Valentine’s Day in Toronto: A Date With Dasha

Valentine’s Day in Toronto

I spent last Valentine’s Day getting filthy. An early morning sweat session was just what the doctor ordered, and I went for it first thing in the morning. It lasted about 45 minutes, and it was a mad dash to get ready and get to work.

I spent last Valentine’s Day working out. What did you think I meant? 

Last Valentine’s Day was actually quite sweet. I got up and headed to F45 where my Valentine’s at St. Clair West got my endorphins going. I did, in fact, rush to work, and was greeted by one of my favourite security guards handing out roses. Nice work, Brookfield. I spent lunchtime with my on and off beau of a year and a half. We’re still talking, but I’ve since set some boundaries since we ultimately just want different things. He’s one of the guys on the The Worst Guys A Re-Pat Can Date in Toronto  and his name actually rhymes with Dasha.

A couple of weeks ago I got a canned e-mail from the team at Dasha advertising their Valentine’s special. No longer being part of a couple (and a little burned by the naming convention reminder) I cracked wise on instagram asking if they’d like to have me hunched over a bar stool singing CĂŠline Dion. Turns out – they were into it. With that in mind…

Join us on February 14th for a Date with Dasha!

An upscale karaoke party for singles, friends, lovers or whomever else your heart desires!

TICKETS: $25 (Click here to get yours!)

WHATS IN IT FOR YOU:

  • A welcome shooter (to set the mood – I’m calling it a “Love Shot” for EXO fans)
  • Appetizers (canapĂŠ-style food in Dasha’s private dinning room)
  • Access to 5 unique karaoke rooms ALL NIGHT LONG!

We will have a cash bar in the Private Dining Room (featured above) stocked and loaded for your night out.

Our bartenders will be serving up the best of the best – whether it be a customized cocktail from Dasha or a classic shot of tequila to get your pipes ready; you pick your poison.

This is a 19+ event and tickets are non-refundable.

Low-Carb Cartier: Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl

Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl Recipe

Keto Egg Roll in a Bowl 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 package Mann’s Sunny Shores Power Blend
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • Âź cup soy sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (I used dehydrated ginger because I didn’t have time to chop)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground pork (I used a saucepan to keep the veggies contained, but a large wok or frying pan would work, too!)
  2. Combine the onion with the browned ground pork.
  3. Mix together with sesame oil and continue cooking over medium heat.
  4. Once the onions have softened, add garlic, ground ginger, and soy sauce.
  5. Add the Power Blend (or your favourite Keto-friendly vegetables).
  6. Continue stirring over low-medium heat for approximately 5 minutes to ensure the vegetables have softened and the sauce has mixed evenly.

Keto Egg Roll Approximate Macros (per serving – recipe yields 4 servings):

  • 285 Calories
  • 19g Protein
  • 11g Carbohydrates
  • 4g Fiber
  • 20g Fat

Click here for more low-carb/ keto recipes!

Summertime Gladness – Tasteful Twists on a Moscow Mule

Moscow Mule Variations Just in Time for the Long Weekend

The August long weekend is always a little upsetting special for me since it’s in and around my birthday. The city is quiet as most lucky people head off to a cottage. This is why I used to celebrate my half-birthday in February as a child.

Now that I’m back in Canada and my parents live outside of town, I tend to either soak up the stillness of Toronto, or head out to visit them in Port Hope. We celebrated Canada’s birthday in the backyard with a gorgeous backdrop of peonies and a kit sent from Wheatley Vodka and Siren Communications. In this magical delivery (dropped strategically on my desk while I was working on 5 projects) were all the fixin’s for a Moscow Mule! Here’s how to make the cocktail in the traditional way:

Wheatley Vodka Moscow Mule

Recipe:

  1. Pour vodka in a copper mug with ice
  2. Top with ginger beer and lime
  3. Stir and enjoy!

Keto Moscow Mule Recipe

This recipe is a modification of I Breathe, I’m Hungry‘s Keto Moscow Mule Recipe. Approximate nutritional info per 7 oz serving:

  • 134 Calories
  • 0g Fat
  • 1.5g Net Carbs
  • 0g Protein
Ginger Syrup:
* You can make your own or just buy Diet Ginger Beer on Amazon
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced, peeled ginger
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar substitute (such as Stevia)
      1. Combine the ginger, water and sweetener in a small saucepan
      2. Bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes
      3. Cool for 1 hour, then strain and store in a clean jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

Recipe:

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 0.5 oz Ginger Syrup (recipe above)
  • 4 oz Diet Ginger Ale
  • Fresh mint leaves to muddle/ garnish at your leisure
  1. For a stronger mint flavor, muddle (smash) the mint leaves around in the bottom of the copper mug
  2. Add ice and vodka
  3. Top with ginger syrup, ginger ale, and lime
  4. Stir and Enjoy!

