Simple food with a modern twist
Stefano Di Salvo, Executive chef, Park Hyatt Seoul
At least if you’re Stefano Di Salvo, whose adherence to that philosophy propelled him to his current position as the executive chef of the Park Hyatt Seoul in Samseong-dong, southern Seoul.
Di Salvo realized early on that he had to seize every opportunity possible to excel as a chef and hone his skills.
“I discovered my passion for food when I was a little kid watching my mamma cook at home,” the Italian-born chef said. “So I asked my parents to send me to a hotel school, and I ended up winning a scholarship there. I also had my first job [in a kitchen] when I was 15 years old.”
Traditional rice and soup [JoongAng Ilbo]
The chef believes in the power of appreciating every moment in life to its fullest, and he says a good way to do that is to indulge in a meal at Poom Seoul, a restaurant near Namsan that presents a modern spin on traditional Korean dishes.
Poom Seoul (02-777-9007), located in Huam-dong, Yongsan District in central Seoul, features healthy and nutritious meals made with seasonal ingredients. The overall ambience offers a modern twist to Poom Seoul’s simple dining.
The restaurant’s attractive decorations are a result of the restaurant’s origins; Poom Seoul was spearheaded and designed by a food stylist, a chef and a designer.
“The food is really fantastic, but Poom’s atmosphere is very nice as well,” Di Salvo said. “The restaurant is beautifully decorated.”
Di Salvo highly recommends the set menu. One of the two set menu lunch specials includes a choice of noodles in beef broth with chopped kimchi or nut-flavored noodles in soybean soup garnished with cucumber.
There’s also a vegetarian course that includes pyeonsu, square-shaped dumplings filled with zucchini and mushrooms.
Di Salvo said Poom Seoul’s dishes are relatively simple, which is what makes them so good.
“I’m so happy when I can enjoy good quality food that is cooked in a simple manner and doesn’t deviate too much from its original flavor,” the chef said. “Good food is something you always remember. It’s a flavor or a cooking method that creates good memories.”
To visit the restaurant, take bus No. 402 or 0014 and get off at the Huam Yaksuteo bus station. The restaurant is located near the Geothe Institute.
Stefano Di Salvo, who currently heads the Park Hyatt Seoul’s culinary team, has worked since 1988 in several countries including Thailand, China, Italy, the United Kingdom and France. He joined Hyatt International in 2001 as the Italian chef at the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok.
By Lee Eun-joo [angie@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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