Back in June, I decided to extend a layover in Puerto Rico to experience Old San Juan. I wasn’t there long enough to see much of what the city had to offer, but I did find a great and affordable room for the night at Da House Hotel. Although it has the price tag and amenities of a hostel, Da House is more reminiscent of a simple boutique hotel in a major European city. Large canvases of emerging local artists adorn the walls of this gallery-hotel. A huge skylight four stories up lights up the lobby that’s decorated with eclectic European touches. Checkered floors give weight and old-world charm to the bedrooms. There’s even a hot tub on the roof top where travelers can unwind after a long day of exploring. And for under $100 per night, the hotel is surprisingly clean-swept and accommodating. But of course, with any good deal there is some fine print to be read: There are no elevators in this old building. The vibrant beats of the salsa club downstairs may disturb some light-sleepers, and the front desk will provide earplugs upon request.
Da House Hotel
312 San Francisco Street
Old San Juan, Puerto Rico
(787) 366-5074
dahousehotelpr.com
I rarely buy jewelry for myself, but I couldn’t help but indulge with this over-sized necklace with three doves in flight. It caught my eye while I was walking past a small boutique in Sinsa, and when no one else picked it up for a few days following its display debut, I did…just in time for layered tees and turtlenecks!
The necklace was 30,000 won at 신사동 옷가게* (just off Sinsa Station exit 4), which carries only one of each item. But as a rule of thumb, if you can find it in one boutique in Seoul, you can find it at another boutique in Seoul. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, go straight to the source and track it down at Dong Dae Moon Market.
It’s been such a long time since I’ve updated my list of delicious finds, but I’m happy to announce that I’ve found a place that is quite possibly my favorite restaurant in Seoul.
I read about The Flying Pan White when I first arrived in Korea in a magazine and checked it out about five months ago. Since then, I’ve made it my go-to bruncherie and have introduced it to dozens of locals and foreigners who all gave high approvals.
I’ve brunched at unmemorable diners and at overpriced hotels in Seoul, and I think that FPW offers the freshest and most innovative and appealing mix of ingredients (e.g., ricotta cheese with pancakes, as opposed to flavored butter and compotes you’d find at Butterfingers, for example) that run about 15,00 won ($12) per dish. My favorite meal to split is always the fig tree or banana walnut pancakes and the farmer’s open omelette. I’ve spotted and tasted other colorful plates during my many visits, but I find this combination of carbs and protein most satisfying. If you find the pancakes too sweet or the omelettes too oily, you can opt for one of their fresh green salads too.
While FPW offers something delicious for almost everyone, it’s a very feminine place by design and flavor. Every once in a while, I’ll spot an awkward group of two or three men huddled in the corner, nursing a bottle of Corona and looking very out-of-place. The Flying Pan’s delicate white interior with strategically placed arrangements of fresh flowers is an estrogen fest by day, and a date destination by night when slow-burning candles replace ceramic vases. White-balance your DSLRs and bring your girlfriends.
The Flying Pan White
540-22 Sinsa-dong, Kangnam-gu
Seoul, South Korea (map)
Phone : 02-514-5585
(There are two more Flying Pan branches: a Flying Pan Blue in Itaewon and Dear Flying Pan elsewhere, but I’ve never been to them)
