Wining and Dining With Strangers
By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
While dining with strangers, you may find yourself struggling to look for an icebreaker for conversation.
A delicious dish or fine wine could transform such an uncomfortable situation. W Seoul-Walkerhill's gourmet club provides such an atmosphere where even strangers can strike up conversation amid the cozy mood.
``If you go anywhere in the world, you can always see that wine and food brings people together,'' Ciaran Hickey, head chef of the hotel, said.
Titled ``Place 24,'' the dinner event is held every two months at the hotel's restaurant Kitchen. Since the restaurant uses two long European tables with 24 seats, the dining event is limited to only 24 guests.
The Irish chef believes that the long table also allows a more cozy and intimate atmosphere to facilitate conversation with strangers.
``This kind of table forces people into conversation. You have to talk. When they sit down first, it's quite awkward but after two glasses of wine, everybody becomes friends. By the end of the evening, they are all leaning across the table and moving chairs down to the other side,'' Hickey said.
Every event, Hickey and his staff chefs present especially themed dishes matched with wines.
On Wednesday evening, the hotel had the third of its series with theme of ``A Taste of Spain,'' to offer Spanish cuisine and wines from the country.
The ``Place 24'' was originally initiated as a matchmaking event on Feb. 14, inviting singles in similar age bracket to dinner to help them celebrate Valentine's Day.
With the successful launch, Hickey developed it into a gourmet club event in May to allow more people of different backgrounds to join and enjoy the event.
Hickey also believes the dining event allows more interaction between guests and staff, which helps them learn more about special dishes and wine selection.
In the Wednesday's event, Spanish Tapas selection was served along with Castillo de Mont Blanc, Barbera 2006 as a starter, The Spanish appetizer was made with chorizo, salted cod, anchovy, olives and clams placed on Catalan bread.
The Spanish appetizer was followed by baby squid stuffed with pork sausage in garlic and tomato sauce.
The main dish was Serrano ham wrapped pork tenderloin, chick pea pancake, which was accompanied with Clos Mont Blanc ``Masia'' Las Comes Reserva, Barbera, 2002.
At the end of the meal, a variety of cheeses from Spain ― Manchego, San Simeon, Sant Mateu, Valdeon ― were served with Clos Mont Blanc Premium Merlot, Barbara 2004. To round it off, churros and chocolate with tea or coffee was chosen.
The food and beverage director and other staff at the restaurant were on hand to answer questions from guests about each dish and wine selection between the dishes or at the request of guests.
The next ``Place 24'' is scheduled to take place on Aug. 6 under the theme of Australian cuisine and its wine.
The admission fee is 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2022-0111.