Cherry Moscow Mule

  • 4 Fresh Cherries (pitted)
  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Diet Ginger Ale + 0.5 oz Ginger Syrup (recipe above) OR 4 oz Ginger Beer
  1. In the bottom of your copper mug, muddle four pitted cherries with the juice of half a lime
  2. Add vodka, lime juice, and ice then top with ginger beer or Keto alternative
  3. Garnish with a lime wedge and a fresh cherry
  4. Serve and Enjoy!

Garden Party Mule

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Diet Ginger Ale + 0.5 oz Ginger Syrup (recipe above) OR 4 oz Ginger Beer
  • Rosemary
  • Mint
  • Cucumber (diced)
  • Edible Flowers
  1. In the bottom of your copper mug, muddle cucumber and mint with the juice of half a lime
  2. Add vodka, lime juice, and ice then top with ginger beer or Keto alternative
  3. Garnish with an edible flower or fresh rosemary for visual appeal and scent
  4. Serve and Enjoy!

Image result for moscow mule variations

Mexican Mule

JalapeĂąo Vodka

  • 2 jalapeĂąos, sliced
  • 1 cup vodka

Combine the sliced jalapeùo and the vodka in a jar and shake.  Let it sit for 24 hours. The longer it sits the stronger it will get.  If you want just a hint of jalapeùo, let sit for just an hour.

Mexican Mules

  • 2 oz JalapeĂąo Vodka (strained)
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Diet Ginger Ale + 0.5 oz Ginger Syrup (recipe above) OR 4 oz Ginger Beer
  1. Add jalapeĂąo vodka, lime juice, and ice then top with ginger beer or Keto alternative
  2. Garnish with a jalapeĂąo wheel and lime wedge
  3. Serve and Enjoy!

Image result for bourbon mule

Bourbon Mule

The mastermind behind this Wheatley Vodka is Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley, of Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky.  Adding a Bourbon Mule was a bit of a no-brainer!

Rosemary Bourbon

Add a few sprigs of rosemary to a bottle of Buffalo Trace Bourbon and let sit for a week or two. Remove the rosemary, strain, and enjoy!

Bourbon Mule

  • 2 oz Rosemary Bourbon (strained)
  • 0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
  • 4 oz Diet Ginger Ale + 0.5 oz Ginger Syrup (recipe above) OR 4 oz Ginger Beer
  1. Add rosemary bourbon, lime juice, and ice then top with ginger beer or Keto alternative
  2. Garnish with a fresh cherry and a sprig of rosemary for visual appeal and fragrance
  3. Serve and Enjoy!
Image for Wheatley Vodka from LCBO

About Wheatley Vodka 

$36.95 at the LCBO

Craft Distilled by Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley and his dedicated team at the Distillery, Wheatley Vodka is made in small batches using Harlen’s one of a kind micro-still and a unique recipe of wheat and other grains.

Distilled a total of 10 times, triple filtered, and bottled at 82 proof, this artisanal vodka has a clean, crisp, and fresh taste.  Harlen has always wanted to make a premium vodka, and knows from experience that  wheat offers a delicate and balanced flavor profile.

The wheat recipe is cooked, fermented, and distilled seven times on the micro-still before being married with a recipe made from other grains and distilled an additional three times.  As Harlen describes it, “This is how vodka is supposed to taste.”

Tasting Notes: Crafted in small batches, it has notes of citrus, wheat and traces of vanilla. Medium-bodied and clean, pure, and crisp on the nose, it has a long finish.

Wheatley Icon

Low-Carb Cartier: Coconut Low-Carb Cookie Dough Recipe

Cookie Dough Balls, Fat Bombs, Low-Carb Cookie Dough

Low-Carb Cookie Dough bites are super easy to make, have no eggs, and hit the spot every time! Read on to find out how to make these keto-friendly eats.

