Twinkie, Whitewashed, Banana… I have been referred by these connotations countless times. Growing up Korean American (Full blooded Korean/Born in USA) for me was not a particularly positive experience. Aside from the pubescent phase of mood swings and weight gain, I felt disconnected and wavered on where I “fit-in” in our supposed melting pot of society. I love my traditional Korean family and I immersed myself around my American friends, but somehow I wasn’t white enough or I wasn’t Korean enough. Can I just be ENOUGH?? During my emotional identity crisis, food has always been the element of comfort where taste never discriminates. When I eat savory spoonfuls of ugoji kalbi tang, I feel so proud to be Korean, so thrilled to enjoy the warm gusto of flavor! If I need to be All-American, I’ll just bite into a juicy hamburger straight off the grill and revel in the heavy juices flowing down my chin. Food is where I can be Konglish: Korean and English, a perfect blend of two lifestyles served in one dish of hot, cold, white, yellow or just plain delicious.
When I moved to San Francisco, I realized I AM NOT ALONE! I have made an abundance of Asian American friends who are able to balance their cultural heritage and American attitudes. The one thing missing: KOREAN FOOD. The comfort of good quality Korean food deeply lacks in this foodie city known for innovative restaurants and culinary science. As much I love fusion cuisine, there’s something beautiful about certain Korean foods that remains true to its traditions and how it evokes comforting memories that brings tranquility to my chaotic American lifestyle. I hope to maintain my balance by cooking traditional dishes and reflecting on how growing up in a Korean household in an American suburbia has shaped this fluent Konglish-speaking, food lovin' funster that is me.
Photo: Me on my 100th Day (Baek-Il - 백일). Never without a cookie :)
