"My Name is Gabriel and its locations1

“My Name is Gabriel” is the latest variety show set to captivate audiences by featuring top celebrities who swap lives with real people living abroad. According to the show’s producer, this innovative program promises compelling and authentic storytelling.

“My Name is Gabriel”, A Unique Travel Experience

The star-studded cast includes comedians Park Myung-soo and Hong Jin-kyung, actors Yeom Hye-ran, Park Bo-gum, and Ji Chang-wook, dancer Shin Ga-bee (Gabee), and TV personality Kim Jin-young (Dex). These seven celebrities embark on unique quests to live under different identities from various countries for 72 hours. For example, Park Myung-soo will experience life as Uti, a Thai citizen selling papaya salad in Chiang Mai City.

The show has generated significant interest, particularly because it is helmed by top producer Kim Tae-ho, renowned for directing popular programs like MBC’s “Infinite Challenge” and “Hangout with Yoo.”

Despite its promising premise, some concerns have been raised that the show’s format—celebrities experiencing different lives—resembles other popular programs such as ENA’s “When I Opened My Eyes,” where cast members live abroad with new occupations. Addressing these concerns, director Kim stated that “My Name is Gabriel” offers a more authentic storytelling approach. He emphasized that while current entertainment shows often feature celebrities leading fictional lives, his show portrays real individuals, bringing a more dramatic and emotive dimension to the narrative.

“My Name is Gabriel” will air simultaneously with tvN’s popular variety show “Jinny’s Kitchen 2,” directed by star director Na Young-seok. Director Kim views the simultaneous airing not as a disadvantage but as an opportunity to draw more viewers to television. He noted that even if you combine all the ratings from programs airing in the Friday night time slot, they don’t exceed 30 percent. Instead of seeing it as a competition for the same time slot, Kim sees it as a collection of quality programs concentrated in a prime commercial space, providing viewers with numerous choices to enjoy on Friday evenings.

The show is also be available for streaming on Disney+ and live-streamed exclusively on Tving.

In the first episode “My Name is Gabriel,” Tbilisi, Georgia is featured, and Dex takes on a new identity as ‘Lati,’ experiencing life as a wine jar maker for 72 hours. Let’s learn about Tbilisi, Georgia, and embark on this journey together.

Exploring Tbilisi, Georgia and the Art of Wine Jar Making Featured in “My Name is Gabriel”

Tbilisi is the vibrant and historic capital of Georgia, a country located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Nestled in the scenic valley of the Mtkvari River, Tbilisi boasts a rich history that spans over 1,500 years. The city’s diverse architecture reflects its complex past, with influences ranging from Eastern Orthodox churches to Art Nouveau buildings and Soviet Modernist structures.

Cultural and Historical Highlights:

Old Town (Dzveli Tbilisi): Wander through the narrow, winding streets lined with traditional wooden houses featuring intricate balconies.
Narikala Fortress: A historic fortress overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Tbilisi.
Sulfur Baths: Located in the Abanotubani district, these historic baths are fed by natural hot springs and are believed to have therapeutic properties.

Wine Culture in Georgia:

Georgia is often referred to as the cradle of wine, with a winemaking tradition that dates back over 8,000 years. The country is famous for its unique method of making wine using earthenware vessels known as qvevri (or kvevri).

The Art of Wine Jar Making:

In Tbilisi and the surrounding regions, the craft of making qvevri is a revered tradition passed down through generations. These large, egg-shaped clay vessels are buried underground and used for fermenting, storing, and aging wine. The process of making a qvevri involves several meticulous steps:

Clay Selection: Artisans select high-quality clay, which is then cleaned and prepared.
Shaping: The qvevri is shaped by hand, layer by layer, using a coiling technique. This process can take several weeks, depending on the size of the vessel.
Drying: After shaping, the qvevri is left to dry naturally in the sun for several weeks.
Firing: Once dried, the qvevri is fired in a kiln at high temperatures to harden the clay and make it durable.
Wax Coating: The interior of the qvevri is coated with beeswax to ensure it is impermeable and to protect the wine from direct contact with the clay.

Dex’s Experience as ‘Lati’:

In the show “My Name is Gabriel,” Dex takes on the role of ‘Lati,’ immersing himself in the life of a qvevri maker in Tbilisi for 72 hours.

