Last week, before writing my Honest Cooking column about Fell + Cole, I had to go back to try more flavors (journalistic integrity, right?). My dear friend Ellie tried Just Boring Vanilla (actually quite rich and not boring at all). I finally got a big scoop of the Perilla Leaves flavor, made with 깻잎 (also called “sesame leaves” despite having no relation to sesame). Ggaennip is that dark heart-shaped leaf you’ll find at BBQ restaurants for wrapping around the meat. It’s an unexpected ice cream ingredient, but its naturally minty and subtly sweet flavor makes it kind of perfect for desserts. It is, in my opinion, one of Fell + Cole’s most exceptional and interesting flavors. Mmmm
I loved Ellie’s bright colors and her MMMG Dreamer tote. I’m thinking of getting the Cosmonaut or Creator version for myself. Check out the whole series, they are too good.
I had a few exposures left at the end of my last roll, so I took some photos around my apartment. I still have trouble figuring out when the film has rewound, and I almost always (like in this case) open up the back and ruin the last few shots before I get it right. Please excuse the light leaks and poorly exposed spots!
Behind my apartment there’s a nice little park and shaded walking path. In the middle is some kind of municipal building (I can’t tell exactly what it’s for) with beautiful vine-covered walls and a nice rooftop garden. I wonder if I’m allowed up there?
Bingsoo is always doing cute things, but she is impossible to photograph! Whenever she does something amusing, I have to watch out of the corner of my eye and pretend not to see. If she notices me looking at her, she’ll just run over and sit in my lap. And if I point a camera at her, she definitely notices.
Her favorite spot is in the bay window. She watches the world below until she gets too sleepy and snoozes in the sunlight. So precious.
With my north-facing window, the light is pretty even and mild all day. And since it looks just a hint to the west, sunset is especially nice. As the sun hits the glass buildings across the way, they glitter pink and gold. The one in the last photo is my favorite–for a few minutes each evening, the normally drab highrise sparkles iridescent.
It is nice to be at home. Such a homebody.
Criticism of Seoul’s cafe scene often focuses on the “contrived” look of a lot of the spaces. It’s a valid point. Even an ardent cafe enthusiast like myself can be put off by the calculated whimsy that runs rampant here. I can’t help but roll my eyes when I see another brand new cafe with polaroid-covered walls, mismatched chairs, and handmade checked cloth menus. That formulaic, deliberately kitsch aesthetic is pretty dull. (Not to mention that it’s usually those kinds of places where you’ll pay five bucks to drink the same Twinings tea you have at home.)
That being said, I do appreciate a nice-looking cafe, and I understand that it’s usually not organic or spontaneous. Decorating a space requires a lot of thought, but that doesn’t make it less authentic, at least to me. (I mean, what is really “authentic,” anyway?) I enjoy being in a pretty place, even if I know that the trinkets that seem to be randomly scattered around were actually carefully placed. If it’s done artfully, it doesn’t bother me.
Cafe Mozel Tov 106, nestled in the alleys of Yeonnam-dong, is like that. The owner is actually an interior designer who uses the space as a sort of showroom. And even though, yes, the whole place is very “contrived,” I do like the soft, beachy feel she has created. The huge windows let in plenty of sunshine, and gentle breezes blow through the billowing curtains. It’s light and sweet and a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.
What do you guys think? Is Mozel Tov 106 trying too hard, or do you appreciate its airy charm? Or both?
PS: I fought the urge to write “Mozel [sic] Tov 106″ each time, in case it bothers any of you as much as it does me.
