Member Interview

Kimchi Chronicles: Privy Interviews Marja Vongerichten

Post by Privy Editor
Jul. 27, 2011

Occupation: Host of the Kimchi Chronicles

Based in: New York

Privy Interviews Marja Vongerichten

Marja Vongerichten is the host of the "Kimchi Chronicles" on PBS, a brand-new series that covers Korean food and culture. Born to a Korean mother and an American father, Marja brings a unique perspective on her travelogue centered around Korean cuisine. Never before has a show traversed the paths that Marja took to uncover the rich tapestry of Korean culture. Marja's journey is not only about the amazing food but is also a journey of enlightenment and self-discovery. That said, there is no one better to serve as your guide than her. Plus, Marja should know a thing or two about food, her husband is Jean Georges Vongerichten, the acclaimed chef behind Jean Georges in New York. We sat down with Marja as she dished about the show, her Korean heritage, and so much more.

Also, be sure to tune into PBS to follow along with Marja as she takes you through the Kimchi Chronicles.

	1.	What was the inspiration for creating “The Kimchi Chronicles”?
		The series was the vision of our Producer, Eric Rhee. I met him a couple years ago at JG's restaurant where he was having a dinner meeting about doing a series in Korea and my husband brought me over and introduced me to Eric and his partner in crime, Charlie Pinsky, who has been producing food and travel TV for over 30 years. Needless to say, we all hit it off and decided to begin a journey to share Korean food and culture on TV.

	2.	You were born in Korea but were adopted at age 3 and moved to the U.S. It was until age 19 that you were reunited with your birth mother. Can you tell us about that experience?
		My life has been an incredible journey. I remember glimpses of being a young child in Korea with my mother, watching her do laundry in a stream and even recall the taste of jjajangmyeon. Despite being adopted, I was extremely fortunate to be adopted by a loving family who raised me in Virginia. When I was 19, I began my journey to search for my birth mother because I felt something was missing in my life. It was a miracle that I was able to find my birth mother because I was able to get her contact info through an uncle who hadn't changed his phone number in over 20 years. It took me awhile to build up enough courage to make the call, but with the support of my best friend, I did. When I did make the call, a man answered the phone and I said "Hi, my name is Marja Allen, formerly known as Brenda Bae. I know this might sound weird but is there a Korean woman living there?" The phone went silent and out of nowhere I hear the man scream "Aunt Suki, Aunt Suki, your daughter's on the phone!!!!" As soon as my mother picked up the phone, she fainted without be able to exchange a single word. We eventually ended up talking on the phone everyday and within a few months, I decided to move to New York to catch up and spend time with the birth mother I had been seeking.

	3.	Travel shows document Korean cuisine but few promise a culinary journey as your show is shaping up to be. Did you find that being a Korean-American helped you tap into the rich history of the cuisine and culture?
		Being Korean-American was a huge component of what makes this series different than other TV shows and special to me. I'm so proud to have a Korean family, Korean values, and especially Korean taste buds. Being able to incorporate those elements into my journey in discovering Korea was the reason I am able to show the incredible amount of love and passion I have for Korea.

	4.	Having a world-renowned chef as a husband must mean the kitchen is a busy place considering you’ll be cooking on the show as well. Do you find it helps to have him there or is it a case of too many cooks in the kitchen?
		Jean-Georges is extremely supportive in everything I do and has been especially supportive on this project. I find having him there is always nice because his excitement for Korean cuisine makes me even more excited. When it comes to Korean food, we both know I'm the cook! :)

	5.	The show will feature celebrity guests as they experience Korean cuisine, some for the first time. Were you surprised at their reception of Korean food?
		Hugh and Deb Jackman have been friends of ours for a long time and they love Korean food. I knew Heather loved Asian food, but it was fun to see her eyes light up when went to eat bindaetteok, mung bean pancakes, in Korea.

	6.	The Kimchi Chronicles will visit different areas of Korea to explore the cuisine, including Seoul. What are some of your favorite restaurants in the city?
		One of the most memorable meals I had in Seoul was at Doore Restaurant in Insadong. The owner and chef, Sook Hee Lee, is a charming and inspiring Korean woman. I was able to connect with her on a personal and emotional level. Jean-Georges and I especially loved her food. One other restaurant I always go to in Seoul is Sae Maul Restaurant -- there are dozens throughout Seoul but their 7 minute kimchi jjigae is what I crave every time I get arrive in Korea.

	7.	Do you have a list of favorite Korean restaurants in Los Angeles?
		1. Bibigo - it's a fun, fresh, concept for an American to try Korean flavors and their dolsot bibimbap is great 2. Ondal 2 - best crab soup outside of South Korea 3. Honey Pig - favorite place to eat samgeyopsal 4. Park's BBQ - fun vibe and great, easy bbq with friends 5. Kobawoo House - great cheongukjang and bossam
	8.	What do you like about Privy or the promise it offers?
		Privy offers information that is relevant to my life and my interests, especially when it comes to restaurants. I look forward to expanding my social and professional network through Privy.

	9.	With the filming of the Kimchi Chronicles now completed, what can we expect next?
		I have a Korean American cookbook coming out on August 2nd which can be purchased at www.kimchichronicles.tv. I'd like to continue to share my passion for Korean food and culture. I'd love to look into starting a food line or work with Korean patterns and design unique furniture. I also want to continue working with organizations such as Children Incorporated to support adopted children in Korea and give them hope.