Following the success of 'Peru Bob,' SBS's 'Jungle Bob 2 - Caribbean Bob' is set to air its first episode on Thursday, the 17th, at 9 PM. The show features Ryu Soo-young, Kim Ok-bin, Lee Joon, and Yoon Nam-no as they embark on a culinary journey to the Dominican Republic's Caribbean Sea. The program promises to captivate viewers with its breathtaking emerald sea views and unique recipes, from a fresh tuna dissection show to dessert artistry at a cacao farm.
When asked about his experiences in the Caribbean, Chef Yoon Nam-no said, "Every moment was memorable. The tuna dish and the crayfish noodle soup were dishes I couldn't even attempt in Seoul due to their high cost," drawing attention with his remarks.
He continued, "Harvesting cacao fruits and various other fruits to create desserts with freshly roasted cacao and chocolate was unforgettable. Soo-young even said it was the best chocolate dessert he ever had, thanks to the quality ingredients. The romance and emotion of cooking bell peppers and green onions over a wood fire, and grilling avocados, are memories I will never forget."
Regarding his chemistry with Ryu Soo-young, Kim Ok-bin, and Lee Joon, Yoon Nam-no admitted, "I was a bit intimidated by them being celebrities. I thought Soo-young might be sharp in the kitchen, Ok-bin might be a bit aloof, and Joon's intense gaze from 'Ninja Assassin' was intimidating. But they turned out to be the complete opposite of what I expected."
He added, "They were incredibly gentle, well-mannered, and kind-hearted. Especially with Joon, we both shared a goofy character, which made us get along even better. When I'm not cooking, I'm just a silly guy, and Joon is great at laughing and having fun, so we clicked well," he said, bringing a smile.
Discussing the 'culinary adventure' of sourcing local ingredients, Yoon Nam-no said, "I was initially worried. As the 'kitchen helper,' I felt useless without ingredients." However, he found an abundance of ingredients, saying, "The variety of vegetables, meats, fruits, and cacao was overwhelming. It felt like a playground full of toys, and if I couldn't make something great, it was on me."
When asked how he incorporated his unique style into 'Caribbean Bob,' Yoon Nam-no replied, "I prefer hearty and appetizing dishes over pretty ones." He explained, "Having trained in Japanese and French cuisine, I tried to create diverse dishes like fusion noodle soup with Western techniques, Japanese-style aged sashimi, Mexican-style tuna dishes, and French-inspired desserts. I even made spicy instant noodles for the hardworking staff, experimenting with Korean, Western, Chinese, Japanese, and late-night snacks."
Regarding the most memorable dish during filming, he said, "I wanted to showcase a dessert that captured the essence of cacao production." Yoon Nam-no shared, "The mousse au chocolat made with cacao powder, freshly harvested papaya, passion fruit, and rum was one of the best desserts I've ever made. It wasn't my skill but the incredible ingredients. The tuna dish paired with guacamole made from giant avocados was a perfect match. The local ingredients were so delicious on their own, and I just added a touch of my technique. The tuna and the ingredients were a match made in heaven."
When asked about his culinary appeal compared to Ryu Soo-young, known as the 'home-cooked meal master,' Yoon Nam-no said, "I don't stick to one style. I blend Asian and European cuisines, keeping the main ingredient as the star while adding variations with sauces. My recipes are unique because they can transform a dish into either an Asian or European style with just one sauce."
He also discussed how the Caribbean environment influenced his culinary philosophy, saying, "I realized even more that ingredients are the most important. A touch of romance with these ingredients is all you need. No matter how skilled a chef is, they can't surpass the quality of the ingredients."
Finally, when asked about the show's highlights, Yoon Nam-no expressed confidence, saying, "Honestly, with how busy I am these days, there must be a reason I joined this program. You can look forward to 'kitchen helper' Yoon Nam-no. I'm confident that once you see my cooking, you'll be hooked."
'Caribbean Bob' premieres on Thursday, the 17th, at 9 PM.
(SBS Entertainment News | Kang Sun-ae)