From Chaos to Camaraderie: ‘Backstreet Restaurant’ Cast Braves Storms and Setbacks
In the latest episode of ‘Backstreet Restaurant’, aired on June 22 by Joongang Tongyang Broadcasting Company (JTBC), rookie food vendors battled more than just culinary challenges. Rain showers, missing orders, and venue changes became the unseen opponents of the day—but the tight-knit cast turned adversity into bonds that warmed viewers’ hearts.
On the second day of operations for their bicycle-powered pop-up eatery, “Yorijori,” stars Ryu Soo-young, Hwang Kwanghee, Shin Hyunji, Bae Inhyuk, and Jeon Somi faced rapid ingredient shortages. Their signature dishes—spicy seafood rice cakes and honey-glazed fried chicken—ran out of key supplies. Ryu Soo-young swiftly adjusted the recipe, substituting crab with extra shrimp and mussels, while whipping up fresh chicken glaze on-site—demonstrating the skill and calm of a main chef under pressure.
Shin Hyunji, fluent in both Spanish and English, managed customers as cashier, while Jeon Somi dove into serving and setting tables. Their synergy was on full display when an eight-member family walked in. From setting up parasols during sudden rain to efficiently coordinating orders, their front-of-house teamwork drew smiles all around.
Meanwhile, the “chicken crew” of Bae Inhyuk and Hwang Kwanghee showed playful yet productive dynamics. Hwang, moved by sympathy, often snuck in extra chicken pieces, leading to a shortage. Bae quietly compensated by frying up additional portions, exemplifying true camaraderie. When a couple of honey chicken orders were lost to the wind, the group rallied quickly, recovering with resilient professionalism.
Despite weather setbacks, the crew sold 64 bowls—more than twice their first-day total. After the rush, emotional release followed. Jeon Somi, who had tirelessly worked the floor in the rain, broke down in tears, touched by simple words: “You did great.” She later prepared homemade guacamole at the dorm, noting, “We’ve been cooking for others, but never really for ourselves.” It was a gesture that re-energized everyone.
On the final day of the holiday weekend, chef Ryu took a gourmet gamble, crafting dishes like soy-braised beef ribs and Iberico pork japchae, infused with sherry wine and cheese. Yet, fierce winds at their original location drove them to shift to a less gusty plaza, delaying service until 4 p.m. The question loomed—could they still hit their ambitious goal of 100 servings?
The episode closed with a tease: the entrance of Michelin-starred chef Fabri. With fiery confidence, he declared, “Ryu may be an actor; I’m a chef. He can’t match my skills—and that’s just facts.” Promising a razor-sharp attitude toward competition yet a no-nonsense approach with teammates like Kwanghee, Fabri’s arrival upped the stakes dramatically. Viewers are eager to see what fireworks unfold in the kitchen battlefield next.
