Star chef Choi Hyun-seok, at the center of the ‘Black and White Chef’ syndrome, reveals the story of how he became a contestant.
Today (5th) at 8:50 PM, TV Chosun's cultural program ‘Food Guest Heo Young-man's Baekban Gihang’ (hereinafter ‘Baekban Gihang’) will take a New Year’s culinary journey to Eumseong & Jincheon in Chungcheongbuk-do with star chef Choi Hyun-seok, who is at the center of the ‘Black and White Chef’ syndrome.
Choi Hyun-seok, a top fine dining owner-chef and a jack of all trades, has become a hot topic by participating in ‘Black and White Chef’ not as a judge but as a contestant. Having participated as a judge in cooking competitions several times, he initially thought he was invited as a judge when he received the offer. However, after the PD suggested that he would fit better as a contestant, he gladly accepted the offer and showed his composure as a 30-year veteran chef by saying to the PD, “If possible, please choose someone good as my opponent.” His behind-the-scenes story of appearing on ‘Black and White Chef’ will be revealed on the show.
With the ‘Black and White Chef’ craze bringing him a second peak in his career, Choi Hyun-seok is said to be so busy that he sometimes skips meals. When food guest Heo Young-man asks, “As a husband and head of the family, what score would you give yourself?” Choi Hyun-seok humorously replies, “It wouldn’t be a high score, but I’m a student who has the potential to receive a higher score in the future.” He also shows his dedication as a family man, stating that although he doesn’t have much time to spend with his family due to his busy schedule, he always tries to go on family trips no matter how busy he is. When asked, “What score would you give yourself as a chef?” he responds, “Quite a high score,” showcasing his self-love typical of the original boastful chef, eliciting laughter.
Meanwhile, Choi Hyun-seok and food guest Heo Young-man visit a restaurant selected as one of the ‘Best Rice Restaurants in Chungcheongbuk-do’ to taste nutritious rice set meals and soy sauce marinated crabs. Choi Hyun-seok reportedly couldn’t put down his spoon, reminiscing about the meals his grandmother used to make due to the bland taste. He gives a special compliment, saying, “The ultimate taste must be light.” Additionally, they experience a unique dish of handmade dough with crushed pumpkin that has a yellow hue, served with broth.
The sumptuous meal that provided rest and inspiration to chef Choi Hyun-seok in the inland region of Chungbuk will be featured today (5th) at 8:50 PM on ‘Baekban Gihang’.
[Kim So-yeon, Star Today Reporter]
