Good to be back!
" a renewed appreciation for the goodness of life "
The Bailliage staged its first, and long overdue, OMGD Dinner on May 19th at L'Amant Secret in L'Escape Hotel in Seoul. Reservations for the 28 seats filled up quickly as members desperately sought to quench their thirst, appease their appetite for fine food and spirits in the company of friends after months of self-quarantine.
Hosted by our newly appointed Échanson Henry Oh, L'Escape could not have been a better choice to reawaken our senses - a renewed appreciation for the goodness of life.
The hotel was designed by star designer and architect Jacques Garcia as a modern take on the elegance and sensibilities of the 19th century French Belle Epoque. Travel restrictions and mandatory 14 days quarantine were defied to take the group on a four hour escapade to France, the birthplace of our Confrérie.
Chef Jong-won Son pampered us with a succulent menu that included favourites, such as caviar, lobster, and lamb. All was masterfully conceived and prepared with skills and creativity honed at revered temples of food, such as Noma in Copenhagen, Benu, Coi and Quince in San Francisco.
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Amuse bouche
Vintage Bouvet Ladubay ‘Saphir’ Brut Sparkling - Loire Valley
Cod, caviar and egg with smoked fish sabayon
Bourgogne Chardonnay 2018
Domaine de la Vierge Romaine
Lobster, garganelli pasta, garden vegetables
Lamb with water parsley
Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2017
Domaine Heresztyn-Mazzini
Bitter chocolate tart
Cognac Delamain ‘Pale & Dry’ X.O
Mignardises
Not to forget that this was an Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD) function, another highlight of the evening was the Delamain Pale & Dry X.O Cognac, which helped conclude the "trip" on a high note.
On this occasion, we were particularly appreciative of the extraordinary efforts made by the hotel and restaurant staff. They sanitized the room, took temperature checks, spaced out the tables and wore masks at all times. They ensured that we could have a safe and delightful evening in these difficult times.
The event helped to fuel our commitment to support our friends in the hospitality and F&B industry as we fight to overcome COVID-19.
Vive la Chaîne!
Soon Chul Kim
Officier
Joyous celebrations in the 'mother country'