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Food has always been a big part of my life. Being born into a rather food-obsessed family, with a mother who took the time to cook everything from scratch, I was constantly surrounded by authentic home-cooked Korean Food as a child. More about Judy

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@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageJust a little more from the final chapter of my South American adventure—Argentina. 🇦🇷

I wrapped the trip in the dazzling, delicious swirl that is Buenos Aires, a city I’ve loved for years and happily return to whenever I can. It has that irresistible European elegance—one minute you feel like you’re strolling through the south of France, the next like you’ve wandered onto a sunny piazza in Italy. Add world-class wine, legendary beef, and a dining scene buzzing with energy, and you’ve got a city that knows exactly how to live well.

This time, I slipped just outside the city for a proper gaucho moment at Estancia La Bamba de Areco. @relaischateaux The estancia feels like stepping into an old Argentine novel—sweeping pampas, whispering eucalyptus trees, wide verandas made for long glasses of Malbec, and rooms filled with beautiful equestrian antiques. And the horses—magnificent polo horses grazing across the fields like living sculptures.

Of course, the highlight was an authentic asado: flames crackling, smoky ribbons of beef slowly caramelizing over the grill, and that unmistakable perfume of wood smoke and sizzling fat drifting through the air. Pure Argentine magic.

Back in Buenos Aires, the meat pilgrimage continued with a spectacular feast at Corte Charcutería @cortecharcuteria and Corte Comedor @cortecomedor. These places are legendary for a reason. The rooms buzz with hungry diners—some still rolling in with suitcases in hand, clearly making this their very first stop in BA—and after one bite, you understand why.

Every cut was juicy, deeply flavorful, and impossibly tender. And the charcuterie? Absolutely brilliant. The kind that makes you pause mid-bite and appreciate the craft, patience, and passion behind it. @juanfrantula 

Buenos Aires, you seductive city—you had me at the first glass of Malbec and the first perfectly charred slice of beef. And yes, I’ll absolutely be back for more. 🍷🥩✨ A special thanks to @cazenove_and_loyd @beckyfenn87 for arranging it all!7 hours ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile image🔥 The first-round battles continue on @foodnetwork’s Tournament of Champions VII.

@guyfieri returns with four more intense sudden-death matchups as @chefnininguyen faces off against @chef.joe.sasto, @chefkleeokc battles @chefadamgreenberg, and @chef_rescigno takes on Michelin-starred @cheftentori.

In the final showdown of the night, another mystery culinary icon is revealed to face qualifier winner @katsujitanabe.👀

Tune in Sunday, March 8 at 8pm ET.

Had so much fun judging alongside the amazing @chefantonia & @roccodispirito.

Thank you @rebeccavallance for my denim suit and @toryburch for my blouse. 🙏🙏❤️❤️

@FoodNetwork #TournamentOfChampions
@HBOMax @DiscoveryPlus1 week ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageMore from my South America adventure ✨ After Peru, we headed to Argentina and Brazil to finally see Iguazu Falls—a place I’ve been quietly (okay, obsessively) dreaming about for years. One of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, and the world’s largest waterfall system, Iguazu is made up of more than 275 cascades plunging up to 82 meters on the Argentina–Brazil border. And in rainy season? The water volume can swell to 7.5 times its usual flow—up to 3.4 million gallons every second. Translation: every other waterfall now feels like a kitchen tap.

Seeing Iguazu in person was jaw-dropping, humbling, and wildly emotional. Truly one of the most extraordinary natural sights I’ve ever experienced—and absolutely worthy of a prime spot on everyone’s bucket list. Do both sides if you can: Argentina immerses you inside the falls, while Brazil gives you sweeping panoramas—and private boat and helicopter tours you can’t do on the Argentine side.

We stayed at the exceptional Awasi Iguazú @awasiexperience (a longtime favorite since Patagonia, and yes—another Relais & Châteaux gem). Awasi’s bespoke approach is next level: your own private guide and vehicle, daily excursions tailored exactly to what you want, plus private after-hours access to the park and train to Devil’s Throat—meaning we experienced the falls without the crowds. Absolute magic.

Evenings were spent dining outdoors on an open terrace, listening to the jungle’s nightly symphony—birds, frogs, cicadas all chiming in. The food was fantastic, the atmosphere unforgettable, and I even spotted my very first toucan in the wild. Pure joy.

Huge thank you to Cazenove+Lloyd @cazenove_and_loyd for seamlessly handling every detail of the journey—and special gratitude to @beckyfenn87 for saving the day when our flights were canceled and rerouted with calm, grace, and superhero efficiency.

The music for this reel is from The Mission, filmed on location at the falls and starring Robert De Niro and Jeremy Irons. The score—by the legendary Ennio Morricone—has long been one of my favorites, and hearing it while standing before those falls felt perfectly, powerfully full-circle.
#judyjoo #travel #iguazu #bucketlisttravel3 weeks ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageMore from my Peru journey—and this chapter was pure magic. 

My trip was beautifully planned by Cazenove+Lloyd @cazenove_and_loyd, and I soaked up every moment exploring the Sacred Valley, set high at 9,200 feet and overflowing with jaw-dropping views, ancient history, and quiet moments of wonder.

We wandered through the remarkable Maras Salt Mines, carved directly into the valley—where mineral-rich mountain stones naturally yield salt prized for its purity, minerals, and superior taste. Nearby, ancient Incan ruins reveal that ingenious tiered agricultural engineering, both a necessity and a marvel to behold.

We stayed at the utterly divine Sol y Luna Hotel @solylunahotel—tucked into the valley and surrounded by lush gardens where hummingbirds and butterflies seem to appear on cue. The food was a true highlight (Relais & Châteaux always gets it right), with soulful local specialties (Cuy!) alongside a few comforting standbys—yes, a soy milk latte always finds me!

Visiting the Sol y Luna Foundation @solylunafoundation, which includes a school and “orphanage” (the kids are not technically orphans, but they have very challenging home situations), was incredibly moving. I fell in love with some of the children—especially those who simply wanted to be held. 

I also had the chance to indulge in a traditional Pachamanca lunch at @Las_Qolqas (a charming eco glamping haven)—one of the Andes’ most meaningful culinary rituals. Pachamanca, which means “earth pot” in Quechua, is both a dish and an ancient cooking method: marinated meats like lamb, pork, and chicken, along with potatoes, corn, and beans, are layered with aromatic herbs such as huacatay, wrapped in leaves, and slow-cooked underground over hot stones. The result is unforgettable—smoky, tender, and infused with deep, earthy flavors that truly reflect the land. 

Add long hikes, an adventurous off-road bike ride alongside a roaring river through the mud, and days filled with delicious meals, muddy shoes, and endless smiles, and I had a Sacred Valley experience I’ll never forget.
#travelgram #peru #judyjoo #cheflife 
@beckyfenn873 weeks ago via Instagram
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