Ruby Edward's Tartine Bakery and Cafe - Seoul, Korea
Posted by: 
silverquill
N 37° 32.087 E 126° 59.565
52S E 322651 N 4156093
Tucked away in an alley in the bustling, international Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul, the world class bakery has gained a wide following for its unparalleled pies, tarts, brownies, and pastries. Recently a brunch cafe has been added.
Waymark Code: WMEAXZ
Location: Seoul, South Korea
Date Posted: 04/29/2012
Views: 1
There's an interesting story behind
Ruby Edward's Tartine Bakery and Cafe. There was the fabled cook book from a mother (still the source of the brownie recipe here) and a peripatetic entrepreneur from Oregon who landed in Seoul and chose this country for his home. There was the "chance" partnership with a like-minded entrepreneurial Korean which lead them into several successful ventures before launching this bakery in 2008.
Head Chef Garrett Edwards now supervises a staff of seven chefs. And with partner Luke Lee, the bakery has expanded to include a brunch cafe on the other side of the alley, opening an additional annex in 2012. The recipes are all carefully crafted. Many of the ingredients for the brunch menu are made in-house, such as the homemade sausage, or ingredients are made to custom specifications. The result is a quality of food that is seldom matched.
The time was that about the only place to get a real American apple pie was the little Pie House Restaurant across from Yonsei University and Severance Hospital. Now, the many expatriates, military personnel, and visitors to Korea can find this and much more among the back alleys of Itaewon.
Expect to pay premium prices for these premium baked goods. The prices in the cafe are high, but reasonable for this area, and the service is personable and warm. And, for the gregarious soul, there is always the opportunity to strike up a conversation and make a new friendship. Oh, when the weather is nice, there are colorful tables along the stair-step patio along the edge of the store - as romantic as it gets here.