New experiences in unfamiliar places are one of the joys that the Chaîne offers to its members.

This time, newcomer Chef Marco Torre and Food and Beverage Director Sung Il “Kevin” Baek hosted their first Chaîne dinner at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul, Accor Group’s luxury brand hotel that opened its doors in February 2021.

Marco Torre told his personal story with a series of thoughtfully prepared dishes revealing his Italian origins and extensive career in Asia. Particularly memorable: his abalone’s exquisitely smooth, soft, yet firm texture resulting from two hours of full steaming; classically prepared Milanese style lamb shank.

Perfect harmony of dishes and ingredients from East and West balanced with contrasting tastes and textures demonstrated this Chef’s masterful talents.

In the same spirit of providing new experiences, Kevin Baek delighted guests with well-selected wines. The Metis Sauvignon Blanc revealed unique characteristic of its South African terroir despite being made using traditional Sancerre methods.

The Sancerre Rouge from Domaine Vacheron was a pleasant surprise from an appellation that is world-renowned for whites. The Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon, opened 24 hours in advanced and double-decanted, demonstrated our host’s dedication to make the occasion perfect.

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Jeju langoustine carpaccio ‘crudaiola’
Oscietra caviar
Metis Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Western Cape, South Africa

Butter poached sustainable Wando abalone
onion soubise, pickled cham-namul, vanilla
Duckhorn Chardonnay 2020
Napa Valley, California, USA

Tuscan ricotta ‘gnudi’
morel mushroom ragout, brown butter, pine nut
Sancerre Rouge (Pinot Noir) 2018
Domaine Vacheron, Loire Valley, France

Braised lamb “alla Milanese”
potato gratin, pumpkin, gremolata
Orin Swift Mercury Head Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Napa Valley, California, USA

Warm dark chocolate molten cake
green cardamom
Passito di Pantelleria ‘NES’ 2018
Cantine Pellegrino, Sicily, Italy

Fairmont custom-blended coffee
selection of premium teas

As already mentioned, this dinner at the Fairmont was a first. Success of the event was clearly visible on everyone’s faces. I personally enjoyed the sense of joy, relief, and achievement that reverberated among staff - well captured by fellow member Kenny Minn in a photograph.

Special thanks went to Maître Hôtelier Vincent Lelay who is Vice-President of Accor Hotels Korea.

We look forward to a return to the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul!

Soon Chul Kim
Chargé de Presse