Gifts, Gifts, & More Gifts
- Judy T
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Judy here and it's been an exciting year so far with trips, weddings, and concerts.... and I've gotten more gifts than I can count. I feel pretty lucky because among the gifts I've gotten has been a customized tote bag with 'Kdrama Gmama' emblazoned on the front.... from a totally unknown admirer. Probably a Kdrama movie star has secretly been following me and decided to bestow it on me. If only I had a clue I could send him a thank you note... and arrange a romantic meeting.
I've also received a BTS t-shirt with a special logo (not the current 'Arirang' logo) that actually fits and is definitely ready for prime time. This from a special friend who is trying to get on my good side. (As if she needs to do that.) Plus I also was recently given some Red Ginseng & a BTS nail shiner available only in Korea from Tour Operator Extraordinaire, 이성아, aka Song.
But the piece de resistance is a gift from Barbara - a book titled Soju Party by Irene Yoo. Apparently Ms Yoo is a Korean American chef who runs restaurants in Boston of some aclaim. She spent summers in Korea with family and has fully embraced the soju culture. Her book is chockful of information and ideas. All the details of Soju drinking including how to to properly serve it to guests, why Kdramas show everyone moving from one bar to the next to continue drinking, snacks that are traditionally served with Soju (can't wait to try the Spam inspired dish,) games that are enjoyed while imbibing, special drink recipes (yep, the Somaek bomb is included,) and even a section on hangover remedies. The author thought of everything!
I feel pretty certain that my German Soju Partner will enjoy the book as much as me...
Having sat through an evening where Judy and Barbara imbibed soju, I can personally attest to how “animated” Judy has become with her favorite drink. She’s usually so shy and retiring (not), but this Korean drink takes her ebullient personality to a whole new level. This was the prefect present for her! ~ Pat
Barbara is definitely a soju convert! And look at that, a James Beard Award..... I am so cutting edge when it comes to all things food....
Aww, I'm so touched! 🫰 (can you see that minuscule finger-heart emoji? I saw that book, Judy, and thought it had your name written all over it! And, even though I know you're not into cooking, you might be impressed to know that the book recently won a James Beard Award, which is quite prestigious! https://youtube.com/shorts/9jcRXsN0jqo?si=ThOUnLwEqSZPZrRt I thought the book looked so pretty and informative that I bought myself a copy, too! As I've mentioned so many times, I thought soju was undrinkable until I shared a bottle (or two or...) with Judy while sitting outdoors at a little place in Seoul. And I agree that your German soju buddy will enjoy it, too. Maybe you can both whip together that Spam…