Simple Living

It’s a nice concept with a coffee shop in an old house.  Staycation in Richardson Dallas Texas was on my list and it’s acceptable.  It’s acceptable as they do far better than the coffee in North Texas, but not quite as good as those nearer downtown Dallas. I tried an Espresso that was sour indicating it was under extracted, but still better than over extracted bitter shots that North Texas is infamous for. The Cortado was a little better as the milk masked the sourness of the Espresso. Overall, 6 of 10 Espresso rating so I’d imagine the Cappuccino would be comparable. I’d drive further to Houndstooth if you’re seeking good espresso. It’s still a nice coffee shop overall.

Finally made it out to Merit Coffee.  And it was worth the trip.  Nestled in Deep Ellum near downtown Dallas, it’s one of several good coffee shops in all of DFW. Merit is one of the few that doesn’t burn the coffee and makes excellent espresso drinks.  I’m not sure why DFW likes burnt coffee? I ordered an affogato and cappuccino.  They used ice cream instead of gelato for the affogato, but it was still ok and it made the espresso rich and creamy.  Cappuccino was also good. Magnolia Sous Le Pont has a better affogato but it’s due to their using gelato.  Cappuccino is just a tad behind Fiction and Otto’s but still exceptional. Deep Ellum is also cool place to walk around and explore the artwork.

Wanted to try this place for a while and stopped in for a Cappuccino and Macchiato at The Book Shoppe.  Overall, it’s ok.  The espresso feels a little burnt, but they don’t overdo it on the sweetness from the milk.  I’m finding that’s the way to compensate for Texas espresso being burnt is to not overdo the milk. I’d prefer more balanced, but this is how I’m finding to enjoy coffee based on what is available.

It was on my list and I stopped by Houndstooth Coffee in Dallas near Northpark Mall.  I tried the Cortado and was impressed it’s decent.  I’ve stopped trying cappuccino’s in Dallas as few can make it the way I like. They used whole milk for this Cortado.  While the El Paso one was better, this was good and I give it 8.5 out of 10. It’s also a very beautiful coffee shop with indoor and outdoor seating.  Very scenic.

Can’t get enough of the coffee options in Korea.  Things have improved considerably since 2018 and there are a lot more tasty varieties. Before it was more rebranded American products.  They now have all kinds of new products. Origin Toffee Nut Latte - A+ The Origin Toffee Nut Latte was the best so far.  The Twosome Latte’s were too heavy on the milk taste. Twosome Latte I’ll rank a C. HBAF Almond Snacks I tried the HBAF snacks brand and it’s pretty decent.  The pizza garlic flavor was interesting. Vending Machine Coffee - Cantana Latte - B- More Coffee ☕️ they were acceptable and for 1000 Won a great deal.  I’ll buy these again in a pinch. Maxim T.O.P. Sweet Americano - B+ It’s a clean and simple taste.  An interesting rendition of a classic Americano with some sweetness.  Has a watery yet slight syrupy texture that is pleasant.  Doesn’t feel over sweetened and quite nice. Maeil- Barista Rules - Madagascar Vanilla Bean Latte - A- This was decent and I’m thinking vanilla is my preferre

Concluding my Tokyo stopover.  Prepared to head over to South Korea for a week.  Pretty much it was hang out in Nampodong and spend time with family. Day 1 - Flight Tokyo —> Busan Day 2 - Ananti Hilton & Lotte Outlets Day 3 - Nampodong - Family Dinner Day 4 - Nampodong - Lotte Mall Day 5 - Nampodong - Lee’s Pizza Day 6 - Busan Coastal Walk Day 7 - Flight back to LAX via HND 1st Day - Arrival into Busan from Tokyo. Got a hair cut and ate dinner at a Pork BBQ restaurant.  Kept it simple as I was up since 4 am in Tokyo and spent over an hour standing on a crowded train. Going to chill and not walk about as much. 2nd Day - Ananti Hilton Busan Stayed a night at Ananti.  Very nice hotel and can’t get this level of luxury stateside for $300 a night. Had lunch at Lotte Premium Outlets while doing some shopping.  The Tonkatsu was good, but Japan is still better.  The Outlets are not really an ‘outlet’ and only slightly cheaper than a regular mall.  Both however are cheaper than stateside