It must be that time of the year, ’cause cities seem to be closing down streets left and right to make way for food festivals. What better way to enjoy the cool breeze and the sun beating down your neck than canvasing a whole city street for good food and drinks. If you’re not too much of a foodie, I’ve got some great concerts, an awesome writing workshop and a little bit of art for you, too. Enjoy!
Sri Lanka Day
When: Saturday, August 6, 10:00 am
Where: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA
How: Free
Enjoy the world famous Third Street Promenade as you celebrate the Sri Lankan culture through musicians, dancers, and, of course, food. Since the event’s inception in 2006, Sri Lanka Day is the largest event of its kind in the country, with last year’s event having attracted more than 100,000 visitors. More than twenty booths will be lined along the Promenade, offering unique Sri Lankan foods and cultural knick-knacks. In the afternoon you can enjoy the “Pageant of Lanka” parade where beautifully dressed Sri Lankan performers and theatre elephants make their way along the street. Also not be missed is a fashion show with traditional and colorful Sri Lankan clothing.
Host of Kimchi Chronicles, Marja Vongerichten
Before I endured a half-a-day flight to Seoul, South Korea earlier this summer, bulgogi (marinated thinly-sliced beef) and kimchi were one of the few Korean foods I was familiar with. But at the end of my five-week stay there, my palate had been pleasured with raw baby octopus drenched in sesame oil and raw slices of sea cucumber . . . served with a side of kimchi, or course.
Since I’ve been back in the States, I’ve been craving a home-cooked Korean meal. Luckily, Marja Vongerichten – wife of famed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten – is sharing with the world her cooking techniques and love of Korean food through a new TV series. And she’s going straight to Korea to do it.
It’s the prime of summer and food is always a great way to rejuvenate oneself during hot weather.
Curious as to what my peers were enjoying this time around, I asked a few friends and, to my delight, the top pick was a dish that I had almost forgotten about but was soon ecstatic to re-explore: Korean cold buckwheat noodles or mul naengmyun.
Koreans love the refreshing noodle dish called naengmyun. Photo courtesy of the Los Angeles Times.
Thought to have been made since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), mul naengmyun (or naengmyun for short) is a traditional Korean noodle dish that is made up of cold broth, thin buckwheat noodles (or other various noodles), julienned cucumbers, sliced beef, boiled eggs, and sliced Asian pears. Vinegar and mustard are common condiments used for extra flavoring.
These fresh, tangy and refreshing noodles are served cold, and is not only a favorite among Koreans but it’s also gaining in popularity among many non-Koreans.
Mr. Li, an investment banker of Chinese descent, was introduced to naengmyun by his Korean girlfriend and now calls it his favorite summer dish. He frequents Yu-Chun in L.A. to satiate his appetite for these noodles. (His visits to Yu-Chun have led him to try out other Korean dishes). Ms. Yoshida, a fashion market researcher of Japanese descent, says that she has had a great experience trying naengmyun and wishes to try the other spicier kind that her friend had last time at their dinner.
The positive reviews from both native Koreans and other ethnicities have quickly allowed naengmyun to become a dish of first resort to beat the summer heat.
Have you had your naengmyun yet?
Some popular destinations for naengmyun if you’re in the L.A. area:
Yu-Chun Chik Naeng Myun
3185 W Olympic Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90006
Chil Bo Myun Ok Ulsacc
3680 W 6th Street Los Angeles, CA 90020
P.S. Most Korean BBQ joints other than the aforementioned will also serve naengmyun. It’s a great accompaniment to your hot grilled, savory meat.
Happy Summer!
Debbie Lee, a finalist from The Next Food Network Star.
Remember Debbie Lee, one of the finalists for The Next Food Network Star? She wow’d the judges with her gastronomic mix of soul food and Korean cuisine, which just so happens to be the hottest thing in foodie-dom right now. Frankly, mix anything with the spicy, sweet, pungent, flavorful tastes of Korean food and you’ve got a winner.
Well, if you’re going to be anywhere near the Los Angeles area this spring, you’re in luck. Lee will make her next culinary appearance as a part of the limited engagement Guest Chef Series at Los Angeles’ Breadbar on West Third Street starting today.
Her Seoultown Tapas menu sounds vaguely familiar to Korean cuisine aficionados, but with a definite twist. Taking inspiration from “sool jip” (Korean pubs) small plates, the menu includes Korean rice cylinders with maple smoked bacon and jalapeno ponzu; kimchi ramen with egg drop, spicy fish broth and Japanese popcorn; and slow cooked cod, chile scallion sauce, roasted daikon and mountain rice.
It’s all a preview to Lee’s newest restaurant venture, a Korean-inspired pub slated to open later this year in Los Angeles. And I, for one, can’t wait.
Lee’s Seoultown Tapas menu will be available at Breadbar from February 24 – April 10, 2010, Tuesday to Saturday, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Small plates start at $8. Call 310-205-0124 for reservations.
