This spring, a special moment blending gourmet cuisine and music awaits. Five Michelin-starred chefs, including representatives from South Korea and Taiwan, will gather for a gala dinner at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, overlooking the Han River, where they will showcase their unique culinary creations.
On Mar. 23, the Michelin Gala Dinner, held at the Mariposa restaurant in Fairmont Seoul, Yeouido, will offer a special experience where jazz and gourmet food harmonize. Limited to 40 guests, the dinner will begin at 6 PM, offering a delightful feast that highlights the distinct culinary styles of each chef.
The ‘A Jazz-Fueled Evening: Five Chefs Under the Open Sky’ gala dinner will be led by Fairmont Seoul’s Executive Chef Andre Lee, along with world-renowned chefs holding Michelin 1 to 3 stars. Participating chefs include Jimmy Lim, the Michelin 3-star chef and owner of JL Studio from Taiwan, Lee Jun, the Michelin 2-star chef and owner of Soigné, Michelin 1-star chef Kim Hee-eun of Soul, and chef Yoon Dae-hyun, each contributing their own signature dishes to enhance the evening.
An 8-course menu will be served at the event, where each dish is crafted with a sense of harmony. For instance, the meat will be grilled by the Mariposa’s chef, while the sauce will be prepared by the Soigné‘s chef. Wine pairings will also be available for additional purchase.
JL Studio: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity in Southeast Asian Cuisine
JL Studio, which represents Taiwan, earned the prestigious Michelin 3-star rating in 2023. The Michelin 3-star rating is the highest honor a chef can receive and signifies “a journey worth taking for its exceptional cuisine.” JL Studio is renowned for reinterpreting traditional Taiwanese and Singaporean dishes in a modern, sophisticated way.
Michelin praised JL Studio for its “exceptional cuisine” and its ability to strike a balance between tradition and modernity by reimagining local flavors. Notably, the studio brings both Eastern and Western influences together by using French techniques to transform iconic dishes like chicken rice and chili crab.
Soigné: Redefining Korean Cuisine as a ‘Cultural Act’
Soigné, a Michelin 2-star restaurant in Seoul, goes beyond simply offering Korean dishes; it combines traditional Korean elements with modern influences to present a unique and innovative dining experience. Chef Lee Jun defines Korean cuisine not only as a combination of ingredients and techniques but also as an act that embodies culture. Soigné’s dishes reexamine the essence of Korean food, including the process and manner in which it is consumed.
For example, chef Lee Jun explains that bibimbap is completed not just with the ingredients but with the act of mixing, with “bibim” meaning “to mix” in Korean. Also, one of Soigné’s signature dishes, ‘Seorae Snail,’ is a modern interpretation of Korean cuisine, featuring domestic snails, green onion oil, spinach, and parmesan cheese atop a fluffy steamed egg, offering a refined take on the traditional dish of snail salad and steamed egg.
Soul: Expressing the Heart of Modern Korean Cuisine with ‘Sincerity’
Soul, a Michelin 1-star restaurant, goes beyond simply offering Korean food; it is a space where the essence of ‘sincerity’ is conveyed through the dishes. Operated by the husband-and-wife team of chefs Yoon Dae-hyun and Kim Hee-eun, Soul focuses on the value of transmitting heartfelt emotion through its food. Located in Haebangchon, the name ‘Soul’ reflects its mission to provide not just delicious food but a deeply sincere dining experience, opening the hearts of its guests.
While respecting traditional Korean cuisine, Soul also incorporates elements of Western cuisine to offer modern interpretations. The chefs constantly push the boundaries of traditional Korean cooking, creating unique dishes such as potato pancakes and gnocchi roasted in pork fat, or steamed rice cakes made with makgeolli (rice wine) and three varieties of butter, blending Eastern and Western flavors.
