The seasons are about to turn to spring, yet I still have a big backlog of winter posts. I’m starting to worry that, if I’m not careful, they’ll drag on until summer. The cold that’s been tormenting me for months is almost gone, so from now on I’ll try to get posts up quickly.
Han River Park
One cold weekend I was invited to a test kitchen in Paju. On the way, I somehow ended up with time to stop by Han River Park near Dangsan Station. I think this winter will be remembered as colder than any other. I had my share of trouble shoveling snow, too.
The frozen-solid Han River
Yeah… it had been a while since I’d seen the Han River, so I wanted to take my time and enjoy the view, but it was far too cold, so we headed straight for Paju.
Waffle at Café Marionette in Paju
Before going to the test kitchen, we met up with the rest of the group at a café. The owner is apparently involved in mixed martial arts, and he brought out this on the house.
Ramune
Considering the price in Japan it was a bit expensive… but since I can’t drink coffee, there wasn’t much else for me, so I gave it a try.
The main table
It was my first time in Paju, but with the snow falling and the cold, I didn’t even think about looking around and went straight to the test kitchen. When we arrived, the table was already set.
Dishes in progress
It’s a kitchen run personally by a master cook who has published many books and writes columns, known online as “Sonnyeottal” (Granddaughter), real name Cha Yu-jin. That day we were simply there to be fed.
Bread in progress, too…
There was a lot already prepared. I made a firm resolution to brace myself and loosen my belt.
Scones
To start, an appetizer…
Starter: Gorgonzola, walnuts and honey
Snacks to go with drinks came out before the cooking even started. ^_^ Nuts + cheese + honey… I got the feeling this was food that ignores calories and chases nothing but flavor.
Bacon with apricot, prune and almond
Chewy and refreshing.
Cointreau
An orange-flavored liqueur that one of the group picked up at Namdaemun.
Sausages
The dishes keep pouring out.
Curry pickles and prosciutto
It looks like the pickles were made with curry, and the flavor was unusual. Personally I think kimchi is tastier, but a little fling like this now and then is fine. The ham looked pretty pricey too, but she kept piling it on. I didn’t hold back and ate plenty.
Sausage and mushrooms
Mostly home-style cooking.
Empanadas
They say it’s a kind of South American fried dumpling, and the flavor was unique. Being fried, the calorie pressure was intense, but eaten piping hot it was really good.
Salad
Got to eat some greens for my health.
Campagne from Paul & Paulina
Then the bread came out, a pain de campagne bought at Paul & Paulina in Hongdae. Who knew Korea had bread at this level… I’ll definitely have to drop by next time I’m in Hongdae.
Crackers topped with infinite-calorie chocolate
If you worry about calories, better not eat these. They only taste right with a thick, generous layer.
Tarte Tatin
She said she made it in a Le Creuset pot on purpose. Once again, I could feel the calorie pressure.
Echire pound cake
I brought this one… but since it’s a dessert eaten cold, it fell a little short next to the earlier desserts. Next time I’d like to bring their sablés instead.