If you ever happen to interview Padma Lakshmi, do yourself a favor and let her pick the location. That way, you might just find yourself enjoying a piping hot plate of spicy orecchiette at an unassuming East Village trattoria while the former model converses in fluent Italian with the restaurant’s owner.　To anyone who’s watched “Top Chef,” the popular Bravo competition series that has introduced a generation of American TV viewers to phrases like sous-vide and mise en place, it should come as no

Books April 13, 2016

A Korean young adult novel is gaining popularity in Mexico, with positive reviews spreading via social media, the Literature Translation Institute of Korea said Friday. 　“Wizard Bakery” by Koo Byung-mo was published by Mexican publisher Nostra Ediciones under the translated title “La Panaderia Encantada” in December last year. 　Since then, the novel has been receiving positive responses on social media. Readers have posted reviews on over 30 blogs, prompting the publishing house to produce a sho

Books April 1, 2016

AUSTIN, Texas — These cyclists don’t choke down PowerBars or Gatorade. They’re not interested in going fast or finishing first. And Spandex shorts? Forget it.　Frankly, they prefer a slow-moving roll, fueled by bacon ravioli, glazed Brussels sprouts and trendy cocktails. As for appropriate gear, a dress and high-heeled boots will do just fine.　“I was a little bit scared, because I’m not the most coordinated person,” said Nicole Khalife of New York, who, along with her friend Mary Kenney of Chicag

Travel April 1, 2016

This Korean rolled omelet, gyeran mari, is made with gim (dried seaweed sheet). 　Gyeran mari is a staple side dish that is typically made with chopped vegetables. This gim variation uses a whole gim sheet. Gyeran mari is made by cooking beaten eggs into a thin sheet until almost set, then folding in layers, and cutting into pretty, eye-catching slices. 　It’s an easy dish to whip up! The key to making gyeran mari that’s tender and delicious is to cook it over a gentle heat. If the heat is too hig

Food April 1, 2016

 Spring hiking trips around the country　The Korea Tourism Organization has selected 10 hiking trails as “pleasant paths to stroll along” for the month of April.　Included in the list are the Ansan Jarak-gil on Seoul’s Mount Ansan, filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, the Namsan trail on Seoul’s Mount Namsan, the pathway next to Daecheongho Lake in Daejeon, South Chungcheong Province, and the Taehwagang River trail in Ulsan, South Gyeongsang Province.　Also included is the fossil trail in Hwa

Travel April 1, 2016

‘Brunch at the Park’ at Park Hyatt　Park Hyatt Seoul is presenting the “Brunch at the Park” promotion at its Italian restaurant Cornerstone, Cucina Italiana from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.　The brunch includes buffet-style appetizers and desserts; a main dish choice of fish of the day, steak, lobster, grilled lamb or beef burger; a glass of champagne, cocktail, or juice; and a cup of coffee or tea.　Buffet menus will change weekly. The brunch buffet is priced at 99,000 won for adults and 50,

Travel April 1, 2016

Chicken and beer in Daegu　The 2016 Chimac Festival, featuring Korea’s beloved combination of crispy fried chicken and cold beer, returns to Daegu.　The local government has approved selling beer at this year’s festival and fried chicken and beer will be sold in large quantities at booths throughout the festival grounds. Musical performances by K-pop stars will accompany the food and drinks.　The festival will take place at Duryu Park in Daegu’s Seongdang-dong from July 27-31. For inquiries, call (

Travel March 18, 2016