Evett (2-Star Michelin)
I went to the Michelin 2-star restaurant Evett (Cheongdam, Seoul) for lunch with three of my closest friends, my favorite people to share great meals and conversations with.
At the table, a warm hand towel was waiting for each of us, a simple but thoughtful touch that immediately set the tone for the meal.
As we opened the menu, we were met with the most adorable illustrations, each one depicting the ingredients that would appear in that day’s meal. A cheerful summer-themed design centered on seasonal ingredients.
While we were sitting and admiring the illustrations, we spotted Chef Joseph Lidgerwood himself in the open kitchen, the very chef we had seen on Culinary Class Wars (Netflix).
The welcome tea was made with Omija, a traditional Korean fruit known for its five distinct flavors. It was refreshing and the perfect way to awaken the palate.
Then came an unexpected and playful start: food hanging delicately from a branch-like structure.
Inside a crispy acorn chip was a combination of smoked mackerel, apple, chwinamul (Korean herb), and a crème fraîche made with soy milk. Surprisingly delicious and delightfully whimsical, it definitely left an impression.
The next dish was a creative take on Naengmyeon (cold noodles). The “noodles” were made from squid, laid over a bed of deodeok (a Korean root vegetable), and served with chilled broth poured over at the table.
Though the seasoning was light, the natural flavors really shone through. Pairing it with the accompanying Squid Jeotgal (fermented squid) brought the flavor to another level.
Next came the fish. It was deep-fried with the skin still on, giving it an incredible crisp. We were told to enjoy it with the yuzu sauce in the center of the plate.
Tilefish is already delicious on its own, but with this preparation, it was on another level.
The next course acted as a palate cleanser, light, fruity, and refreshing with berry flavors that cleared the senses perfectly.
The next dish was called “Gat,” inspired by the traditional Korean black hat worn during the Joseon dynasty. They even custom-designed the plate to resemble its elegant, circular shape.
At first glance, the dish was covered in mysterious darkness, and we wondered where the food was. But once we cracked open the black top with a spoon, it revealed a beautiful composition of radish, onion, and abalone.
The black cover turned out to be a crispy chip made of black sesame—crunchy and fragrant.
Now came the start of the main course.
What truly moved me was the rice made from a rare Korean variety called "Gwido."
They shared that they had personally visited the farm and helped with the harvest. Maybe that’s why the rice tasted so special; it had depth, care, and warmth in every bite.
Alongside came a reinterpretation of kimchi.
It was cold, salty, tangy, and layered with unexpected complexity.
My friend loved it so much, she kept going back for more.
And finally, the star of the show: the steak.
It was aged and smoked to perfection, and the aroma alone was unforgettable.
My friend took one bite, looked up, and instantly gave it a thumbs up—no words needed.
Next to it was tteok-galbi, Korean-style grilled short rib patty, served with pickled wild garlic and an assortment of sauces. Honestly, one of the most memorable meat dishes I’ve had in any fine dining restaurant.
Next came a dessert made with Korean summer melon (chamoe).
You start by eating the jelly on top, then enjoy the fresh melon underneath. It was a lovely, light way to ease toward the end of the meal.
Underneath the melon was a soft white cake. Eating them together wrapped up the course on a sweet, clean note.
Then, something completely unexpected, we were invited into the kitchen.
There, we roasted marshmallows over real firewood. Honestly, doing something this playful in a Michelin 2-star restaurant felt almost surreal, but it was so much fun.
After roasting, we brought our marshmallows back to the table, where the staff beautifully plated and decorated them for us.
After enjoying the marshmallows, we even had the chance to take a photo with Chef Joseph Lidgerwood himself.
Back at the table, a small caramel made with sesame oil was waiting for us. Not overly sweet, it paired perfectly with a cup of warm tea to end the experience on a gentle note.
While the price is definitely on the higher side, the creativity of the menu and the unexpected, hands-on marshmallow moment made it more than worth it. Evett is definitely a place I’d love to return to someday, next time, with my husband.
Address : 10-5 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Phone : +82-507-1399-1029
Operation Hours : Tue-Wed : 17:30 - 22:30, Thu-Sat : 12:00 - 22:30, (Break : 14:30 - 17:30, Sun, Mon closed)
Instagram : Check out more photos
Reservation : Click here
Source : https://blog.naver.com/leena7788/223913042298
Writer : leena7788
Special thanks to leena7788
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