Hiromi and I met in Seoul late at night Friday, and woke up insanely early (6am) after too little sleep. After a breakfast of al bap for Hiromi (tarako or cod roe on rice) and cool bibimbap for me, we got on the bus to meet an eGullet acquaintance in Icheon, a town I've only previously visited for its biennial pottery festival.
And we're off...
Our driver gets caught shoulder-driving and passing on the right...
He gets a little scolding.
Finally, we make it to Icheon, which, in addition to being a pottery destination, is also a major rice producing area. At Cheng Mok restaurant in Icheon, it's all about the rice.
Apparently, this particular rice and preparation, ssal bap, was considered suitable for royalty. But you might want a few things to accompany the rice...
Some simple pajeon (scallion pancakes)...
Ssam (lettuce and other leaves) for wrapping various treats...
Gratuitous gimchi (kimchi) porn...
Dwaenjang (miso) soup with cabbage.
Grilled fish (for the carnivores in our party)
We leave fat and happy...
