Chicken and beer: two great things that go great together. So great, in fact, that a whole industry—and a booming one at that—has developed in South Korea around their pairing. It’s called chimaek, and if you’re going to be in Seoul for the upcoming World Barista Championship at the Seoul Cafe Show, then you’re invited to partake in a little chicken and beer of your own at Cafe Imports’ Chimek: Chicken + Beer party taking place at Namusairo Coffee.
A portmanteau of the Korean words for chicken and beer—chi and maekju, respectively—chimaek (alternately spelled as chimek) has elevated to a national pastime in Seoul, a way to relax with friend during the evening. There’s no real limitation on the types of chicken or beer, other than that the chicken is fried in some manner. And on November 10th, Cafe Imports is joining forces with Namusairo Coffee (sponsored by LetSequoia and your favorite coffee blog Sprudge) to celebrate the new Korean tradition of chimaek.
I find it despicable that there is no singular English word expressing the sheer joy that comes from enjoying chicken and beer together. America is the capitol of fried foods; we chicken fry our steaks, we’ve deep-fried beer. Heretofore the word “cheer” refers to poultry/brew-related emotions. I mean, do you know the etymology of cheer? You don’t. It’s probably chicken and beer.
Starting at 8:00pm, join Cafe Imports et al for some fried chicken, beer, and chill out good times after the head-spinning action from the World Barista Championship and Seoul Cafe Show. And the best part is, it’s free! Chicken! Beer! Free(dom)! ‘MERICA! SOUTH KOREA!
For more information or to RSVP, visit the Chimek: Chicken + Beer Facebook event page.
Zac Cadwalader is the news editor at Sprudge Media Network and a staff writer based in Dallas. Read more Zac Cadwalader on Sprudge.
*images via Cafe Imports