Savor Italy at Cornerstone of Park Hyatt Seoul

Park Hyatt Seoul: Super Potato and the Art of Korean Harmony

A masterpiece of contemporary architecture designed by the Japanese firm Super Potato, Park Hyatt Seoul proudly stands in the bustling Gangnam district. With its 185 rooms, the hotel harmoniously marries modern design with Korean aesthetics. The spacious and elegant rooms offer panoramic views of the city through their immense bay windows. The establishment boasts state-of-the-art amenities, including wellness facilities with a fitness center, an infinity indoor pool, and Ocelas Spa. For gastronomy enthusiasts, it houses refined restaurants, including Cornerstone, renowned for its authentic Italian dishes crafted with seasonal local ingredients, which we came to discover during a dinner.

Culinary Escape Through Italy

Located on the second floor, Cornerstone offers an immersive culinary experience where style and concept meet in perfect harmony. The large bay windows flood the space with natural light, highlighting the warm wood and stone interiors, creating an inviting and modern setting. Family-style Italian cuisine takes center stage here, with exceptionally high-quality ingredients, prepared to order to ensure freshness and authenticity. Each dish, from homemade pasta to seasonal specialties, embodies the soul of an Italian region, offering diners a taste journey with every visit. The wine list, awarded by Wine Spectator, features over 250 carefully selected labels, perfect for pairing with each dish. Among the signature dishes, the grilled lamb rack and the burrata Caprese showcase the expertise and passion that drive this unmissable address. On weekends, the seafood brunch, with its buffet and signature dishes, invites guests on a gastronomic escape at sea.

The Quintessence of Revisited Traditions

For seven years, Chef Bo hyeon Choi has infused his talent and commitment into the kitchens of Cornerstone, where he has orchestrated prestigious collaborations, notably with Park Hyatt Milan. His passion for authentic Italian culinary art has earned the restaurant the Ospitalità Italiana, a prestigious international certification awarded by the Italian Chamber of Commerce.

During our visit, we were captivated by the Chef BOHYEON Menu, starting with an aperitif. Among the selections offered, we chose a red wine, the Sangiovese Il Borro from Tuscany, which elevated our gastronomic experience with its elegant notes and bold character, once again demonstrating the culinary excellence of the establishment. The meal begins with typically Italian amuse-bouches that delight the senses with their simplicity and elegance. On a wooden board are placed two crispy grissini that are a pleasure to dip in a mix of olive oil and balsamic vinegar, offering a classic and savory combination, or in an orange-toned pepper sauce. There are also two small savory bites.

The tagliolini with cuttlefish crudo presents itself as an elegant and refined appetizer. On a pristine plate, delicate strips of raw cuttlefish rest gracefully, accompanied by Osetra caviar, adding a touch of luxury and salinity. Heirloom tomatoes bring a sweet acidity and vibrant color to the dish. Roasted almonds add a crunchy texture, while a bergamot and lemon vinaigrette enhances the marine flavors. A few sprigs of dill complete this sophisticated culinary composition, offering a harmony of tastes and textures.

This culinary journey continues with the porcini mushroom broth, a delicious soup inspired by Umbria. The broth is prepared with porcini and seasonal mushrooms, offering a rich and fragrant base. Buckwheat tortellini, filled with homemade ricotta, provide a creamy and delicate texture. An assortment of mushrooms adds depth to the dish, while a pecorino foam and a touch of black truffle enhance the whole with complex and refined aromas. This dish promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience, paying homage to Italian tradition.

The hunter-style fregola captures the essence of Umbrian cuisine with a creative twist, extending our culinary adventure. This dish consists of fregola, small bead-shaped pasta, prepared in the Umbrian style, accompanied by a hunter-style sauce. The tomato sauce, enhanced with Castelvetrano olives and a hint of paprika, envelops the dish with rich and authentic flavors. A crispy chicken sits majestically atop the fregola, adding a deliciously crunchy texture. Crispy potatoes and a few fresh basil leaves complete this culinary composition, offering a harmony of delicate flavors and textures.

For the main course, the grilled lamb chops present an elegant and refined choice, combining rich and subtle flavors. The lamb, perfectly grilled, is flambéed before our eyes to finish cooking. It is accompanied by a creamy celery root purée and honey-roasted carrots, bringing a sweet note. Crispy parsnips add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the tenderness of the meat. A refreshing mint gremolata elevates the dish, while a Marsala jus intensifies the depth of flavors. Finally, a delicately poured herb oil around the plate completes this culinary tableau, creating a memorable gastronomic experience in perfect continuity with the previous dishes.

The meal concludes on a sweet note with the dessert titled "Orange Mascarpone," a delicate composition that combines the smooth sweetness of a mascarpone mousse with the liveliness of an orange compote. Presented on an elegant plate, the dish stands out with a base of creamy mousse topped with finely arranged orange slices, all enhanced by a subtle touch of olive oil that elevates the flavors. This bold combination offers a perfect balance between the richness of the mascarpone and the fruity acidity of the orange, creating a refreshing and refined tasting experience. To accompany this moment of sweetness, a choice of coffee or tea is offered, completing this sensory journey.

My Opinion

The gastronomic experience at Cornerstone of Park Hyatt Seoul is a true ode to Italian cuisine, beautifully interpreted by Chef Bo hyeon Choi. Each dish, meticulously prepared, reflects a deep respect for Italian culinary traditions while incorporating contemporary touches. The quality of the ingredients, the precision of the cooking, and the harmony of the flavors create a memorable ensemble that captivates the senses from start to finish. The elegant setting and carefully curated wine list add an extra dimension to this culinary journey, making Cornerstone an essential stop for gourmets in search of Italian authenticity and innovation.