Kimchi Chronicles – New Series on KCPT2
Part travelogue, part food fantasy and part documentary of self-discovery, the public television series KIMCHI CHRONICLES follows acclaimed chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten and his Korean-born wife Marja as they explore and celebrate Korea’s cuisine and culture in the company of chefs, home cooks and their good friend, actress Heather Graham. In each episode, Marja and Jean-Georges step into restaurants and home kitchens to experience real, authentic Korean cooking. Going straight to the source to find the best of Korea, they visit every corner of the country — from the rolling hills of Jeju Island’s green tea gardens to a sprawling market in Seoul pulsating with activity, all the way to the thriving seaport in Sokcho, just 10 miles from North Korea. Then, Marja and Jean-Georges return to their country kitchen in Westchester, New York to re-create some of their favorite recipes alongside their neighbors, actor Hugh Jackman and his wife, Deb. Jean-Georges also demonstrates his command of simple, flavorful combinations by creating new dishes inspired by the Korean pantry.
Episode 1 – “The Kimchi Chronicles Begin”
The premiere episode introduces the basics of Korean cooking, beginning with, of course, kimchi. Jean-Georges and Marja are joined in the kitchen by their real-life neighbors, actors Hugh and Deb Jackman. Together, they prepare two iconic Korean dishes — bibimbap, beef bulgogi and barbeque that can rival Texas. Then, preview the remaining 12 episodes.
Two Films by Tadashi Nakamura
With a hip music track and never-before-seen archival footage, PILGRIMAGE tells how an abandoned WWII concentration camp (Manzanar) for Japanese Americans was transformed into a symbol of retrospection and solidarity for people of all ages, races and nationalities in our post 9/11 world. During the 1970s when Asians in American were invisible to the country –and more importantly even to themselves – the late Chris Iijima’s music provided a voice and identity and entire generation had been in search of. Through animated photographs, intimate home movies, archival footage and Chris’ own songs, A SONG FOR OURSELVES shows how Chris’ music unleashed the contagious energy of the Asian American Movement with an unrelenting passion for social justice and a live well lived.
