Bloom and Goûté | 블룸 앤 구떼

“To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower.” Nothing else better invokes purity of thoughts than innocence of youth. In this rustic foliage of greens and florals, William Blake’s Auguries of Innocence springs to mind.

Off the beaten track on Gangnam-Gu’s Garosu-Gil is my favorite cafe by a long shot. Bloom and Goûté cafe is an intimate space, tastefully decorated with bouquets of blooming flowers, oak wood tables, chic garlands and housed in exposed brick walls in an independent two-storeyed building. Downstairs, flowers are tended to, bought and sold, along with displays of cakes and other mouth-watering desserts. Upstairs is where the seating spaces run out quickly during the busiest periods.

The concept of B&G was created by marrying the influences of European cultures. Co-owners Lee Jin-sook studied botany in London while Jo Jung-hee undertook baking in Paris. From classy table settings (one-of-a-kind floral arrangements) to the uniqueness of B&G’s sweet and savoury menu, a European bohemian charm permeates the space, blending beautifully with scents of musk and florals.

A Maximowiczia and Mint Detox Soda – a Bloom and Goûté Special.

Some of B&G’s desserts. They do have the staples such as waffles, salads, sandwiches, but I’m told their special is the homemade strawberry cheesecake.