How About Ratatouille at Le Pied?
By April Choi
Korea Times Intern
On the outside, Le Pied looks like any other building in Seoul. On the inside, however, it’s like a bistro from the French countryside has been gutted out only to be reinstalled in Seoul. Specializing in ``country’’ cuisine rather than the haute cuisine typical of most French places, it is run by a Korean who spent twelve years in the French countryside learning traditional dishes. The chef is also a Korean who trained in France.
Much like a dollhouse, the decor is dainty and features warm and natural colors. Trees in pots and glasses hung from hooks on the wall add a provincial touch. It's a perfect, intimate place to trade confidences over lunch or to go on a date. Like the interior, the food is also exquisitely done and picture perfect.
Service was efficient, though the waiters hovered a bit too much. There wasn't much of a lunch rush, possibly because the restaurant only opened in April.
The dinner menu is more extensive than the offerings for lunch and includes coq au vin (rooster with wine), various pork and beef dishes, salads and seafood. On Sunday, there are special dishes like ratatouille, the namesake of Pixar's latest film.
The lunch special includes salad, coffee and either cassoulet or beef Stroganoff for 17,000 won. Going with cassoulet, the sausages and creamy potatoes quite literally melt in the mouth. The tomato sauce was just right: it was flavorful but not so strong as to overwhelm the palate.
Confit de canard (duck confit, 21,000 won), came with a warning from the waiter to eat it with the accompanying chickpeas and other vegetables or otherwise we might find the taste overwhelming. The waiter's warning about the duck-leg dish proved true; the taste was very rich and needed the vegetables to tone it down.
Filet de porc accompagne de pomme grillees (pork fillet with grilled potatoes, 26,000 won) proved popular with the tender pork and fresh greens. The pork was lightly roasted with herbs and came with a creamy sauce speckled with herbs and various vegetables. The string beans were especially remarked upon for their taste. The portion was delicious, but it was very small. Half a dozen pork ovals might be enough for an appetizer, but definitely not for a main dish.
The list of desserts proved especially tempting and quintessentially French, including tarts, chocolate cake, creme brulee, mousse and sorbet. The gateau au chocolate (7000 won) proved itself to be an excellent example of chocolate cake. Topped with ice cream, a thin wafer and a cherry, it may be too sweet for some Koreans; however, those used to Western desserts will find it a treat for the taste buds.
It's a bit expensive, but Le Pied is worth splurging for. Those seeking an escape from everyday respites and wanting luscious food would do well to visit here.
Le Pied is open from 12 a.m. to 3 p.m . for lunch and 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner. It closes on Mondays. For reservations, call (02) 511-2413. Get off at Shinsa Station and come out of exit 1. Take a bus or taxi to the CineCity Theater. Take the alley to its right, and walk straight until you see Kraze Burger. Take a right there and walk for about 100m. You'll see a large orange sign for Le Pied on the second floor.
April.k.choi@gmail.com