As a Haebangchon resident, I find it challenging to leave the neighborhood as each year pass. With Y-not Delivery at hand, and little shops and restaurants tucked by my door, I lack the purpose to travel anywhere for a bite to eat until I was introduced to John Cook Deli Meat in Apgujeong. Their German-inspired cuisine and welcoming atmosphere drove me to press pause on my sloth-like lifestyle, cross the river, and get in touch with my other inner spirit animal: a Heffer.
The Barbecue Platter served plenty of highlights including the haxen, the German version of a pork shank. One bite of the gigantic portion shot me up to heaven and made me question why I stopped eating pork for a long time. Prepared with love and attention, the 10-hour roasted meat was an explosion of goodness… in my mouth. The juicy flavors mixed with its tenderness transformed me into a greedy eater that I had to Jedi-mind trick my pals into sharing their portions as well.
Along with the haxen was a chunk of pork belly, which brings me back to a Southeast Asian luau with its natural island flavor. The texture was reminiscent of lechon, a Filipino-roasted pig, but served at its finest. Fat never tasted so delectable that each calorie consumed was worth forgetting my pear-shape body.
As a person who’s allegedly conscious about my figure, JC catered to my needs with their healthier alternative sides: Quinoa and Chickpeas salad. Not as sweet, but like revenge, I realized that chickpeas are best served cold. The Mediterranean flavors sent my taste buds in a little island somewhere in Greece. A bite reminded me of something authentic from that part of the world.
On the contrary, the Quinoa salad was subtle to the tongue, and a morsel sparks a Springy zest with its light flavors. Best paired with any dishes at JC, being healthy never tasted this good.
John Cook Deli Meats is located at 38, Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Take the subway to Apgujeong station (line 3). Leave from exit 5, walk straight and then take the third left. John Cook Deli meats is located at the end of that alleyway on the right hand corner. For further info call them at 02-514-0040 or check out their facebook page.
The Good: Prepared with love and attention, the 10-hour roasted meat was an explosion of goodness
The Bad:Not as sweet, but like revenge, I realized that chickpeas are best served cold.
The Weird: the Quinoa salad was subtle to the tongue, and a morsel sparks a Springy zest with its light flavors.
Prices: 5,000 to 60,000 KRW
Delivery:
Not yet, but you can order other tasty treats via Shuttle (셔틀). The prep time is 15 to 35 minutes.
Hours: Call
Phone: 02-514-0040
Address: 38, Nonhyeon-ro 175-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Website: facebook page
Directions: Take the subway to Apgujeong station (line 3). Leave from exit 5, walk straight and then take the third left. John Cook Deli meats is located at the end of that alleyway on the right hand corner.
