Ep 1. Jeong Kwan

Jeong Kwan is an episode of Chef's Table season 3 that showcases the life and work of a monk who has become a culinary sensation in South Korea. Jeong Kwan is a Buddhist monk who has spent her entire life cooking in her temple in the mountains, creating out-of-the-world plant-based delicacies with simple ingredients grown on her own abode. Her cooking is not something confined to the narrow walls of her temple; her recipes and preparation methods have garnered international attention and inspired many acclaimed chefs worldwide.

Jeong Kwan is a person of simplicity and grace, and her restaurant reflects just that. It is a small space tucked away in the mountains, with unassuming interiors. She is known to work with the freshest ingredients with no deviations from the traditional methods and recipes. Jeong Kwan believes that cooking is a form of meditation and that food must be soulful and nourishing, not just for the body but also for the spirit. Her culinary skills are rooted in the teachings of her Buddhist faith, and her food is a reflection of her mindfulness.

The episode explores Jeong Kwan's life, her philosophy, and her culinary skills. It opens with Jeong Kwan walking from the temple into the forest in search of the freshest ingredients she can get for her meal of the day. Her search takes her to a lotus pond, where she picks the lotus root that will be the star in her recipe for the day - lotus stew. She describes how cooking for her is not just about creating delicious food but also about being in sync with nature and the universe.

The episode then shifts to Jeong Kwan's past, where she discusses her early years of cooking and how she eventually became a monk. She explains how the kitchen in her temple is her happy place, where she can express her creativity and cook for her fellow monks and visitors. Her recipes are all rooted in the Buddhist philosophy of simplicity, balance, and harmony. She believes that one must cook with mindfulness, care, and intention, removing all ego and personal biases from the dish.

The episode also features interviews with other notable chefs, who speak highly of Jeong Kwan's cooking and her impact on the culinary world. They describe her food as a unique blend of simplicity, depth, and soulfulness, and praise her deep understanding of flavors and textures. They attribute their inspiration to her approach to cooking and describe how her food and philosophy have influenced their own cooking styles.

Jeong Kwan's cooking is not something that can be taught in a culinary school or replicated with a recipe; it is an art form that comes from the heart. The episode beautifully captures the essence of her culinary style, her art, and her philosophy. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves food, mindfulness, and spirituality. Jeong Kwan's story is one of passion, dedication, and above all, love for cooking. Her food is not just about flavor but about a journey of the mind, body, and soul that culminates in a beautifully crafted dish.