I’m pretty really into both traditional and commercialized “Hallmark” holidays. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and well, I’m excited.
We don’t go out for Valentine’s Day. As F&B industry folk, I think that you’d probably be able to guess why. I won’t criticize set menus or those rather conveniently programed pairings…
Instead, we usually throw a gogi party at home for two and it’s always a good time. Beef and pork from our favorite ranches, super tasty greens and alliums grown by all star farmers, secret stash kimchis and jangajjis and condiments, extra bubbly hashafashasha inducing homemade dwenjang jjigae, soju that’s kept ice cold in our freezer.
The best part about it is that we get to stay in our pjs, blast our own tunes, and seamlessly transition into a full on NRB session at the comforts of our own home, where migrating into bed is merely a few stumbling steps away.
This year we’re going to change themes and do a throwback 80s 경양식 “light western cuisine” style restaurant dinner. Gyeongyang restaurants popularized around the 80s as higher-end dining places for families and young couples in Korea to celebrate and indulge in fancier western fare. Usually these restaurants were adorned with gilt chandeliers, haute floral patterned plates, and kitsch knickknacks.
This particular western style was first introduced to Japan during the Meiji Restoration period and eventually made its way into Korean culture during the Japanese colonial era. It wasn’t until the mid 80s or so when the country was rapidly experiencing critical political and social changes that these transnational trends would shape the habits and interests of the working class masses and what would soon become of food trends and popular consumption in major cities around Korea. You won’t be able to find too many OG gyeongyangshik jibs anymore, but their nostalgia and influence on contemporary food culture in Korea can definitely be traced.
Typically, gyeongyangshik jib serve dishes like donkatsu, hambak steak, spaghettis, cream soup, omurice, with sides such as danmuji, kkakdugi, white rice, or morning rolls.
Pork cutlet is really never a bad idea, like ever. Donkatsu, pork milanese, a schnitzel. I’m here for it.
2/14/2023 Valentine’s Day menu:
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크림스프 CREAM SOUP
winter potato and crimini mushroom soup, herbs
경양식 돈가스 GYEONGYANGSHIK DONKATSU
breaded pork cutlet, demi-glace gravy, snowy cabbage salada
ACCOUTREMENTS
kkakdugi, oi jangajji, dinner roll, white rice, raspberry jam
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Soundtrack for the evening is here.
A full length recipe to come for our subscriber friends. Stay tuned. -update: here it is.