Marja, Marja, Marja! Marja Vongerichten, the host of the “Kimchi Chronicles” and wife of acclaimed chef Jean Georges, decided to premiere her unique and first-ever nationally televised show on Korean food and culture in front of an invite-only audience including Privy members we invited to take part in this special event.

The VIP screening was broadcast at CJV Cinemas and featured the debut episode that included Hollywood stars, such as Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness, getting a crash course in the kitchen making Korean classics such as bibimbap and beef bulgogi. However, Marja's Kimchi Chronicles is more than just the popular Korean dishes. Her 13-part series will ultimately cover new and undiscovered facets of Korean culture and cuisine. Born to a Korean mother and American father, Marja’s show is a wonderful immersive medley of Korean cooking demonstrations, travelogue, and cultural and self-discovery. 

There is no better host than Marja for such an endeavor as Marja's family history is an integral part of the Kimchi Chronicles. At age 3, Marja was adopted by a family in Virginia and grew up with the American lifestyle compelte with burgers and fries. It wasn't until 19 when she was reunited with her birth mother. Like it is for most of us, nothing was better than mom's cooking and the wonderful flavors triggered lovely and powerful childhood memories of Marja's time in Korea. It is with the same passion that Marja chronicles what it is to be Korean in her series.

Few shows match the depth with which Marja explores her Korean heritage and takes you along for the journey. The show serves as the vehicle with which to celebrate the people, places, and traditions of Korea. In discovering the rich and beautiful layers of Korean culture and cuisine, Marja's Kimchi Chronicles becomes a profound experience that simply must be watched.

All said, the first episode was just delicious to watch. It was certainly appetizing but like any great meal, it only left everyone wishing and hoping for more!

Afterwards, Privy members were able to mingle with Marja at a VIP reception in the Madang Courtyard following the screening. But the fun didn't stop there. Guests reveled in a private karaoke soiree in true Korean fashion hosted by Privy members Eric Rhee and Susan Kim at Palm Tree, a Privy 5 Noraebang and one of the absolute best karaoke studios in Los Angeles. Whether in the kitchen or the noraebang, self-professed karaoke lover Marja was hitting all the high notes with Privy members making it a night of celebration to remember. We certainly will be watching the next episodes!

Also, be sure to tune in on PBS and check your local listing so you won't miss a beat.

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Kimchi Chronicles: Privy Interviews Marja Vongerichten

And, to find out more about Marja Vongerichten's five favorite places for Korean food in Los Angeles and New York, visit: Marja's Privy 5 Los Angeles and New York.