Ep 1. Kildare to South Korea

Tastes Like Home season 2 episode 1 takes viewers on a culinary journey from the Irish county of Kildare to the bustling streets of South Korea. Host and professional chef Catherine Fulvio begins her adventure in Kildare, where she meets a local couple who have created a unique farm-to-fork dining experience on their property.

Catherine samples some delicious Irish beef, fresh vegetables, and homemade cheese while learning about the importance of sustainable agriculture. She also gets a lesson in traditional Irish dancing and music from her hosts before bidding them farewell and heading on to her next destination: South Korea.

Upon arriving in Seoul, Catherine is immediately thrown into the hustle and bustle of the city, filled with vibrant street food markets and cutting-edge restaurants. With the help of a local translator, she sets out to explore the culinary customs that have defined Korean cuisine for centuries.

Her first stop is a cozy restaurant serving up piping hot bowls of bibimbap, a hearty rice dish topped with veggies, meat, and a fried egg. Catherine revels in the authentic flavors and says that the dish almost reminds her of the classic Irish breakfast. She then tries out some Korean-style fried chicken at a nearby food truck, marveling at the mouth-watering combination of crispy skin and tender meat.

Next, Catherine takes a trip to a tea shop, where she gets to sample various varieties of traditional Korean tea. She is impressed by the delicate flavors and aromas of the teas, and learns about how they are crafted by hand using fresh ingredients. After a brief chat with the shop owner, Catherine decides to try her hand at making her own blend of Korean tea.

The final stop on Catherine's Korean food tour is a visit to a restaurant specializing in live octopus, a dish that is not for the faint of heart. The octopus is so fresh that it is still squirming on the plate, and Catherine admits to feeling a bit intimidated at first. However, after giving it a try, she finds that the dish is incredibly flavorful and boasts a unique texture.

Overall, Tastes Like Home season 2 episode 1 is a fascinating look at how food can bring people together across cultures and miles. Catherine Fulvio's passion for exploring new tastes and techniques shines through in every segment, and viewers are sure to be inspired to try out some new dishes of their own.