Kimchi Chronicles

Kimchi Chronicles

Kimchi Chronicles is an American food program airing on PBS that is part travelogue, part food narrative, and part documentary of self-discovery. Host Marja Vongerichten, a Korean American-Adoptee, explores Korean food and culture, and her unique life story is told throughout the series. In the show, viewers experience Korea through Marja's distinct perspective.

Each episode begins in Korea, where Marja, her husband Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and other special guests travel to different areas of Korea and taste their local foods. Then, they return to New York, where they recreate Korean recipes, specifically tailored for a modern American kitchen. Episodes cover different categories of food, providing a comprehensive overview of Korean food.

The show features acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, actress Heather Graham, and actor Hugh Jackman and his wife, actress Deborra-Lee Furness who are also upstairs neighbors in New York City of the Vongerichten family.

The show was sponsored by the Visit Korea Committee, Korean Food Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The production company for the show was Frappé, Inc., which is owned by Charles Pinsky.

Created By

Status

Ended

Original Name

Kimchi Chronicles

First Air Date

July 2, 2011

Last Air Date

September 24, 2011

Seasons

1

Episodes

11

Language

English

Production Companies

Networks

PBS

S01E13

The Kimchi Chronicles Conclude

The Kimchi Chronicles Conclude is all about special occasions. The episode begins in the ethereal countryside where Marja spends a day with the Alice Waters of Korea and learns the authentic way to make kimchi as well as holiday dishes to celebrate the new year. Marja and Jean-Georges also get a taste, literally, of royal court cuisine and Marja visits Sanchon Restaurant in Seoul for a transformative meal of temple cuisine. Marja joins her Korean family in Sokcho, the northern beach town, for a picnic and then brings the spirit home to New York for a roast pig celebration with the Vongerichten family. Marja also prepares easy Birthday Seaweed Soup and Jean-Georges uses Korean flavors in baeckeoffe, the classic Alsatian dish that he loved as a child.

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