On August 4th, the Korea Society welcomed the Kimchi Chronicles host and

On August 4th, the Korea Society welcomed the Kimchi Chronicles host and cookbook author, Marja Vongerichten for a special cooking demonstration, tasting, and launch of her new cookbook, The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen at Astor Center.

The Kimchi Chronicles: Korean Cooking for an American Kitchen was available at the event and includes a recipe for every dish featured in the documentary as well as original dishes with a lighter, modern flair, revealing how the flavors of the Korean table can be readily integrated into any meal. Marja shared her thoughts on creating and adapting recipes and how The Kimchi Chronicles series inspired her to craft this beautiful new cookbook, which includes mouth-watering photos alongside her observations of Korean culinary culture.

Born outside Seoul to an unmarried Korean woman and an American serviceman in 1976, Marja was put up for adoption at age three. She grew up in Northern Virginia, not knowing her biological mother, but harboring a faint desire to reconnect with her roots. Just days shy of her 19th birthday, Marja came to New York to reunite with her birth mother for the first time in 17 years. Naturally, one of the first things they did was eat. Marja is married to Jean-Georges Vongerichten and they have a young daughter named Chloe.

Following Marja’s kitchen demonstration and author talk, guests at this exciting downtown event (Astor Center, 399 Lafayette) sampled her delicious creations and cocktails. Guests had the opportunity to meet the television host and author at a special signing of the new release.

Photo credit Scott Tsai