We wanted to have one special dinner in Seoul since our dear friend Lauren joined us for the weekend from her home in Japan. Believe it or not picking a place was incredibly difficult. Seoul is known as a food destination and has burst onto the world restaurant stage over the last three to five years. We wanted to try a Korean modern/fusion kind of place so that we could push the taste envelope a little.
One of those restaurants that has made its mark, and whose menu is Korean fusion, is Jungsik in the glamorous Gangnam-gu neighborhood of Seoul. So we made a reservation for three through our concierge at the Grand Hyatt (not available otherwise!).
“They also have a location in New York if you can’t make it to Seoul.”
After about 25 minutes of what seemed like a lot of u-turns and backtracks (very common here) we arrived at Jungsik. What a cool space!
On the menu you have two options: a set four course (or five with dessert) with two tracks or a set eight course with one track. We chose the set four course so that we’d have the flexibility to choose around food issues.
Before we even began out came our amuse bouche. And boy were our bouches amused.
These weren’t called out on the menu so I have to do this from memory.
In the center, on the leaf, was a yellow-tail sashimi with a delectable condiment. On the left was lobster sashimi, also in a lovely little sauce. The little cone is a salmon and sabayon mousse. The black item that looks like a pile of ashes was actually an incredibly delicious fried oyster. Then lastly a brown rice and veg roll. Each of the items were excellent in their own way.
Our unanimous first course was the scallops. They were prepared perfectly.
Next course we diverged, but I chose the mushroom beef broth which was served in a cast iron pot so hot that the mushrooms were still cooking as it was brought to the table. The server finished by pouring the broth over the mushroom. Yum.
The next course we all had the branzino, which is a sea bass. Served with nori powder sprinkled on it followed by a lovely mild perillo oil. Incredible.
Lastly we all chose the duck. It was perfectly prepared. It’s really hard to beat that when it’s done well.
They then brought us what they called a “pre-dessert”. It was a granite made from lime and tonic over which the server poured a shot of Hendricks gin and topped with a candied lime chip. Really unique and even vodka drinkers like us approved.
Then for the actual dessert. I chose the green tea mousse. Look how adorable, and all of it edible. The mousse was hidden inside the little “moss” covered statue and it was served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
We can’t recommend this place enough.
You’ll note they also have a location in New York if you can’t make it to Seoul. Reservations definitely recommended!