Ingredients

Yields 14 servings

  • 4 tbsp. Butter
  • 8 tbsp. Cream Cheese
  • 1/3 cup Erythritol
  • 1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 3/4 cup coconut flour
  • 3 tbsp. Dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Whip butter until light and fluffy. I didn’t use a hand mixer, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea if you have one.
  2. Add cream cheese and continue to whip.
  3. Add erythritol, vanilla and salt and beat until combined.
  4. Add the coconut flour slowly and mix until there are no lumps.
  5. Toss in chocolate chips.
  6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put in refrigerator for 20 minutes until firm.
  7. Scoop into little balls and roll until you’re satisfied with the shape.
  8. Enjoy your Low-Carb Cookie Dough Fat Bombs!

Nutritional Information

Per Serving

  • 127 Calories
  • 3.5 g Net Carbs (5.9 g Carbs &  2.4 g Fiber)
  • 7.9 g Fat
  • 1.4 g Protein

I made another version of this Low-Carb Cookie Dough recipe adding a bit of cocoa powder and a bit of peanut butter. Maybe not the greatest when trying to make something portable, but taking a spoon to it after dinner and letting yourself have a bite? Pretty tasty!

*Don’t try baking these into actual cookies. They won’t taste great!

Low-Carb Cartier – Easy Keto Ice Cream Dessert Recipe

Keto Ice Cream, Keto Chocolate, Low Carb Chocolate, Low Carb Ice Cream, Recipe, Dessert

I genuine hate finding recipes on blogs because you have to sift through the story of why and for whom this keto recipe was made on a particular spring day in ZzzZzzZzz…

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Tablespoon Stevia (or 0 Calorie Erythritol)
  • 1 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract

Optional Additions:

  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar Free Chocolate Chips
  • 1/2 Tablespoon Peanut Butter
  • Nuts? Add in whatever you like – just consult the nutritional facts first.

Instructions:

  • Combine all ingredients in a jar with a screw top. Make sure it’s one you can shake without the contents going everywhere.
  • Shake vigorously for 2-3 minutes.
  • Freeze for 2 hours +
  • Enjoy!

Nutritional Information

  • 217 Calories
  • 3.4 g Net Carbs (5.4 g Carbs & 2 g Fiber)
  • 22.7 g Fat
  • 1.7 g Protein

The backstory: I have a massive sweet tooth. I’m pretty good about watching what I eat on a low-carb or keto diet, but when it comes to that time when PMS starts to rear its ugly head, I want a little something sweet. This keto recipe was inspired by Peace Love and Low Carb , but I genuinely had to scroll through the website and a gazillion ads that find the ingredients and instructions. No bueno!

Hope you enjoy this recipe – I only make as much as I’ll allow myself to finish in one sitting, but if you’ve got more willpower than me go ahead and batch up a bunch for your keto diet!

 

Sprout Seoul Menu Review Day 4

Sprout Seoul: Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Korea

Did you miss any of my Sprout Seoul Vegan Food in Korea Menu Reviews?  Day 1  // Day 2 // Day 3

Salted Caramel Chia Pudding

I think I actually enjoy the versions of the chia pudding with less of the sweet ingredients.  The salted caramel wasn’t very salty and it came in one giant dollop to mix in.  The taste was less caramel and more grainy brown sugar.  This tasted a little chewier than the other chia puddings.

Greek Salad with Baked Tempeh Feta

I would definitely order this salad again!  There were tons of black olives and not too many red onions.  This was another dish I split into lunch and an afternoon snack.  The tofu tasted super creamy – more like goat cheese than feta.  I didn’t need to use all the dressing.  The blend of flavours was enough!

Seoul Food Review Sprout Vegan Healthy Food

Massaman Curry

I was so excited to try Sprou Seoul’s Massaman Curry!  This was one dish that I was actually kind of on the fence about.  It was tasty, just like the rest of the items, but didn’t hit me with the same sort of flavours I had had in Thailand.  I actually made massaman curry chicken in Bangkok. This reminded me a lot of the Butter Chickpeas, but I think that was more of a hit for my tastebuds.

Raw Nanaimo Bars (3 layer coconut chocolate bar)

This dessert actually tasted a lot like the Raw Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Pie.  I liked both, but this one had way more coconut flavour.  The portion is massive, so if you don’t want to be fatty Kathy like me then make sure to portion it out right when you get home!  This was much closer to a traditional Nanaimo bar than I’ve ever had in Korea.

