meat tastes more like salami, so it would be a good choice for people who like salami.  They have an extensive menu, with many other sandwich and soup options; however, I would stay away from the potato soup and the tuna sandwich.  The decor is very modern, bright and artsy, and the prices are a little high for what you get.  They also serve muffins, coffee and other sweet goodies.  You may want to request two (or three) servings of meat — if you don’t want a bread and lettuce sandwich, because the meat portions are very small.  Expect to pay between 5,ooo – 10,000 won JUST for your sandwich.

Chicken Ham Sandwich

Chicken Ham Sandwich

Curry

Curry is a great little spot to visit in the fall or winter for a warm, filling meal.  Their only menu item is a distinctive tasting curry sauce over rice, which is served mild or spicy.  I prefer the mild option, which still has a wonderful pungent flavor.  The only thing lacking is the amount of vegetables that comes mixed in with the curry sauce.  If I were preparing the plates, I would add a large amount of veggies and broccoli, but the meal is still satisfying with the potatoes and carrots.  Curry is located in the Hanock Village – pass the huge Catholic church (on your right), go to the next block (pass the “tourist entrance”), turn left before the school, and Curry will be the very small restaurant on your right.  This place is good for small groups of friends who won’t mind being jammed into a tiny space and waiting for service.  Curry plates are 5,000 won.

Curry Dishes at "Curry"

Hoa Binh:

I discovered Hoa Binh recently, because another restaurant I wanted to try was closed.  I’m soooooo glad I ventured in and tried something new.  This Vietnamese restaurant chain has a huge menu with an incredible amount of awesome choices.  My favorite dishes are the Vietnamese noodle soup with boiled meat (Pho with Beef Shabu) and the Shrimp and Chicken Noodles (Fried Pho — Mild — Shrimp and Chicken).  I also tried the Shark Fin Dumplings, which were pretty good.  There are two locations that I know of: one in Gaeksa, and one in Chun-buk-dae.  Describing how to find the restaurants is almost impossible, but the one in Chun-buk-dae is near Art and Travel on the corner.  Meals are 10,000 – 30,000 won.  080 – 040 – 2525 — http://www.hoabinh.co.kr

Exterior

Pho w/Beef Shabu and Fried Pho

Kraze Burger:

I fell in love with Kraze Burger during my first visit to Seoul.  I later discovered that there is a location near me in Jeonju.  YESSSSS!!!!!!!!!  They serve the best burgers, chili cheese fries, great salads and other “American-type” sandwiches like Grilled Chicken and Philly Cheese Steak.  The food is expensive, but well worth the price if you have a taste for some good ole’ “American food”.  They offer discounted Lunch sets.  Expect to pay 12,000 — 20,000 for your meal.  Ask your taxi driver to drop you at Lotte Cinema, walk straight (East) — past Paris Baguette (and TGIFridays), turn right at the first major corner (at the end of the shops) and Kraze Burger will be on your Right.

Kraze Burger on Wheat

Kraze Burgers and Fries

KB Chili Cheese Fries

**NEW** Cafe Lemon Table:

A new “French-Inspired” Restaurant just opened near me in Jeonju.  The classy interior and exterior décor is AHHH–MAZZZING.  I love the exposed brick and stucco walls, the shinny floors, the vibrant colors, the gorgeous wall mural, the comfy pillows, the beautiful accent lights and the attentive staff.  Ahhhh — Every single detail is perfect.  I love the restaurant concept, but I don’t think the food served is really “French”.  Unfortunately, I was not impressed with the taste of the burger (Go to Kraze Burger for Burgers), but the fries were very good.  I also had the Mushroom Fettucine, which was very tasty.  They serve flaky, warm croissants with honey before your meal, and they also serve “honey pie” and Pizza.  I’m not sure what the honey pie is like yet, but it sounds very interesting.  I need to try more items on the menu, but I would recommend that this restaurant is worth a visit.  Most menu items are 10,000 – 15,000 won.

Cafe Lemon Table

Mushroom Fettuccine

Caramel Machiatto

Lemon Table Exterior

To get to most of these restaurants: Take a cab to the Shin-Tung-Ha-Marte’ in Jhu-Wha-San-Dong.  Walk South towards the main street (pass the GS Store).  Turn Left at the main street.  Two options: (1) Walk straight (East) for one block to the next traffic light.  Aladdin’s Lamb will be on your right, and Donwoori will be on your left.  (2) Turn right at the next main traffic light to get to Cafe Il Mare (up the street on the left past Tom and Toms) and Cafe Lemon Table (further up on the Right).

**Visit http://www.seouleats.com for restaurant reviews and several great food choices in Seoul.

I LOVE YOU JEJU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo