Pioneer Works’ ample floor was covered in Red Hook luminaries Tuesday night for the launch of The Good Fork Cookbook, a collection of Chef Sohui Kim’s recipes hitting the shelves on November 1.
”Seeing this amazing turnout, it’s obvious that my children were right when they said, ‘mom’s a famous chef – dad’s a waiter that drinks beer,’” said Kim’s husband and business partner, Ben Schneider, from the stage. “We have one of the most talented, amazing, culinary teams… So this is really a toast to you.”
Kim herself, who turned 46 this past week, decided to merge the book release and her birthday party. After she came on stage and thanked everyone for their support, Schneider led the room in a deafening chorus of “Happy Birthday.” A cake shaped like the cookbook was paraded onstage.
The Good Fork restaurant opened in March 2006 at 391 Van Brunt Street, and has become a neighborhood favorite for its Korean-inspired American cuisine. They have a rotating menu and feature special cocktails such as the Sake To Me, which in addition to sake includes vodka, lemon, elderflower syrup, mint, and cremant. Schneider and Kim also recently opened Insa, a Korean barbecue and Karaoke bar, at 328 Douglas Street in Gowanus.
The event boasted drinks, Good Fork food, a permanent tattoo table, and live music. Neighborhood band 79.5 performed later in the evening, and the beautifully designed, 224-page cookbook was on proud display as well.
“[Kim’s] influences and techniques range from French and Italian to American and Korean, but every dish is comforting, unfussy,” says the website of Abrams Books, Kim’s publisher. “The Good Fork Cookbook shares the recipes that made The Good Fork Brooklyn’s favorite mom-and-pop shop.”
One recipe readers may look forward to is that of Kim’s trademark Korean-style Steak and Eggs with kimchee rice. The book also includes essays by Kim and Schneider about the origins of the Good Fork, which Schneider built himself.
“You guys are the pillars of this amazing community,” one Facebook commenter wrote on Kim’s wall after the event. “Thanks for throwing such a wonderful Red Hook bash! And congratulations on a splendid book.”
One Comment
Oh, Wow! Thanks for the Shout out Red Hook Star Revue! But I was joking on my facebook page when I said I turned 39! It was a post to thank all my friends who wrote on my wall to wish me a happy Birthday. I proudly turned 46! If you can note the change, I’d appreciate it! Many Thanks!
Sohui