Sprout Seoul Vegan Menu Food Review : Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Korea

Want to know exactly what I ate?  Stay tuned for more links to diary entries and reviews of each Sprout Seoul dish I ordered!  Thanks to Sprout Natural Healthy Whole Food Service for keeping The Toronto Seoulcialite fit, nourished, and healthy!  This article is in partnership.  All reviews are honest and opinions are my own.

Food Review of Natural Healthy Vegan Food Subscription Service Sprout Seoul in Korea

Be sure to pin this on Pinterest and mention *That Girl Cartier* when you order from Sprout Seoul to get a free snack!

Want to learn about Sprout Seoul as a whole?  Visit my rundown on details like directions and how to order on The Toronto Seoulcialite.

Day 2: Sprout Seoul Food Vegan Menu Review

Seoul Vegan Food Menu Review Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service That Girl Cartier Korea Day 2

Be sure to pin this on Pinterest and mention *That Girl Cartier* when you order from Sprout Seoul to get a free snack!

Did you miss Day 1 of my Sprout Seoul Vegan Food in Korea Menu Review?  Click here to check it out!  

Want to learn about Sprout Seoul as a whole?  Visit my rundown on details like directions and how to order on The Toronto Seoulcialite.

Seoul Seoul Vegan Food Review: Raspberry & Cream Chia Seed Pudding Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Toronto Seoulcialite Korea

Raspberry & Cream Chia Seed Pudding

I don’t love chia seeds, but I know they’re good for me.  Chia means “strength” in Mayan language.  Aren’t they super high in calories (yes, they are: 100g = 468 calories)? I’m eating about a cup of these EACH MORNING.  They have a bit of the same mouth feeling as the jelly taste of bubble tea balls, just tiny.  I’m gunna need to floss after every meal!  I guess I’m not much of a sweet person in the morning.  I like the raspberry flavour, but chia pudding just isn’t as satisfying as eggs.  I’m getting very full by eating it super slowly, though.

According to DrAxe.Com,  chia seeds have plenty of benefits:

  • Dietary fiber (11g – 42% recommended daily value)
  • Protein (4.4g – 9% RDV)
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (4915 mg)
  • Omega-6 fatty acids (1620 mg)
  • Calcium (77 mg – 18% RDV)
  • Copper (0.1 mg – 3% RDV)
  • Phosphorus (265 mg – 27% RDV)
  • Potassium (44.8 mg – 1% RDV)
  • Zinc (1.0 mg – 7% RDV)

“Chia also contains essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, mucin, strontium, Vitamins A, B, E, and D, and minerals including sulphur, iron, iodine,  magnesium, manganese, niacin, thiamine, and they are a rich source of anti-oxidants.”

Sprout Seoul Vegan Menu Food Review Gyro Bowl Millet, Greek spiced sauteed chickpeas, purple onions, and fresh mixed greens and tomatoes with tzatziki sauce on the side.

Gyro Bowl

Millet, Greek spiced sauteed chickpeas, purple onions, and fresh mixed greens and tomatoes with tzatziki sauce on the side.

This is loaded with the greens I’ve been craving!  Only a few chickpeas, but with that cous cous, the tomato and onion I’m getting a real Mediterranean vibe.  Again, I thought I’d need to eat my snack with lunch, but I’m getting really full!  Love the dill cucumber dressing.  Definitely want this recipe!
Sprout Seoul Vegan Menu Food Review :  Texas Caviar (Sweet corn and black eyed peas)

 Texas Caviar

(Sweet corn and black eyed peas)

This snack had tons of black eyed peas and the sharp, tangy pico de gallo I crave!   A little watery, which I normally wouldn’t like. but the broth is packed with flavour.  I’ve noticed that with all the vegetables and legumes (rather than meat) my tastebuds are constantly exploding.  Is that the absence of meat or processed items?  Are there just way more fresh ingredients in Sprout Seoul’s food than I’m used to using when cooking?

Sprout Seoul Vegan Menu Food Review Singapore Noodles (sweet potato glass noodles, bok choy, carrots, bean sprouts, onions stir fried in a spicy soy sauce) Singapore Noodles

(Sweet potato glass noodles, bok choy, carrots, bean sprouts, onions stir fried in a spicy soy sauce)

The sweet potato noodles were thin noodles lots of fresh shredded carrot. It had a very tangy dressing, which I didn’t find too spicy.  While very filling, it was pretty addictive!  I find I’ve been eating small meals more frequently since I can’t finish one Sprout Seoul meal in one sitting.

