the still life-hudson valley new york

December 6, 2013 sarah lee

Cows at Sprout Creek Farm-Poughkeepsie, NY

“Memory lives in the body. Just like taste does. Food is not simply about finding ingredients-it’s something that runs parallel to life, politics, gossip and histories…it’s something that we re-create every time we gather with our friends to grow and eat our foods. And we create new memories.”

-Aruna D’Souza

The quote above pretty much sums up my life vision…my everyday vision. Some of you may remember my previous posts about my farm experiences: Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Bean Table, salt farms in Korea, and visiting any farm for that matter. So today I'll be sharing about the Hudson River Valley.

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.

blue hill at stone barns

March 25, 2013 sarah lee

I’ve been in New York for close to 3 months now. I can’t love the food enough, and the hustle & bustle really puts you in your place. How can you not love this city? However, as much as I’m an urban girl and love to be out and about…the times that I thoroughly enjoy the most is when I get a moment to breathe. You’ll hear many New Yorkers say they like to leave the city for a quick weekend trip, just to get away from the madness. It didn’t occur to me that I desired to partake in this as well. Something that most people may not know about me is that my ultimate dream is to have a small farm of my own. A girl from Chicago, who loved living in Seoul, love city lights, and now a member of the daily grind in New York is still planning on making this dream happen. So when I stepped foot into Blue Hill, I instantly felt a connection. Almost like I was home. I seriously didn’t want to leave.

Words are limitless to describe my recent experience at Blue Hill at Stone Barns. A few of my co-workers introduced me to this place on our drive back to the city, after some long meetings in Connecticut late January.

If you’re fortunate to take a break and leave town, even if it’s for a one-day trip, it’s so well worth it if you want to get recharged. It definitely doesn’t take long for me to be ‘whole’ again. I just need to squeeze in a little ‘Sarah time’ here and there and I’m in a happy place:)

farm to table goodness

January 3, 2013 sarah lee

Fresh picked baby carrots from the garden

I guess I can't stop talking about this farm-to-table spot a little ways from Seoul. Bean Table. It's time for a revisit. Need to keep sharing the love...

I had an opportunity to stage for Bean Table my last month in Korea before taking off to the states. Good friend and chef Wonil Lee welcomed me as part of his staff, after some serious convincing. Let's just say, this restaurant is on the top of my list for folks visiting Seoul!

The real deal...

*Authentic Korean flavors + modern presentation.

*Non-GMO soybeans (for those who care about this like me).

*Homemade tofu made with natural sea salt coagulants (this part could get pretty technical if you break it down).

*Fresh and organic produce.

*No MSG or preservatives.

I had a real difficult time finding Korean restaurants in Korea that didn't use preservatives. Dining at Bean Table to me is like eating in my moms kitchen-you can feel and taste the love with each dish. Every bite is well balanced, and the variations of the banchan (side dishes) are seriously endless...

bean table 두둑한상

October 4, 2011 sarah lee

Bulgogi with their homemade tofu served with white kimchi was perfect...

So when you first see the name 'Bean Table' what immediately comes to mind? To be honest, tofu wasn't it...hahaha. Good friend and Chef Wonil Lee opened the doors to his tofu haven early this May. When he first tried to explain the concept of his new place, I was like 'uh what? what was that again?' Traditional Korean served on beautiful earthenware with modern presentation...hmm. I seriously questioned this at first, because to be honest, there are tons of amazing Korean restaurants in Seoul. Lee has a background in contemporary European, but has an impressive palate for Korean cuisine. Thus, this is his true ambition.