Explore the exciting flavors of South Korea in Spiral’s latest “Flavors of the World” culinary series. In collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center, Flavors of the World: Seoul-ful Gastronomy at Spiral features Korean Master Chef Hyeon Cheol Joo as he prepares his modern take on traditional Korean specialties from March 12 to 17.
At Spiral, the Korean atelier is one of the most popular destinations among 21 dining ateliers. The local gourmand’s appreciation of the rich South Korean culture, healthy lifestyle and tourist spots paved the way for Korean cuisine to become familiar among adventurous Filipinos.
The country’s fertile land, strategic location near the sea and four different seasons make Korean food abundant, diverse and distinctly healthy. Known for its various side dishes that may reach up to 20 different kinds in one meal, South Korean cuisine is also famous for its national dish, kimchi, which is a traditional side dish made from fermented vegetables.
For the latest installment of “Flavors of the World,” Chef Hyeon Cheol Joo presents the finest specialties Korea has to offer. He is the head chef of the Korean station of In Style, Seoul Dragon City’s stylish international buffet restaurant. A talented young chef, Chef Joo won the silver medal for the Korean cuisine category at the International Young Chef Challenge in 2013 and gold medal for the Korean cuisine category at the Seoul International Food and Tableware Festival in 2015.
He started as a commis chef at The Ritz-Carlton Seoul in 2013 and later had international stints in China, Turkey and the Philippines to promote Korean cuisine.
Since the opening of Seoul Dragon City — Korea’s first lifestyle hotel complex — in August 2017, he has been the master chef behind its Korean banquet kitchen and the sumptuous offerings of In Style’s Korean buffet.
Chef Joo specializes in fermentation and the technical process of ripening fruits. He takes pride in sourcing fresh, local ingredients and cooking dishes based with red pepper paste, soybean paste and soy sauce, which are most representative of South Korean cuisine.
With Flavors of the World featuring SEOUL-ful Gastronomy at Spiral, Chef Joo elevates the sumptuous culinary offerings of the Korean atelier with his signature dishes, including Bulgogi (Sauteed Sliced Beef Sirloin with Mushroom), Grilled Deodeok (native Korean root vegetable) with Red Chili Paste and two kinds of kimchi — diced turnip and fruit kimchi and fresh Korean cabbage kimchi.
Witness his culinary prowess as he prepares Bibimbap (steamed rice with assorted vegetable in a hot stone pot), Seafood-Spring Onion Korean Pancake and Bean Curd-Shrimp Korean Pancake at the Korean atelier’s live cooking station and indulge in delightful desserts, including Omija punch (made with magnolia berries), sweet rice with nuts and jujube (Korean date) and sweet rice punch. Spiral lunch is set at P2,750 net (March 12-17), while dinner is set at P3,200 net (March 12, 13 and 16) and P3,500 net (March 14-15).
Seoul When It Sizzles: Cooking Demonstration Experience a culinary adventure and witness Chef Joo as he presents a cooking demonstration while you enjoy a leisurely lunch on March 12, 11:30 a.m., at Spiral. Get an exclusive peek on how to prepare classic Korean recipes: Soy-marinated Blue Crab, Braised Pork Belly with Soybean Paste Sauce and Fresh Korean Cabbage Kimchi. Rate is set at Php3,500 nett.
K-Pop Party
Join the Hallyu wave and wear your most colorful outfit for a fun-filled K-pop party featuring a resident DJ, as he spins the hottest Korean tunes on March 16, 9 p.m. to 12 midnight, at Snaps Sports Bar. Enjoy free-flowing soju and local beers set at P699 net per person. They’re best paired with sumptuous Korean fare available à la carte.
Flavors of Korea
For the entire month of March, taste the signature flavors of Korea, as Le Bar features traditional Korean dishes for the entire month of March. Feast on a selection of authentic Korean culinary favorites, including Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Braised Chicken and Seafood Pancake. Rate is set at P799 net per dish, available Mondays to Fridays, 11a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cocktails with Chef Joo
Indulge in Korean canapés prepared by Chef Joo on March 16, cocktail hours, at Club Millesime. Discerning gourmands get a chance to meet Chef Joo and learn more about his featured menu. Cocktails at Club Millesime are exclusive to guests checked in at a Luxury Club Room or higher room categories.
Escape to a tropical oasis with your family and loved ones without leaving the city. Room rates for Luxury Club Room or higher room categories start at P12,400.
For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 2 551 5555 or email H6308@sofitel.com.
