A Tryst with Korean Flavors – Taste of Korea
@Latest Recipe, Le Meridien, Gurgaon
Le
Meridien has always been a name synonymous with quality, charm and exemplary
service. And ever since they have opened their doors in Gurgaon, they have
showered the Gurgaon gourmand with the choicest offering in food and beverage.
Their freshest @Latest Recipe is the Korean Food Festival.
The
capital region is moving steadily and confidently towards exploring new
flavors. World cuisine is seeing a boom like never before. Now why Korean food
though, one would think. The answer lies in the sheer number of Korean expats
living in and around Gurgaon, and the changes their presence has created in
living spaces, food marts and even the average local grocery store! The message
is loud and clear…this cuisine is getting famous and how.
So
where, you would get the likes of just maybe Kimchi representing Korea in a pan
Asian restaurant, Le Meridien charged in with a full exhaustive menu of the
choicest Korean dishes.
My
experience at the place was wonderful. Invited to sample the dishes on the
menu, I had gone prepared to savor something exotic and I am happy to say I
wasn’t disappointed.
The
menu is very clearly divided into hot/cold sections, street food and desserts.
The spacious ambience at the restaurant lent to the entire experience with its
lavish, large table spreads, clear sections of food and ambient music and
lighting.
We
started with a lovely cold Cucumber Kimchi and the Napa Cabbage Kimchi. The
Cucumber Kimchi was crunchy, steeped with flavours of lemon and chilli. Truly
refreshing, flavoursome and appetizing. The Napa Cabbage Kimchi was rather good
too, just not how we have been used to eating it in pan Asian restaurants till
thus far. I next sampled the Steamed Pork with Kimchi Bossam. It was not spiked
with any strong flavours, quite bland rather. But it was surprisingly succulent
and the natural flavor of the pork was absolutely delightful. The Stir-fried
Glass Noodles and Vegetables were served cold; again, refreshing, with a
crunchy bite and gently flavored. I just loved it. Beyond good!
The Seasonal Marinated Vegetables (carrot, white radish, spinach,
bracken, mushroom) were all nice and healthy. These too were served cold. Now,
all those who know me, know that the proof of the pudding, for me lies in the
taste of pork ribs at any place. The Spicy Braised Pork Short Ribs here are to
die for. Succulent, dripping with flavours and just downright yummy. Hot, hot,
hot!
Also, a must try are the Deep Fried
Squid, Kimchi and Pork dumplings. The Sweet & Sour Pork again, was
exceptionally well done. You must also sample the Bimbimap on offer; it’s the
traditional main dish that is rice based and topped with vegetables, meats and egg
too.
The
desserts too were absolutely exceptional. I loved the Sweet Rice Punch and even the Sweet Rice with Nuts and
Jujubes was quite nice. Honey Cookies were good but the Sweet Sesame Puffs were
so beautifully light and airy, they had me in heaven. Do not miss the Fruit
Shaved Ice; it’s as awesome in taste as it looks.
A delightful experience,
I recommend it wholeheartedly. Make sure to reserve your table – the festival
is on till the 17th of this month.
TASTE OF KOREA @LATEST RECIPE
1-17 APRIL 2016
LUNCH BUFFET – Rs.1899 ++ p.p.
DINNER BUFFET – Rs.1999 ++ p.p.
For Reservations – 0124 - 4992008
Le Meridien Gurgaon,
MG Road, Gurgaon
Coverage By : Vickrham (vicky)
Compilation By : Vickrham & Sonalini
EMail : vickrham.m@gmail.com