Cafe iMa ideal for desserts, fantasy
Waffles.
Make fun all you want, but what’s a fantasy if it’s not a little cheesy?
“So, what do you reckon of the David Hockney piece?” the statuesque prince with moody eyes would say. After a few minutes of witty banter, the two would walk down to the gallery cafe and with espressos in hand, leap into the second chapter.
Or so I imagine, every time I go to an exhibition. In addition to never being able to spot the moody yet passionate Heathcliff of my dreams, however, I always seem to get stuck on the last part of the scene where they sit inside a cafe, because the gallery cafes I’ve gone to have all been really awful, with bad coffee and grey plastic chairs.
That is, before Cafe iMa, located on the first floor of the Ilmin Museum of Art in Gwanghwamun, northern Seoul.
The cafe, famous for its waffles for 11,000 won to 12,000 won ($12 to $13), has tall, welcoming windows bringing in just the right amount of light and romance to every table.
Its luxurious black leather chairs and dessert menus have been a favorite of office ladies in recent years. Some even say the waffle trend in Seoul was ignited with the popularity of iMa’s creations.
Their waffles, in contrast to Seoul’s street waffles, are voluminous and moist, the maple syrup fragrant, with two scoops of luscious Haagen Dazs ice cream and whipped cream providing the last punch. All their desserts are great ― their apple pie in particular, is stellar.
Apple pie, both from Cafe iMa. By Cho Jae-eun
There might not be a Heathcliff in sight yet but at least I can start dreaming up chapter two with Cafe iMa wrapping up chapter one successfully.
The nearest subway stop is Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 3. For information, call (02) 2020-2088.
By Cho Jae-eun Staff Writer [jainnie@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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