FatManSeoul

Now that the weather is getting nippy, it’s time to start reveling in the special warmth of winter flavors.  The light of day may be fading fast, but what can match the comfort of a warm cup of tea on a chilly evening? Is there anything to match a soothing but spicy cup of medicinal [...]

A special contribution by Han Kim Fatman has already expounded on CJ Food’s recent entry into the international restaurant sphere with BiBiGo.  Fortunately, Fatman’s wonderful friends stepped in to supplement our interest in the chain by reviewing their new location in Los Angeles, California.  Let’s have a big, hearty round of applause for Han Kim [...]

The New York Times has a fascinating look at the contents of MREs (Meal, Ready to Eat) from countries around the world.  These field rations offer a remarkable look at what different nations find edible and portable, fit to feed their soldiers on the go.  Check it out here (영어링크)

It was Fatman’s recent pleasure to join esteemed professor Charles Montgomery of Korean Modern Literature in Translation and his lovely wife Yvonne to try out a bowl of buckwheat at 메밀꽃필무렵 (maemilggotpilmuryeop), a restaurant specializing in buckwheat cuisine. Why, pray tell, is Fatman dragging a literature professor along for the eating?  The name of the [...]

Fatman was recently browsing the interwebs, and realized there is some confusion brewing over the vast sea of dishes covered by the term 비빔밥.  Now, the idea of bibimbap itself is pretty straightforward:  It’s rice, mixed with . . . well, something else.  But with so many regional and local kinds of bibimbap, it’s sometimes [...]

For all those of you who couldn’t make it to the event itself, the Korean subtitled version of Zen Kimchi founder Joe McPherson’s TEDxSeoul talk, “How should the Korean government promote Korean food” about ideas for successfully globalizing Korean food is now up. Enjoy, and congrats Joe!

How can something that is 80% a good idea end up going so very wrong? The Cafe formerly known as Sobahn has reopened as Bibigo*. Along with Zen Kimchi, Fatman was involved in some early test marketing for both Cafe Sobahn and the new Bibigo concept. A concept that was really, roundly panned for having [...]

Many people are familiar with the Levantine favorite, tabbouleh. This mezza is traditionally made with some combination of parsley, mint, spring onion, tomato, and bulgar and dressed with olive oil and lemon juice for a refreshing salad. You can make an equally refreshing but heartier salad from local, indigenous ingredients here in Korea with just [...]

Hanjeongshik (한정식) is hands down the best and most efficient way to get a wide variety of the freshest, most seasonal foods. In one single meal, you’ll get a spread that covers the forests and fields and farms’ very best, often prepared using family recipes. It’s a little more spendy, perhaps, than your typical abbreviated [...]

Note:  A version of this review appeared in the December issue of Groove Magazine. Places to drink in Seoul tend to fall into discrete categories:  The chicken hof, the trendy cocktail bar, the neighborhood beer pub . . . looking for something outside these is often a challenge, and there’s a dearth of mid-range pubs [...]