A Culinary Experience at Itanic Garden
Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Break time from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
I visited Itanic Garden, famous for its Michelin 1+1 star, and popularized by Chef Son Jong-won on the show "Please Take Care of My Refrigerator."
Located within the Chosun Palace Hotel, the ambiance and the view from the entrance were luxurious and matched its reputation.
Lunch is priced at 250,000 won, dinner at 370,000 won, and wine pairing at 300,000 won.
With additional costs for selected menu items (up to 25,000 won), the total can reach 685,000 won per person, which is quite expensive.
Each course comes with a card that not only explains the menu but also narrates the story behind the dish with accompanying images.
While the staff also provide verbal explanations, reading the cards slowly while enjoying the meal enhances the fine dining experience.
The welcome drink was a cold tea brewed with chrysanthemum and Korean bellflower, beautifully presented but not particularly memorable in taste.
The first dish was pumpkin porridge made with pumpkins from the Saemaul Traditional Market, served with sparkling wine.
Utilizing molecular gastronomy techniques, the presentation was unique, featuring crystal caviar aged in kelp, offering a rich umami flavor.
Next was a pairing of snacks with traditional Korean rice wine.
The rice wine, made in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, has a Joseon-era tavern feel and is exclusive to Itanic Garden.
The perilla leaf chips were filled with sweet shrimp, impressively crispy and delicate, although the execution was slightly lacking.
The final snack featured traditional white confectionery topped with aged sea bream and wrapped in seaweed.
The main dish was a refreshing cold dish made with various ingredients, including snow crab and shrimp, showcasing vibrant colors and textures.
The pairing wine was a Sémillon from McLaren Vale, Australia, which complemented the dishes excellently.
The clam soup, paired with a vintage 2008 Blanc de Blanc champagne, was lavishly adorned with caviar but the soup's flavor did not leave a lasting impression.
The mushroom dumpling hot pot was served with a rich mushroom-flavored traditional liquor, enhancing the overall experience.
The grilled mackerel was soft and flavorful, paired with barley and squid risotto, and the sauces provided a familiar yet innovative taste.
The final dish, a rolled dish of grilled ginseng chicken, was my favorite, combining all the elements of samgyetang in a unique way.
Desserts included a beautifully presented selection in a mother-of-pearl box, offering various flavors and textures, though the taste did not leave a significant impression.
Overall, Itanic Garden is a restaurant that embodies the essence of fine dining, making it a worthy visit for those curious about Michelin-starred experiences.
★★★★ (3.9)
If you're interested in Michelin and fine dining, it's worth a visit.
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