Introducing Kimbap Lab

January 9, 2017 sarah lee

It's been so long since I have updated all my readers with the new and exciting happenings! My chef partner Wonil Lee (Seoul) and I have been working hard to introduce our childhood favorite 'Kimbap' to all of you!

We are launching Kimbap Lab at the Williamsburg Whole Foods on February 1st, 2017! This has been a long time dream to do a collaboration with Whole Foods, and we now have this amazing opportunity to share this New York residents.

Thank you so much for all your love and support, please stop by and say hello:)

starchefs international culinary congress

November 12, 2015 sarah lee

The winning Ramen - Mihoko Obunai's 'Gyojkai Yuzu Shoyu Ramen' — The winning Ramen - Mihoko Obunai's **'Gyojkai Yuzu Shoyu Ramen'**

The last three months of my life was dedicated to this year's Star Chefs ICC-International Culinary Congress 2015 held just this past October in Brooklyn. In it's 10th year, this is the largest food conference in North America! Chefs from all over the world, mainly the U.S., gathered under one roof -to learn, to experience, and to get inspired from each other...and from everything in their line of vision. Where else will we be able to brag about being five feet away from MIchel Bras & Jose Andrès (just to name a few). This definitely was the largest event I was involved in, as this three day congress held close to 1,500 folks in one space, with one event team.

I had the amazing...let's just say one-of-a-kind opportunity getting involved at this year's ICC. Why? one of my main projects under my radar was to spearhead the first 'Ramen Battle' at ICC. Was it because I was Asian? As I jokingly asked my director. Well, that may be partially true, haha. Whatever the case may be, this was the most exciting part of my whole process. I could go on and on about Star Chefs, or what I learned from ICC in general. However, to be on the main stage and get to know some pretty freakin awesome Ramen Masters + other chefs, was truly a moment I will definitely never forget. I'll let these photos speak for themselves.

salt & charcoal

December 8, 2014 sarah lee

I'm all about grilling, bbq, the smell and taste of smokey meats. So when you're not able to grill outside yourself, why not go to a spot where they grill and serve it for you?

We found a spot.

Salt and Charcoal that just opened up in Williamsburg, and it's all about 2 things. The Japanese sea salt and their special charcoal, both imported from Japan.

the backitchen

November 15, 2014 sarah lee

The Supper Club...

One week to prepare, 3 seatings, 6 courses...

Why a Korean gluten free supper club? We wanted to share our interpretation of Korean cuisine. The menu was created from our hearts, offering gluten free locally sourced ingredients. This all happened on a cold January evening. Folks from all over New York trekked out hungry+filled with excitement+was ready to dive into new flavors.

It just felt right...

We wanted to share our childhood food memories with everyone. Things may change over the years, but the food memory always remains. My personal favorite? The 'Quinoa bibim bap' with stir fried anchovy, butternut squash, watercress, red cabbage, quail egg, sesame oil, with a brush of red pepper paste. Our first supper club together was just sensational! So stay tuned for more exciting projects to come:)

Thanks again for all those who came out to support the event, and for those who rooted for us from afar! We could not have done this without you~

With gratitude,

Sarah & Chef Lee

The Backitchen is a food lifestyle + film blog about food journeys.

The pilot unravels traditional Korean fare at a supper club in Williamsburg, offering an all gluten-free menu! It premieres tonight at KAFFNY film festival, Wythe Hotel Cinema and online (click here for vimeo link).

www.thebackitchen.com site coming soon!

the back kitchen-brooklyn

December 26, 2013 sarah lee

For one night only...

Traditional Korean fare meets modern flavors and styling. A Gluten-Free Menu meets a Brooklyn Pop Up. Acclaimed Seoul Chef Wonil Lee meets Seoul in the City’s Sarah Lee.

This collaboration promises an innovative, beautiful, and flavorful dining experience. Don’t miss out on this truly unique interpretation of Korean cuisine!

Come with friends, bring your favorite bottle of wine or spirits, and grab a seat by purchasing tickets in advance! Tickets can be purchased via pay pal or credit card (see link below). Please inquire about dietary restrictions or general questions to sarah.lee25@gmail.com

An all gluten-free Korean menu:

'Pyogo Juk'

Shiitake mushroom cream porridge, topped with dates, perilla seeds, chili oil

'Gochori'

Korean salad made with fresh seasonal greens, tossed with perilla seed dressing, silk tofu, crispy rice bits

'Saewoo Nangchae'

Steamed shrimp tossed in creamy mustard, brown rice, ketnip (Korean sesame leaf) & coriander pesto

'Samhap'

Combination of three: bulgogi beef + two variations of tofu + washed kimchi; tofu cream infused with black sesame and garlic

'Bibim Bop'

Quinoa, stir fried dried anchovy, spinach, butternut squash, watercress, red cabbage, quail egg, red pepper paste

'Gokam mari & Dduk gochi'

Walnut wrapped in dried persimmon, fried rice cakes with yuzu glaze

Saturday, January 11th 2014

There will be 3 seatings, 20 seats/per seating.

Brunch-12:30-2:30pm ($25/person)-SOLD OUT!!!

Dinner 1st seating-5:30-7:30pm ($45/person)-SOLD OUT!!!

Dinner 2nd seating-8:30-11pm ($45/person)-SOLD OUT!!!

Location:

Nha Toi Restaurant in Williamsburg

160 Havemeyer St. (between 2nd and 3rd street)

Brooklyn, NY 11211

*street parking available, nearest metro is L train 'Bedford Ave stop' or J/M ‘Marcy Ave Stop'

Please click here to purchase tickets throughBrown Paper Tickets

hello prospect park

June 18, 2013 sarah lee

Setting things up...

As most of you know, I moved to New York early January of this year. After temporary residency at my friends place, to staying with family when I first arrived, I finally settled in my own home in Prospect Park Brooklyn just a few months ago. I was caught up with a busy schedule when I first moved in for months, but now finally exploring my neighborhood. I'm thrlled to have a kitchen space where I can test recipes again, and throw random dinner parties + just going to the park to have picnis with friends. Yes, this is why I am here. This is why I need to be here. Prospect Park. My new home.

So I have some extra time on my hands at the moment, and will be taking advantage of 'Sarah's Holiday+Food Research' to a different level. Time to get my hands dirty again in the kitchen, outside, and at restaurants...seriously.

and so it begins...

January 19, 2013 sarah lee

"Open your eyes…there's no time to waste anymore. The answer is right in front of you."

-Excerpt from 'My Berlin Kitchen.'

I think this quote sums it up. Fellow readers, you may have noticed that I'm no longer in Seoul. I know I've been somewhat vague about my travels, where my next 'big city of settlement' will be…but I wanted to share this important moment in my life with all of you. You have been so faithful in following my food journal, travels, and have been truly supportive over the years. Thank you, thank you~

i heart brooklyn

April 5, 2011 sarah lee

Finding my place in Brooklyn...

Made a short, but sweet visit to my close friends Christine, Jae, and their new addition Sophie in their new home-Park Slope, Brooklyn. Did I mention that I have a soft spot for Brooklyn? Only hitting a few neighborhoods on this trip, my affinity develops every visit to Brooklyn. With their amazing cafes, food, shopping, access to public transportation, and food markets, Brooklyn really does have it all!