Effortless chic and sweet French toast

My favorite couch by the window at Allo, papergarden By Ser Myo-ja

Spring used to be a good time for a stroll along the walkways of Garosu-gil, but the yellow dust has put a serious damper on my seasonal fun. During a recent stroll around the neighborhood, I decided that it was actually better for me to sit down at a cafe and spend time chatting with my girl friends.

Allo, papergarden is a sister cafe of the Apgujeong-dong landmark cafe Papergarden, which opened several years ago. Allo is similar in its decoration with the grand space of Papergarden, but with a more comfortable and intimate atmosphere.

Allo, what probably used to be a two-story house, is styled the way I want my home. Its walls and ceilings are exposed concrete and brick, painted white. Tables and chairs appear vintage, and the furniture and comfortably aged feeling of the lighting is effortlessly chic.

On sunny days with a cool breeze, I like to sit outdoors in the cafe’s courtyard, but my favorite seat is actually in the smoking section on the ground floor. It’s a dark brown couch by the window, and I love the feeling of throwing my body on the comfortable cushion.

French toast. By Ser Myo-ja

When I ordered my coffee (7,000 won, $5.01), the server asked if I wanted it “mild” or “strong.” I took my caffeine strong and my companions mild, and both tasted wonderful. And they refill your cups again and again.

Allo’s lunch menu includes curried rice, which comes with white steamed rice topped with scrambled eggs and sumptuous curry, which tastes soft and creamy. The chunks of vegetables are a good match with the delicate spice of the sauce.

The cafe also serves great French toast (12,000 won), and I am glad that I can have my favorite dish anytime of the day, not just during the brunch hours. The white plate comes with four pieces of thick, fluffy French bread. The egg part of the toast is minimal, and it goes so well with maple syrup. The best way to enjoy, however, is cutting the toast into bite-sizes and topping with the vanilla ice cream and berries that come together on the plate.

The girl talk began just after lunch and ended around dinner time. Allo also serves dinner menus, wines and beers, if you want to stay little longer.

By Ser Myo-ja Staff Reporter [myoja@joongang.co.kr]

Allo, papergarden

Location: 520-9, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam District, southern Seoul

Hours: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Telephone: (02) 541-6933

korea joongAng daily

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Effortless chic and sweet French toast

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