The Flying Pan

A few weeks ago, Mullen and I ventured to Itaewon to visit Xanadu. She had a few things to do for her trip to China, and I tagged along so we could get some information about our summer vacation, and our trip at the end of our contracts. After talking to the agent, we decided we'd get some lunch to kill some time before we met kirsten and Liz; who were on their way to meet us. It was a cool, rainy day - just the perfect kind to sit in a cafe and listen to the raindrops. Itaewon is the place to go to get good foreign food, so we were in luck! We decided to check out a place we've often passed but never eaten called The Flying Pan. Its name is a play on the difficulty that Asians have pronouncing their R's. It's tucked away beneath a few other restaurants near the Hamilton Hotel and is, secretly, one of the most popular restaurants in Itaewon. If you plan on going for brunch on a Sunday, you better call ahead, or be prepared to wait for an hour or more. It's a small place, so the manager will take your name and your cell number, and give you a call when your table is ready. Luckily, for Andrea and me, it wasn't too crowded and we were able to sit immediately.

I would say it has a very New York Bitsro feel to it. All of the tables and chairs are mismatched, and there are linen drapes lining the walls in some sections. there is very soft and natural lighting, and the whole place feels casually fancy. When we were there, they had bouquets of azaleas (my favorite flower) placed on the larger tables. The menu is a bit pricey depending on what you order, but all of the food is absolutely to die for! I had a lunch set which cost me around 9,000 won and included a cup of soup, a garden salad and the most delicious ham panini (with hummus, ACTUAL HUMMUS in Korea!). I didn't even finish everything because it was so much food. Andrea got the banana french toast (a signature dish) which was also very good, but more expensive. The staff was friendly and the presentation was perfectly thoughtful. The atmosphere was full of charm and quite welcoming - perfect for our rainy day excursion! I enjoyed my meal so much that I met Kirsten there for brunch the next day! This time I ordered their famous eggs benedict (the only one I have heard of in Korea) and basically went to brunch-heaven. It may have cost me 15,000 won but it was worth it! They have skilled baristas and offer a wide menu of coffees and teas. Kirsten's latte and my mocha both came individually designed. Kirsten's said 'love' and mine had a flower made out of the foam on top of our drinks. Kirsten got a good picture, which I will post when I get a copy. I spoke to the manager, as he remembered me from the day before. He was a very nice man, with great English! (I suppose you have t to own a place in Itaewon.) He gave me his card and said to call the next time I came so that he could get me a table, which I definitely will! I hope to go back there soon!

The entrance to the restaurant... just go down those narrow stairs.

From just inside the door.

Yumm!!!

My picture doesn't do the place justice.. but I felt like I was bothering people with my camera, so I didn't want to take any more pictures. The place is really very cozy!