Sunday, August 14, 2011

The Kimchi Inspiration

Half-black, Half-Korean ... No. I don't have any children. That's one of the many descriptors I've been using to describe the lovely Mrs. Marja Vongerichten (the other descriptors include The Kimchi Chronicles and Jean-Gorges). Although Ryan had met her previously, I had the pleasure of meeting her briefly at an event promoting The Kimchi Chronicles at The Korea Society in NYC. What an incredible woman with an amazing story... and funny too!

Her book, The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen, has been sitting in plain view since I arrived back home. I have it to blame for my intense cravings for Korean food this week; however, it has inspired me to really learn how to cook Korean cuisine. And this is coming from someone who, ashamedly, can burn a bag of popcorn. Everyone has his or her gifts...

I did buy a Korean cookbook previously. After all, I would like to be able to cook Korean dishes for Ryan one day, but that one sits in the cabinet with the other 2 American cookbooks that I own and have never used. Marja's book has not found its way to the back of the cabinet yet because I keep going back. Her book is just as personable as she is in real life!  I couldn't put it down when I first started reading it because in the introduction she shares her personal 'coming-of-age' story along with pictures. Call me nosy, but I was dying to know the details. I am dating a Korean-American boy after all. As I continued to turn the pages, there was something so enticing about the vividness of the beautiful food photography (see previous post regarding my love of photography) coupled with detailed, yet simple explanations of the seemingly foreign ingredients contextually placed within a familiar American setting. I thought, "I CAN DO THIS!" This is not just a cookbook... it is a storybook jam-packed with history, culture, and of course, many inviting recipes and accompanying pictures to make the perfect Korean drink and dish within my own home! 

 'How To Throw a Korean Picnic' is actually a page in her book! I took Ryan on his very 1st picnic in Central Park a little over a year ago. I attempted to do my part and make some small snacks, but the main course of our picnic was wings from KyoChon in K-town. See evidence below....


Not quite sure why I took this pic...

Little did I know our Korean-themed picnic might actually be legitimized one day with authentic dishes made by yours truly! 

Marja, I have you to thank! I never thought I'd be the type to win my man over with her cooking, but maybe... just maybe...