When you have famous international chefs and journalists in Korea's largest and most popular farming co-operative, what do you get? Lots of "ooohs" and "aaaahs." Seoul Gourmet 2010 is in the full swing of things and it is going very smoothly. The first official outing was an press exclusive showing of Hanaro Market in the southern part of Seoul. Hanaro has a strict policy of no press. I've tried to take pictures there before and I was asked (politely) to delete the pictures. Chefs Carlo Cracco, Sang-Hoon Degeimbre, Luigi biasetto, and Fernando del Cerro were in the market checking the quality of the ingredients. Many international journalists including people from El Mundo, Travel and Leisure, and the Huffington Post were in attendance. It was a great first outing. Journalists and Chefs at Hanaro Mart in Southern Seoul A Search for Ingredients at Hanaro Mart in Southern Seoul Acclaimed Italian Confetioner Luigi Biasetto (far right) and his Sous-ch...

SM restaurant in Yangjae is like a vegan/vegetarian oasis in Seoul. The atmosphere is surprisingly calm and pleasant. The outside is offset by an outside sitting area and patio that is adorned with various plants and flowers. The part-time staff is friendly and welcoming.The lunch service costs 13,000 won. Lunch runs from 12-2:30 and dinner is from 6-9. Both services are usually quite lively. Local monks are usually regulars customers there as well, no doubt drawn by the incredible all-you-can-eat buffet. The buffet features a variety of faux meat dishes such as the smoky vegetarian bulgogi and spicy mixed mushrooms with vegetarian "ham". The best pretender of all is definitely the meatless tangsuyuk- fried vegetarian pork with a sweet and sour glaze. Also on the buffet were delicious tofu and vegetable side dishes. The large buffet incorporates a small salad bar with an assortment of lettuces, nuts, bread and fruit complimented by the restaurant's delicious homemade j...