Sprout Seoul Vegan Menu Food Review : Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Korea

Want to know exactly what I ate?  Stay tuned for more links to diary entries and reviews of each Sprout Seoul dish I ordered!  Thanks to Sprout Natural Healthy Whole Food Service for keeping The Toronto Seoulcialite fit, nourished, and healthy!  While this article has been written in partnership, all reviews are honest and opinions are my own.

Seoul Fit: Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Menu Day 1

Prepping with Sprout Natural Healthy Vegan Food Service for Bikini Season Busan Haeundae Beach, Seoul, Jeju, South Korea Weight Loss

Bikini season is right around the corner. I want to look and feel my best ever, especially since I’m turning 30 in August! Good thing I have Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service helping me reach my health and fitness goals. Check out my intro/ breakdown on their services, and stay tuned for daily fitness and nutrition diaries (ie. my Sprout Seoul meals and workouts) on That Girl Cartier in the days to come!

Seoul Food Review Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Toronto Seoulcialite Korea

Chocolate Breakfast Bowl with Nuts, Seeds and Coconut Flakes

The Sprout Seoul breakfasts are definitely dense and heavy.  The light chocolate flavour chia seeds were filling I ate half and took the rest to work!  I liked the texture straight out of the fridge, but preferred the taste after having brought it to work (so an hour and a half of thawing).  The chia seeds are pretty chewy, the coconut adds nice flavour and texture, and the sunflower seeds give a little surprise change in flavour.  The chocolate is pretty subtle, but what I would expect from vegan food.

Burrito Bowl with Cilantro Lime Brown Rice, Savoury and Spicy Lentil Meat, Fresh Salsa, Mixed Greens and Mixed Bell Peppers

By lunchtime I was still feeling very full from breakfast. This bowl didn’t really look like much when I cracked it open, but by the halfway mark I was feeling pretty satisfied.  I put about a third away and had it as a mid-afternoon snack.  I counted kale, lettuce, yellow pepper, green pepper, red pepper, cherry tomato, pico de gallo (tomato, cilantro, red onion), lentils, and rice. The lentils are the perfect texture (squishy, but not overcooked) and well-seasoned, but not too salty.  The mix of tastes is fresh and satisfying on this hot day!  I could probably even do with more veggies and less rice as it’s very filling and getting heavy!
Seoul Food Review Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Toronto Seoulcialite Korea

Butter Chickpea Curry over Brown Rice

Beyond the chickpeas and brown rice I think I counted celery, carrot, and spinach? I could eat this everyday with some pepper and chili flakes and never get bored. If I were making it for myself I’d go easier on the brown rice opting for more veggies like mixed peppers. It’s super good, though! The curry is quite rich without having overwhelming curry flavour.  My breath won’t stink, but my taste-buds are happy.  This was a perfect Monday night dinner. Sprout Seoul uses a lot of herbs and spices which definitely hit the spot for me!

Raw Reese’s Pieces Peanut Butter Pie

I ate the whole thing.  I’m not ashamed because it was for journalism (and because it was melting pretty quickly).  I tasted coconut ice cream on top. The bottom was the closest thing to a fudgy, rich, decadent brownie I’ve had in Korea. I don’t really eat brownies with ice cream usually. I could eat the fudgy base on its own or the ice cream on its own.  It was pretty heavy.  Like breakfast and dinner I could have halfed the portions, but I didn’t.  I wonder if eating these as prescribed will have me gaining or losing weight?  If you have sugary cravings then this is the snack for you. If you’re normally a very strict eater then Sprout Seoul desserts will make you feel all kinds of cheat meal guilt! Order them with caution, as they’re delicious enough to devour in one go!
Sprout Seoul Review Travel Fitness That Girl Cartier

Sprout Seoul + Fitness

I’m not exactly the best runner, but I got in 3.5 km on the treadmill before hitting the free weights, weight machines, and floor for abs.  Switching up your diet is always a good idea when trying to make a change, but I’ve had plenty more and haven’t had to rely on coffee.

Seoul Food Review Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service That Girl Cartier

Be sure to pin this on Pinterest and mention *That Girl Cartier* when you order to get a free snack!

