KIMCHI
Food! I dream of food! More specifically, I dream of Korean food.
Not long after I was incarcerated, I realized minority cultures suffered greater losses than the average adult in custody. Yes, we all feel the separation from family and friends. We all miss our clothing, homes, and the list goes on and on. Sadly, for those of us from immigrant communities, we’ve lost so much more. I’ve lost our cultural holidays, language, and yes, food.
I became an avid food show watcher. Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-in and Dives or Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations quickly became favorites. I lived to see glimpses of Korean food. A trend began to form. Traditional Korean food ingredients and seasonings were being incorporated into American foods. Kimchi in macaroni and cheese? Bulgogi in grilled cheese sandwiches? At first, I was shocked and a little offended. How dare they sully my foods! Years passed and I began to dream of Kimchi burritos and deep-fried sushi. Why not? Isn’t this great country a melting pot? Of course, Kimchi fondue makes sense as I am a melting pot. My mother was American Caucasian and my father Korean.
To my great-great granddaughter: Has Korean influence in food survived? How is it incorporated in future foods. Do you eat seaweed lasagna or maybe foie gras potstickers? What about ramen pizza? Do you dream of food? Do you think of how it connects you to the past? Does the craving for Kimchi reside in your DNA? May the flavors of the past, season your future. |AK
