The story
Before becoming its owner, they were a regular at Bickie Bakeshop. Returning to their hometown of Sokcho after life in Seoul, they took over the cafe they already knew, with a husband who had experience in the cafe business. There was no professional cooking background to draw on, so the first step was to learn the existing recipes. Over time, ingredients and methods changed a little at a time while the familiar favorites stayed on the menu.
What they stand for
The work starts with a familiar local ingredient: large Gangwon potatoes bought through Hanaro Mart. The owner has built on the recipes they inherited by paying attention to the ingredients and how each dish is made. The cafe's own introduction describes cooking as if welcoming someone into the family home. Here, that means a proper breakfast or lunch built around potatoes, eggs, bread, and a cup of coffee.
Behind the signature
The potato lasagna began with a practical question: what else could they make with the potato salad left from preparation? That experiment became one of the cafe's defining dishes. Today's menu describes pasta sheets layered with ragu and soft mashed potato. Ongsimi Gorgonzola, a favorite inherited with the cafe, is now the owner's best seller. Its small, chewy potato dumplings give visitors a way to try a Korean texture through the familiar richness of a cheese sauce.
Local tip
Look for the orange detached building beside Hayan Laundry in Saemaeul. From Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, the cafe's directions lead about 650 m toward Pampas Resort, then into the alley by Hanyang Myeonok. Parking is limited, so avoid blocking the neighborhood's lanes or doorways. Naver lists a terrace, bar seating, reservations, and delivery. The supplied house rules do not allow packing leftover food to take away.
Seasonal note
The menu includes seasonal fruit French toast and an apple-and-Brie baguette. Potato lasagna is sold in limited quantities. The cafe may close early when ingredients run out.
For travelers
French toast and open sandwiches are familiar starting points for many international guests, according to the owner. Ongsimi can take a little more explaining: expect a chewy potato dumpling rather than a fluffy piece of gnocchi. One Korean-speaking visitor returned five times, working through the lasagna, French toast, dumplings, soup, and open sandwich. The owner still remembers that steady curiosity about the menu.
