the still life-hudson valley new york

December 6, 2013 sarah lee

Cows at Sprout Creek Farm-Poughkeepsie, NY

“Memory lives in the body. Just like taste does. Food is not simply about finding ingredients-it’s something that runs parallel to life, politics, gossip and histories…it’s something that we re-create every time we gather with our friends to grow and eat our foods. And we create new memories.”

-Aruna D’Souza

The quote above pretty much sums up my life vision…my everyday vision. Some of you may remember my previous posts about my farm experiences: Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Bean Table, salt farms in Korea, and visiting any farm for that matter. So today I'll be sharing about the Hudson River Valley.

take 31 new york

July 8, 2013 sarah lee

Fried + Stuffed Anaheim Peppers (고추 튀김)

Confession. This is my first post on a Korean restaurant in New York since I moved here. Definitely not the first Korean spot I've hit, but I realized I would be too selfish NOT to share~

I was originally introduced to this cafe/bunshik/restaurant/bar (ok wait, what exactly is it???) by chef friend Jung Sik Yim from Jung Sik Dang. It was supposed to be a quick stop over to say hello to staff/owners, and we were just coming from dinner prior. I was beyond stuffed & sad that I wasn't able to dive into the food that they served right before my eyes. Yes, this girl sometimes cannot fit more food in her tummy after packing in a 10-course meal. So I made it a point that I had to return. Return I did. Uh, like 3-4 more times. Each time with different friends so that I could see their reaction. Is this weird? Actually, I just wanted to come here like every week. Most of these friends were foodies and hard-core critics, but guess what? It ended up being on their list of favorites in New York by the end of the evening!

So honestly guys-this is no fancy restaurant or a romantic date spot. It's your comfort zone. The place you definitely want to be when you need a drink, and eat food that will give you some serious pleasure. The interior is great (for New York) and you will feel like you're in some cafe in Korea. Strange. You'll end up craving some of the dishes the very next day. Is this a good thing? Hell yes. I'm just thrilled that there is place in NY where the bar/bunshik food resembles a lot of my favorites from Seoul. Except this is all under one roof.

Take 31 offers a pretty extensive menu, and could be confusing at first glance. However, asking the staff to recommend their faves is usually the way to go. Or just look at my list below! Plus, this is not on the main 32nd street in Koreatown (which is great) so you don't see the crazy foot traffic of tourists. Maybe a bit hard to spot with all the construction around it, but well worth the effort to navigate if you are looking for a good find.

By the way-if you're bilingual (Korean/English), just note the whole staff speaks English! I keep embarrassing myself sometimes speaking full on Korean at these Korean restaurants, and they respond in English. Haha...but I'm sure they'll appreciate the attempt^^

singapore food and travel magazine

April 3, 2013 sarah lee

I was recently interviewed by Muriel Amable, writer for Singapore's Food and Travel Magazinefor their April 2013 issue. They picked my brain on my favorite eats in Seoul for their readers...these places bring back such sweet memories, and I cannot wait to visit real soon!

It's an honor to be featured! Thanks Muriel~

Photo credits:

Photos of Sarah: Christine Han Photography

Jungdeunjip photos: Thomas Walsh

perfect fix during seoul's monsoon

July 26, 2011 sarah lee

So those who know me in Seoul, or have dropped a visit to check what consists of my food empire, may know all my most beloved, most cherished, and most favored. I spoil these places, and I spoil my friends by introducing them to these spots, hahaha. Favorites=the places that are part of my weekly repertoire, and really, there are just a select few. Aahhhh...the newest addition to my savory list: Damotori makgeolli bar in Haebangchon.

Recently discovered a few months ago through a fellow chef friend, and let's just say...it took some time to share this spot with my readers. Yes, although I love sharing the latest and greatest finds...sometimes, just sometimes, you just have to hold back a little...know what I mean?

When friends mention Damotori, I simply cannot resist the temptation...first stop or the last stop during an evening out with friends, or whatever the case may be, it's on my weekly bucket list!

korea's very own makgeolli

April 10, 2011 sarah lee

Alas, a chef friend Wonil Lee finally took me to the closest 막걸리 makgeolli brewery in Seoul! My jaws literally dropped the moment I stepped food into this brewery/shop! Korea's oldest traditional liquor has made an impressive comeback...

Baesangmyun Brewery is one of the leading makgeolli producers in Seoul. Their flagship store-느린마을 양조장's (Neurin maeul-so not spelling this right) is in Yangjae-dong (near the Yangjae station line #3). Their formula: never use artificial sweetners like aspartame, and makgeolli is brewed fresh daily. Tastings are available upon request.

maakholic

November 6, 2010 sarah lee

maakholic is a makkoli/champagne bar in chungdam-dong

Just had to blog about this new spot I discovered through some of my sommelier friends! Maakholic is a makgoelli (Korean rice wine) and Champagne bar in Chungdam-dong. Known to only carry specialty makgeolli and cocktails made with makgeolli that cannot be found elsewhere, this is a great spot for a weekend evening!

Makkoli is rice wine produced through fermenting a mixture of rice grains and boiled water. This is what gives it it's milky sweetness. Best served with pajeon (Korean style pancake).