Two Russian friends wanted to visit another palace where they have botanic garden. My husband and I said we are going to finish the whole place and then to eat. They waved bye. After coming out of the Palace and Korean Folk exhibition, I was hungry. We have decided to walk back to Insadong for food. I saw a restaurant with large colorful pictured menu and wanted to go in. My husband grabbed me and said to take me to another place. I thought we have not been in Korea for decades. How would he know any place? He said to follow him. I told him that I am tired and hungry. It better to be a good place. He told me to trust him. I said all these restaurants seems to serve the same dishes. He said this place is different. I followed him to another street. There is no sign of any restaurants from the side we walked in. I asked my husband are you sure? He said to follow him. Half way into the narrow street, I saw a parking lot on the left side. And then I saw traditional Korean roofs peaking from tall fence wall behind the parking lot. OK. I thought this must be the place. My husband took me to go pass the parking lot into the alley. I saw a door leading into the large traditional building. I did not see any large sign of restaurant or colorful menu display in the front like all other restaurants in Insadong. “Are you sure they have food”? My husband said yes. Then I saw a metal plate on the door “Min’s Club”. Good. At least they speak English. We went inside.
OMG! This is such a place! I just loved it. It is so elegant and tranquil in such a busy district. We asked to be seated in the patio. Flowers were blooming. It is so relaxing just to sit there.
The menu shows that they have western food. It was almost 2 o’clock. The big breakfast were already gone. I was so hungry. I ordered seafood pasta. My husband ordered fish egg Korean rice.
It was passed the regular lunch time so it was not crowded. Many people came for their afternoon tea.
We read the introduction material of this restaurant. It was built for royals in the late 1800s. It was a revolution to traditional Korean houses that the architect designed high ceilings, lots of windows to have more natural lights inside. They changed to run a high class restaurant in 1900.
I gave lots of credits to my husband. How did he discovered this place? It is worthy just to sit there to look at the scene and appreciate historical building.
I was a little hot from all the walking. I have my pressed flower fan with me.
Appetizer is salmon sashimi. It looked like an artwork.
Soup of the day is chickpea soup. It is delicious.
Then we had Korean bean cake salad. I liked it very much.
My husband’s fish egg Korean rice.
My seafood pasta. It is actually fusion food. They have added Korean hot sauce in. I liked the taste. The pasta tasted like freshly made. Seafood were all very juicy and fresh.
I ordered tea after lunch. My husband wanted coffee.
Appreciate historical architecture.
They have inside tables also. I love these flower painting screens.
They have flower wall paper on the other side.
Hallway
Space above door frame were decorated with traditional painting wall paper.
They have a small stone pot just outside of the door. Oh! How I wanted to press these forget-me-nots!
Is this cat or tiger? I don’t care. I want to hold its ears.
Azaleas were blooming. They are my husband’s favorite flower.
Peony started to bloom too. This is my favorite peony color.
More azaleas!
Double cheery blossom.
We spent more than 2 hours for lunch. Flowers, historical building, and good food, what more can we ask? We truly enjoyed a relaxing afternoon.
Price is a little expensive but not too bad. Average price for full course lunch is 28，000 won. We loved it here.
My husband stayed in Insadong when I went to visit the pressed flower club. He discovered it.
It was the perfect weather too. I loved the patio. It is such a romantic place.
