A taste of Americana in Seoul presented a great opportunity to discover fine American wines.

The U.S. 8th Army Base is a vast, mysterious space in the heart of Seoul hidden behind tall gates. Only authorized personnel and guests are allowed on premises.

Our Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs (OMGD) event therefore was particularly special because our venue was a hotel located inside the base. Dragon Hill Lodge was built in the 1990s. Perhaps due to its practical simplicity and passage of time a nostalgic air was evoked.

Sommelier Nathan Kim selected fine American drinks available at the base which were paired with signature dishes from Sables, Dragon Hill Lodge’s upscale restaurant. To put emphasis on the drinks, the menu cited them first followed by the dishes.

MENU

Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs 2016
Pan-seared diver scallops
thick-cut bacon, Thai shrimp

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2017
Classic Caesar salad

Chateau Montelena Chardonnay 2019
Half a jumbo North Atlantic lobster

Far Niente Chardonnay 2018
Traditional French onion soup

Overture by Opus One
40 oz. US-certified Tomahawk rib-eye steak
grilled fresh vegetables
cheesy layered hearth potatoes

Bulleit 95 Rye Whiskey
Apple pie à la mode

From surroundings to service and menu, members truly enjoyed fine wines and after dinner drink with classic, American-style dishes. Equally impressive was the warm hospitality and the machine-like precision and synchronization of Sables’ seasoned staff, who can be seen setting the table in the attached video.

Special thanks go to Brian Campbell, General Manager of Dragon Hill Lodge.

Soon Chul Kim
Chargé de Presse