ape with pipe

Ape With Pipe Brings Mediterranean Flair

From left are hummus with pita bread; salmon and brie quiche; and Tzatzaki chicken sandwich. / Korea Times Photo by Kwon Mee-yoo By Cathy Rose A. Garcia Staff Reporter With a name like Ape with Pipe, who wouldn't be intrigued by this Mediterranean bistro? Ape with Pipe, located near Noksapyeong Station (Line 6), may not be located on Itaewon's main street but it certainly is worth a visit. The menu offers several kinds of quiche, sandwiches, French-style potpies, salads and mussel dishes. For appetizer, we chose hummus with pita bread, which turned out to be slightly disappointing. The pita bread wasn't warm enough, and the hummus didn't have much flavor. Things got more promising when the pumpkin soup arrived. The pumpkin soup was thick and creamy, but not too cloying or sweet like those found in other places. The potato soup was also light and filling. But of course, the highlight of the meal would have to be the salmon and Brie quiche (12,000 won). The cheese melts in your mouth, blending perfectly with the smoked salmon. The quiche was served with a fresh green salad, but there was not enough dressing on it. The Tzatziki chicken sandwich (12,000 won) was also a good choice. The yogurt dressing was a perfect complement to the grilled chicken. We wanted to try the tempting desserts, such as chocolate mousse (5,000 won) and chocolate volcano cake (7,000 won), but were too full. Next time, we promise to try the tourtes or French style potpies, mussels Provencal and different kinds of quiche. The restaurant is vegetarian friendly as the menu indicates which dishes are vegetarian. It also has a good wine list, so you can chill out at Ape with Pipe during the evening. A cozy atmosphere permeates the place, with lots of warm sunshine through the huge glass windows on the terrace. This would be a good place to have a brunch on a lazy Sunday morning. Don't worry about the cold weather on the terrace, as the windows are only slightly opened and blankets are available. About the restaurant's quirky name, we were told it is a combination of the titles of two Picasso paintings, ``Boy with Pipe'' and ``Harlequin and Family with Ape.'' It doesn't really mean anything, but it does add an element of fun to the restaurant's reputation. Ape with Pipe is located on the hill overlooking Noksapyeong Station. The restaurant is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m., but the kitchen closes at 11 p.m. Lunch and brunch specials are served between 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call (02) 749-0903. cathy@koreatimes.co.kr