Leche Babines (Seoul)

Finding European ingredients in Seoul is much easier than it used to be, particularly following the FTA. But fresh veggies, with a low carbon footprint? That would mean producing in Korea, where farmers tend to overuse pesticides and fertilizers. Ideally, the approach should embrace the slow food and bio trends, but that would be too much to ask.

That's the challenge Aurore and Yongnae took up with "Leche babines", which could be translated with "chop-licking". The Chebu-dong based Belgian-Korean duo set up a Facebook group to crowdsource suggestions and wishes from the community, took part to local events, and even had this small store in Tongui-dong (at the heart of Seochon sur Seine). "Leche babines" sell online a stimulating selection of food you can't easily find in Seoul: artichoke, fennel, leek, shallots, endives, green beans, asparagus, even rabbit meat!

I'm actually licking my chops right now, just visualizing all possibilities (now I even have olfactory illusions).

Enfin! What a relief! Last year, my pathetic attempt of growing leek succeeded only in feeding local magpies. Better let the pros handle it.

LECHE BABINES
Tel +82.10.7181.8829 (FR, EN) - +82.10.8765.0602 (KR)
website: leche-babines.com
Facebook: facebook.com/Lechebabines

Seoul Village 2012
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UPDATE 20120814

A new 'Leche Babines' shop opens tomorrow near Gwanghwamun Station exit 8. Check their Facebook page for the map, which points to the Midopa Gwanghwamun Building facing KMI Medical Center:

(thank you Aurore for the good news!)

Approved for adoption (Couleur de peau: miel)

Adoption is a long a tough process for everyone, and a film tackling the issue sure isn't a walk in the park. Now an autobiographical animation movie / documentary on adoption, imagine the challenge...

After years of hard work, "Approved for adoption" ("Couleur de peau: miel" in French - "Skin color: honey") will be released in France on June 6, and the following week in Belgium, the country that adopted Jung shortly after he was found, at the age of 5, wandering alone on the streets of Seoul.

Now* a 42 year old cartoonist married to another adopted Korean, Jung returns for the first time to his hometown, an emotional journey directed by Laurent Boileau and Jung.

I've been waiting for this jewel for quite some time, and I can't wait to share the trailer that's just been released today (in French - no subtitles yet):




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* make that 47 today... a long process, indeed.