In life there are several words that I love to say. In Korean those words are budae Jjigae and in French they are amuse bouche. I never dreamed I’d actually have cause to utter those two little French words outside of a conversation about Top Chef, but thanks to a new Café in Hongdae I’m happy to say I’ve found an appropriate occasion.
For those not up on their Top Chef Lexicon let me explain amuse bouche. It’s a French saying that literally means “mouth amuser”. It describes one of a trio of hours D’oeuvres. The amuse bouche is distinct because it is a single bite sized morsel that foretells what the chef has in store for the evening. The chef decides on what the amuse bouche will be for the evening using it as a spark for his imagination and a teaser to whet the appetite of the diners.
Café Noi has taken the amuse bouche and spun it in a new direction. You won’t find a chef deciding on a single amuse bouche for the evening, instead a selection has already been decided upon and listed on the menu. The range spans from shrimp and deviled eggs to chocolate covered marshmallows, candied fruits, and cakes. You can order them individually or by sets.
The café itself has a distinct modern flair. The front wall completely opens to welcome a breeze on a hot summer day. Works of art are projected on the walls. The combination of stone, wooden tables and distorted mirrors give the place an unusual vibe. Upstairs there’s a lounge where you can relax on sofas that line the walls.
Noi is an out of the way spot that should definitely be found and experienced.
