Kimchi, bi bim bap, bulgogi, these are the dishes most Americans associate with Korean cuisine. Through The Kimchi Chronicles television series and cookbook, Marja Vongerichten hopes to introduce us to a much wider appreciation of this country’s unique flavors. The show features her travels throughout Korea sampling its dishes and exploring its culture and traditions via the stories of what people eat and how they dine. In this journey of culinary discovery, Vongerichten shares how she reconnected with the country of her birth and her family through food.
Raised in Northern Virginia, she was adopted as a young child from Korea by an American serviceman and his wife after being placed in an orphanage, as society was not at that time welcoming of children of mixed race and parentage (her birth mother is Korean and her biological father was an African-American serviceman). Growing up, she ate the usual standard American meals like spaghetti and meatballs, but she always had a taste for spicy foods. Once, while shopping at a suburban grocery store when she was a teenager, she spotted a jar of kimchi on the shelf and tucked it away in the shopping cart. She said that she has no idea why she picked up that particular item, but it just seemed natural, like a part of her.
A Chinese take-out dish of noodles with black bean sauce that her father would sometimes bring home also touched upon her buried food memories. The taste and aroma struck a deep cord inside of her with its pungent, garlicky, meaty tanginess. When she was able to reunite with her birth mother 17 years after she was adopted, she understood why. Jajangmyeon, a similar dish in Korea, was one of her favorite meals as a little girl.
As viewers travel with Vongerichten throughout the Korean peninsula, checking out street food stalls with a local guide, sampling several varieties of handmade tofu, and eating a picnic on the beach with her aunt and other family members, it is difficult not to fall in love with the scenery and beautiful array of vegetables, meats, and fish that go into making every flavorful, fragrant meal. The gorgeous photography makes one want to reach right through the screen to grab a bite of whatever is on the plate at that moment. Jean-George, her husband and famed restaurateur, is similarly inspired by the sights, sounds, and smells that he encounters, as he explores the fish markets and goes diving with the women who collect sea urchin and abalone. He also created several recipes that are in the cookbook.
I asked Vongerichten what she would like us to take away from The Kimchi Chronicles. She replied, that it is “easy and accessible for people to try Korean food.” Her hope is that Americans will embrace this cuisine and explore beyond their usual, limited selections. She added that she realized the impact of what they were doing when they were filming the show, that they were embarking on something that could have a big educational impact back in the U.S. by bringing this largely unexplored cuisine to a wider audience. Based upon the avid response to the series on its Facebook page, it seems that her goals are well within reach.
The Kimchi Chronicles is showing on various PBS stations. To see viewing times for your area, please click here. The cookbook that goes along with the show will be released on August 2nd. It is available on pre-order from Amazon.
On Thursday, August 4, at the Astor Center in Manhattan (339 Lafayette St.), Marja Vongerichten will prepare and demonstrate dishes from Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen. At this event, which is sponsored by The Korea Society, Ms. Vongerichten will also discuss contemporary Korean food culture and the incorporation of Korean dishes into American-style meals. Following the kitchen demonstration and talk, guests will be invited to sample the various dishes prepared. Ms. Vongerichten will also be available to sign copies of the cookbook (for sale at the event) and meet with guests and fans of her PBS series. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.koreasociety.org.
Photos by: Andre Baranowski
Opening photo is of Mrs. Rhee’s Bindaetteok
Center photo is of Kimchi Jjigae (left) and Doore Tofu (right)
The Experimental Gourmand is the story of a blogger, food writer, and experimental home cook. She enjoys exploring the local food event scene and finding fresh ingredients at her farmers markets with which to make great meals.
