Danmuji
The recipe calls for water, rice vinegar, sugar, turmeric, and, of course, sliced daikon – a hybrid of a carrot and a rolling pin. The turmeric was unexpected, but will give the danmuji its signature neon yellow color and allow “quick pickling.” Okay. I boil the mixture and feel like a fraud in my concrete kitchen in a Lego-house condo in an East Austin development that has its own logo and economics-themed street names. I peek through mini blinds at a smug corgi mix trotting up Stock Avenue on a cheetah-print retractable leash. I am not a streetside eatery with white tiles, orange tabletops, little blue stools. I do not have a giant rice cooker or plastic-wrapped counter dedicated to kimbap construction. My streets are wide and my sidewalk is even. But the pickling juice is boiling, ready. I pour it over the radish slices in an open Tupperware. It sloshes and settles. The steam makes the container feel just a little too malleable. It’s fine. I place it in the fridge next to the pasta sauce and leave a dusting of turmeric on the cutting board, a trail exposing my attempt, and sit, mouth half watering, half waiting to get caught. Jenna Jaco is a 2015-2016 ETA at Changpyeong High School in Jeollanam-do.
7th Heaven (Seogwipo)
Review by Rachel Brooks, ETA 2014-2016 City: Seogwipo Restaurant Name: 7th Heaven Foods Served: coffee, juices, sandwiches, breakfast foods Restaurant Address: 409 Taepyung-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do 제주시 서귀포시 태평로 409 Directions: The cafe is not too far from the Dongmun and Jungang Rotary bus stops in Seogwipo. Cost: around 8,000 – 12,000 won for coffee and food While on our way to eat somewhere else one night, my friend and I tucked into this tiny establishment to avoid downpour from a thunderstorm and decided to try our luck here. Primarily a brunch spot for mid-morning customers, 7th Heaven serves an assortment of options food and drink options. We arrived around 7pm and well after the brunch menu had ended. With shattered hopes of brunch for dinner, we were pleasantly surprised when the kind woman behind the counter offered to make us grilled cheese paninis for 5,000 won. The panini, while not traditionally an option, was promptly added to the chalkboard menu at the end of our visit. The food did not disappoint and was the perfect meal to enjoy during the gloomy weather. I only wish there was a side of tomato soup. The toasty bread and blend of cheeses made for a great combination, but customers — especially those who are vegetarian — should note that the grilled cheese panini also came with a thinly sliced piece of ham inside. In addition to the kindness and flexibility of the staff, the homey decor and vibrant art for sale add to a warm atmosphere. I’ve only tried the hot white mocha (4,000 won), but they have your usual array of coffee choices. If you’re not in the mood for coffee, choose from their ade (5,000 won), smoothie (6,000 won), tea (4,000 won), and fruit juice (6,000won) options. Food includes pancakes (7,000 won), ciabatta (7,000 won), bagels (3,000 won), honey butter bread (6,500 won), cheesecake (4,500 won), and even homemade yogurt (4,000 won). If you find yourself hungry in Seogwipo, certainly stop by this hidden gem.
Selfie Contest Winner: Grace Lee
First-year ETA Grace Lee is the winner of our selfie contest! Grace took these selfies with her 6-year-old-cousin. We asked her a few questions: What was it like meeting your 6-year-old cousin the first two times? I didn’t even know I had a second cousin until I was visiting my uncle’s family on my dad’s side in Busan. It had been two years since my family was able to see my cousin and her family. So I was really happy to meet my second cousin for the first time! His name is 영이. He was shy at first but once I sat down to ask him questions about his Legos and what he had made, he let me play with him. He beat me at car racing! I wanted to take photos with him and didn’t realize he was making silly faces until a few photos afterwards so I played along. I really enjoyed meeting him and I won’t have a chance to meet him again before I leave Korea but I’ll definitely remember our first time meeting each other. What are five words you would use to describe your cousin Patient, silly, inquisitive, welcoming, and kind. I know sometimes little kids can be shy but he opened right up once he knew I wanted to play with him. We also read an English book together – “Wheels on the bus go round and round,” and it was interactive where he had a “Say Pen,” so when you pressed the pen onto the words on the book, it would narrate the story to you. He sat in my lap and we read and sang the words from the book together. What has been your most precious moment with your cousin? The most precious moment with him was having him sit in my lap reading an English book was really special to me. Also, just being able to be silly with him with the funny selfies was a lot of fun. He’s a natural behind the camera and I definitely see him being a jokester as he grows older. A poem by the Editor-in-Chief, inspired by these silly selfies: That first conversation: what should the warm-up question be? What’s this book about? Shall we sing together and read? As the magic “Say Pen” reads the words aloud you imagine the wheels on the bus go ‘round One day stacking Lego blocks again might remind you of this song you sang when you were young. You might wonder where the tune came from. Where will you be when the song pulls you back to these four pictures? A different selfie-style pose before each screen flicker As soon as you grow as tall as your laughter, don’t forget what these pictures have captured: that first afternoon in Busan meeting Grace, your cousin smiling after the toy car race you were happy to win.