Hotels in Tbilisi, Georgia

Stamba Hotel

Location: 14, Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Features:

Located in a former Soviet-era printing house, Stamba Hotel boasts a unique blend of industrial aesthetics and modern luxury.
Spacious rooms with high ceilings, vintage furniture, and large windows.
Amenities include a rooftop pool, a library, a garden, and several dining options.

Making a Reservation: Stamba Hotel

The Biltmore Tbilisi Hotel

Location: 29 Shota Rustaveli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia

Features:

Situated on the prestigious Rustaveli Avenue, this luxury hotel offers stunning views of the city and the Mtkvari River.
Features include a rooftop bar, an indoor pool, a spa, and a fitness center.
Rooms are elegantly designed with contemporary decor and modern amenities.

Making a Reservation: The Biltmore Hotel Tbilisi

Rooms Hotel Tbilisi

Location: 14 Merab Kostava St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Features:

Known for its chic and trendy design, Rooms Hotel Tbilisi is a favorite among young travelers and creatives.
The hotel features stylish rooms with modern amenities, a cozy library bar, and a vibrant restaurant.
Located in the Vera district, it offers easy access to Tbilisi’s cultural and nightlife scenes.

Making a Reservation: Rooms Hotel Tbilisi

Famous Restaurants in Tbilisi, Georgia

1. Barbarestan

Location: 132 Davit Aghmashenebeli Ave, Tbilisi, Georgia

Features:

Named after the 19th-century Georgian cookbook author Barbare Jorjadze, Barbarestan offers traditional Georgian cuisine with a modern twist.
The menu features a variety of dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, reflecting the rich culinary heritage of Georgia.
The restaurant’s ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a memorable dining experience.

Website: Barbarestan

Google Maps: Barbarestan on Google Maps

Shavi Lomi

Location: 28 Zurab Kvlividze St, Tbilisi, Georgia

Features:

Shavi Lomi, meaning “Black Lion” in Georgian, is known for its creative approach to traditional Georgian dishes.
The restaurant features a charming garden setting, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed meal.
The menu includes a variety of innovative dishes that highlight the flavors of Georgian cuisine.

Website: Shavi Lomi

Google Maps: Shavi Lomi on Google Maps

3. Keto and Kote

Location: 3 Mikheil Zandukeli Dead End, Tbilisi, Georgia

Features:

Keto and Kote is set in a picturesque courtyard, offering a serene dining experience away from the bustling city streets.
The restaurant serves a variety of traditional Georgian dishes with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The elegant decor and peaceful atmosphere make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

Website: Keto and Kote

Google Maps: Keto and Kote on Google Maps

Where do you fly into for Georgia country?

Georgia has 3 international airports: in the capital city Tbilisi, in Kutaisi and in Batumi. All three airports have a connection to public transport services (i.e. buses and taxis). There is a scheduled fast train from Tbilisi airport to the Tbilisi railway station in the city center.

Making a Flight Reservation for Georgia

Information about Dex: South Korea’s Rising Star

Dex, a former Republic of Korea Navy non-commissioned officer, has made a remarkable transition from military service to becoming a beloved television personality. Commissioned in 2016 as part of the 251st class, Dex completed the rigorous UDT/SEAL 62-2 course and served for four years in the elite Special Missions Battalion of the Naval Special Warfare Brigade. Notably, in 2018, he was deployed for eight months to the United Arab Emirates as part of the 13th contingent of the Ark Unit.

After his discharge in 2020, Dex’s charisma and unique background quickly caught the public’s eye. He first gained widespread recognition appearing on the military-themed web show “Fake Men 2” on Physical Gallery and the survival show “Bloody Game” on MBC in 2021. His popularity soared in 2022 with his appearance on Netflix’s reality show “Single’s Inferno 2,” which earned him a substantial fan base both domestically and internationally.

In 2023, Dex continued to captivate audiences with his appearances on MBC’s “Around the World in a Birth Year 2 and 3,” solidifying his status as a versatile and engaging television personality.

The name ‘Dex’ is derived from ‘ENDEX,’ a military term meaning ‘end of exercise.’ Initially intending to use the full term, he shortened it to ‘Dex’ at the suggestion of the “Fake Men 2” production team.

Dex’s journey from a dedicated serviceman to a beloved TV star showcases his adaptability and charm, making him a rising star in South Korea’s entertainment industry.

“My Name is Gabriel” and its Locations 1-1: Georgia

“My Name is Gabriel”, A Unique Travel Experience