Meal Plan Options
3 days, 12 items: 75,000 (Save 6,000!)
5 days, 20 items: 115,000 (Save 20,000!)
7 days, 28 items: 150,000 (Save 39,000!)

Directions: Sprout Seoul Food Pick-Up & Delivery

Pick up is available on Sunday and Monday from 3pm-8pm.  We took the plunge and walked up HBC hill on a hot and sunny Sunday afternoon.  Sprout Seoul wasn’t too hard to find.  You can take the #2 little, green shuttle bus or you can walk!  If you’re taking the subway to Sprout Seoul, take Exit 2 of Noksapyeong Station and walk straight veering left at the kimchi pots and up the hill.  Stay on that main HBC street (Sinheung-ro) following as it continues to veer left.  At the plateau, turn left and walk down about half a block until you see their storefront on the main floor.

Seoul Food Review: Sprout Seoul Natural Healthy Whole Food Service Korea

Want to know exactly what I ate?  Stay tuned for more links to diary entries and reviews of each Sprout Seoul dish I ordered!  Thanks to Sprout Natural Healthy Whole Food Service for keeping The Toronto Seoulcialite fit, nourished, and healthy!  While this article has been written in partnership, all reviews are honest and opinions are my own.

Skinfood Cafe Seoul

SkinFood Cafe Seoul

SkinFood has quickly become a favourite brand of mine lately.  The quality of the products paired with their subtle, fun scents, adorable packaging, and affordable price range has got my collection growing quickly.  Imagine my surprise to have found the SkinFood Cafe Seoul!

THE BRAND

According to SkinFood, it “is the first cosmetic brand to root itself in food.  (Their) food philosophy drives (their) product development to ensure that only the highest quality food ingredients are used to create a more beautiful, healthier lifestyle.”  I’ve used products with avocado, tomato, apple, vanilla, and even salmon of all things!  If you’ve seen my 4 Minute makeup routine you’ll recognize a few of those products.  “Food components (like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) deliver targeted nourishment and care. The key to maximizing beauty can be found in the food around us.”

THE DECOR

The decor of the cafe is just like their skincare and cosmetics shops.  There’s bright yellow everywhere!  They have tons of books and motivational quotations framed and selectively placed.  There’s a variety of seating options for the individual guest, group of diners, or cute couple.  There was an adorable couple snacking away sitting on the couch near the photo opp area.  This is a super sweet date spot if you’re looking for all things cutesy without making him uncomfortable.

THE BEST FOOD

The SkinFood Cafe Seoul is, of course, part of the SkinFood cosmetics and skin care brand.  Their attitude towards food isn’t just part of the branding, it’s their core belief.

“Nutritive, wholesome food has the power and the ability to keep skin radiantly beautiful.
SKINFOOD is always searching for the best ingredients to utilize in product development.

The SKINFOOD initiative for the best food ingredients is a journey across the world.
Method matters. As a result, SKINFOOD upholds eco-friendly and
sustainable growing methods as a pillar to our philosophy.
We meet with farmers across the country to ensure that the best food is grown under the best methods.
The journey to discover the best food never ends.
Come with SKINFOOD and discover how food can transform beauty.”

According to the SkinFood Cafe Seoul, “You are what you eat.” and “Healthy skin starts with food.”  I ordered what I remember being named something like the Yummy Yummy Platter which was KRW 12,000 (about $12 Canadian, $10 USD).  There were three slices of baguette.  One was topped with half an avocado, some cherry tomatoes, and parmesan cheese.  Another was topped with grainy mustard pulled chicken and topped with parmesan and a little bit of honey.  Another was topped with rich, clotted cream, blueberries, and mint sprigs.  The baguette was a little crusty and stale, but the toppings were full of flavour.  You can’t go wrong with half an avocado in any meal in my opinion!  The two slider buns were topped with iceberg lettuce, ham, and a Kraft single.  This is a poor girl’s afternoon tea, and I loved it!

Even the bathrooms at the SkinFood Cafe Seoul are cute, clean, and full of SkinFood soaps and lotions to sample before heading on your way!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BQpg0fIgkby/

Go check out the SkinFood Cafe Seoul!  The chic Garosugil area of Apgujeong in Seoul is the perfect place to spend a sunny day, so why not pop into this adorable little cafe?