[Seoul=RNX News] Reporter Kim Ye-eun = The shocking and laughter-filled gourmet journey of ‘Ttooboki Taste Squad’, who discovered the reverse charm of a familiar menu, captivated viewers’ eyes and taste buds from the first episode.
In the first broadcast aired on the 7th, Channel S and SK Broadband’s joint production ‘Ttooboki Taste Squad’ depicted Kwon Yul, Yeon Woo-jin, and Lee Jung-shin embarking on their first culinary journey to find hidden gourmet spots in Florence, Italy. The much-anticipated first menu was undoubtedly ‘pizza’.
On the recommendation of a local they met on the street, the three headed to a restaurant where they could taste traditional wood-fired pizza. They devoured pizzas with crispy texture and rich cheese flavor, a spicy and savory rose pizza, and a Capricciosa pizza reminiscent of a Korean-style combination pizza, each with a unique taste.
Kwon Yul and Yeon Woo-jin chose the welcome pizza as their ‘one pick’ due to its “faithful taste to the basics,” while Lee Jung-shin selected the Capricciosa pizza. Yeon Woo-jin sympathized with Kwon Yul’s review, saying, “Indeed, the same generation…” but soon added a reverse comment, “Oh… it really makes me angry,” bringing laughter.
As they grew weary under the intense 40-degree heat of Florence, the eldest Kwon Yul chanted the logo song “Ttoobi-Ttoobok~ Ttoobok~” to boost the morale of his younger brothers. However, ‘variety show novice’ Yeon Woo-jin shyly smiled, saying, “I can’t do it, it’s the only thing I can’t do.”
Kwon Yul remarked, “It’s rare for Woo-jin to look at the ground, but whenever this song comes on, he stares at the ground.” Inspired, he declared, “I’ll make sure he does this before he leaves,” showcasing his burning variety show spirit.
After struggling, the three found a gelato shop to briefly cool off with traditional Italian handmade gelato. Lee Jung-shin shared a service tip, saying, “I think you get more if you make a pretty face.”
Shortly after, when a clerk approached and offered biscuits as a service, Kwon Yul beamed with a satisfied ‘hyung smile’, saying, “Just now, Jung-shin looked so pretty.”
In the evening, they headed to a steak specialty restaurant to taste the authentic Fiorentina steak. Yeon Woo-jin surprised everyone by displaying his ‘broadcast sincerity’, stating, “I went to a steakhouse in Cheongdam-dong for comparison.”
However, their taste preferences varied when it came to the anticipated Fiorentina steak. Kwon Yul, in particular, tilted his head, saying, “It seems a bit tough because there’s no fat.” After dinner, Yeon Woo-jin shared his unusual impression, saying, “Italian foods are accessible and familiar in Korea, but the tastes were something I hadn’t fully experienced.”
As they wrapped up their schedule at the ‘sunset restaurant’, Michelangelo Square, while the older brothers were lost in the scenery, Lee Jung-shin humorously warned, “Watch out for your belongings, or you’ll get robbed,” emerging as an ’emotion breaker’ and inducing great laughter.
The ‘real’ local gourmet adventure of Kwon Yul, Yeon Woo-jin, and Lee Jung-shin’s ‘Ttooboki Taste Squad’, co-produced by Channel S and SK Broadband, airs every Thursday night at 9:20 PM. (Photo provided by Channel S, SK Broadband ‘Ttooboki Taste Squad’)