Zean E. "Zeanie Meanie Beanie the Zucchini" Y.'s Profile

*Edited: the first reviewer deleted his/her review. So I also removed my reference to that review.

Currently "Shim Book Cafe" is closed, but the new cafe-to-be at the same location is semi-open to public. Until they become fully operational, only a person or two take turns to help those who want to use their cafe. So for now I've seen a few hiccups here and there - but I see great potential in this cafe.

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(1) This is not a restaurant. Neither is it a cafe although I used the term "cafe" and the name of the place bears a word "cafe." At least it's not a cafe in "Asian definition (for those who are familiar with a "Korean Cafe."). Technically this is a "cafeteria" attached to a school, open to public.

This venue is an upgraded version of school cafeteria, designed for the public, not just students. It's a wonderful place for students and offered to professionals who need to have their meetings and quiet work time away from the office. Well, that's what I was told, and that's exactly what I've seen whenever I visit this venue. So if you're looking for a place to be productive in a comfortable setting, this is it.

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(2) This is not a Korean place although it is located in Koreatown and people running it speak Korean language. But they do carry a small quantity of high-quality organic, medicinal Korean teas. Highly recommended.

Being a part of an Oriental medicine/herb school, they seem to be picky about teas they carry, carefully considering specific health and medicinal benefits each tea bears, backed by knowledge.

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(3) About their food:

They don't have a kitchen that can cook up a meal. However, they do serve a various range of quick "school food," including sandwich, basic salads and noodles. And for a school food, they're beyond expectation.

My first trip to this venue didn't make a fan of me. They were clean, healthy, and reasonably priced for the quality they offer. But there was something missing that I couldn't define.

Last few times I ordered food, I was greatly impressed by improvements. They were fat sandwiches, packed with fresh ingredients complimented by light salad and traditional Korean rice cakes (Tok or Dduk). They were delicious, and our group couldn't stop talking about them.

We especially liked their healthy portions. Those who are comfortable with American-me portion may find their sandwiches and absence of french fries a disappointment, especially when there's no leftover to take home.

As for price, they're no more expensive than any other places. We pay more at fast food restaurants for their crappy food.

As for food other than sandwiches, I have no opinion as I haven't tried any of them yet.

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(4) From an Event Organizer's POV:

Capacity: about 40 sitting, 70 standing (ballpark)

The cafe(teria) area is great if you need a place with flexibility to take walk-in's.

Budget/cost: The best I could find in town for what I was looking for. I almost want to call it dirt-cheap - compare to facilities for $150-600.

The venue is available for rent on weekends only, and only with special arrangement. Send me a message, and I am happy to introduce you to the staff.

Not appropriate for parties but not impossible. This is more of a professional venue.

Available: piano, flat screen TV (no TV reception) for your presentation, sounds (may not be fully operational but microphone available nonetheless), projector.

Classrooms are also available. Capacity is about 20 sitting.

HAC unit is not centralized, so the control of temperature and humidity is a challenge.

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I am always looking for venues, for all types of events. If  you have one or know one, please send me a message. Thank you!

I promised myself not to write a review with my new Yelp account, but here I am, breaking my own promise.

I haven't tried Restaurant Yeosoo for many years, and tonight I tried out their Hanjeongsik by taking a group of friends during Korea's one of the most important traditional holidays: Hangawi (aka Chuseok * Korean Thanksgiving Day.)

If you're not familiar with Hanjeongsik, you can read more about it here: http://ow.ly/6mW5V

Hanjeongsik is by nature pricey. So when I arranged to have Hanjeongsik at unbelievably reasonable price at about $30 per person, I was concerned about the quality of their food and service. And we were in for a surprise.

The food was clean, organic, and -- drum roll, please -- with no MSG. No MSG: that's extremely hard to find in commercialized Asian dishes these days. Yeosoo's food was not saturated with unpleasant aftertaste of MSGs or overpowered with saltiness or sweetness.

Those who are used to saltiness, sweetness and MSG flavors may think Yeosoo's food is just an-okay. But for those who want to taste food and its ingredients, Yeosoo's food is the way to go.

We had four native Koreans in our group; when we had our first taste of their bean soups (it comes with a meal), all of us went "Wow" all at the same time. It turned out that they make and grow their own traditional Korean ingredients in-house. Having said that, I (and my friends) recommend that you try their bean soup (Dwenjang Jjigae).

I am giving one less star because there were a couple of things I didn't expect to see. For Hanjeongsik meals at this quality, I expected our dirty plates taken away off the table before next course of meal was served. Also, their AC was not in full capacity, and we were feeling warm and unpleasant toward the end of our dinner. I reckon it had something to do with the renovation in progress at the hotel.

Regardless, overall experience was exceptional. Staff was accommodating, kind, and full of smiles. I will definitely organize another dine-out event here.

Massitgeh Japsuseyo!