Access Festa at the Banyan Tree

By Agnes Yu

The European bistro and bar Festa is a dining facility within the Banyan Tree compound that has recently opened to the public.

Previously only admitting club members or hotel guests, Festa now offers themed promotions to welcome everyone. Guests can enjoy a sophisticated dining experience in a setting that is contemporary with a colonial vibe.

Newly appointed food and beverage director Justin Kim says the exquisite food, the impressive cityscape view and quaint architecture combine to create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Seoul.

``We hope to change the image of the Banyan Tree. Before it was too difficult to approach or seemed too exclusive. With the opening of Festa, we hope to invite young professionals, ex-pats and couples to come and appreciate the distinct ambiance,’’ Kim said.

The elegant interior of Festa is decorated with cool marble geometric tiles, large block pillars with grooves carved up their length, and a fierce sculpture of a jaguar made of paper that greets guests as they enter.

While overlooking the aptly named Oasis outdoor swimming pool, diners can look forward to wine events on Wednesdays (that are being planned), Tapas Thursdays, and Fab Fridays.

Recently launched Tapas Thursdays presents a special deal including 4 small plates with 2 bottles of Peroni, an Italian beer, for a set price of 40,000 won. There will be a selection of 8 tapas to choose from ― herbed goat cheese and prosciutto, ``sous vide” beef with merlot glazing, clams pate with tomato salsa, cherry tomatoes stuffed with mozzarella cheese, pan fried scallops, celery root puree and black olives with capers, Spanish cold cuts, herb marinated tuna with haricot verts plus quail egg, and marinated olives.

These scrumptious small plates are easy to share and as a pair, two people can sample all eight. The intensely crisp and refreshing Peroni can wash it all down as the resident DJ provides lively background beats.

This is in advance of Spanish September during which visiting Spanish chef Juan Gonzalez Fernandez from the five-star Gran Melia Shanghai in Pudong between the 16th and 25th of that month will present a promotional tapas menu accompanied by Spanish wines.

More details will be available closer to the date.

Meanwhile jumpstart the weekends as Fab Fridays at Festa will fill that slot after dinner but before hitting the nightclubs. Between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. every Friday guests can enjoy two-for-one cocktails and the resident DJ will again be on hand spinning the tunes to get the crowd in the mood for a night of dancing. Guest DJs will also be invited for special events.

Starting on August 28th and continuing every Sunday afterwards, there is a unique a la carte brunch concept in the works that will serve meal choices directly to guests at the table rather than using the typical buffet stations.

Priced at 45,000 won the brunch starts off with an antipasto plate with a fresh bread basket, the choice of one beverage (mimosa, bellini, smoothie, or juice), followed by pass-around tastings from the kitchen, a main course selection, a dessert plate and finishes with coffee or tea. The tempting option of unlimited sparkling wine will cost only 25,000 won extra to complete a romantic and relaxing Sunday brunch.

Children will be discouraged from attending.

On any regular day, chef Charles Lee prepares a range of mouth watering French styled dishes such as the nicoise salad made with herb marinated tuna with haricot verts, quail egg, anchovy vinaigrette and bouillabaisse, a Provencal seafood soup. Another pleasing appetizer is cod brandade with tomato confit and fried sage. Particularly recommended main dishes are the duck confit with Lyonnais potatoes, warm lentils and shallot as well as the grilled lamb chop with polenta cake, roasted garlic, and mint sauce.

All the senses, not just the palate will be sated with any of the choices on the Festa menu. Lee has sixteen years of culinary experience and moved to the Banyan Tree in 2010 after working five years at the Cornerstone restaurant at the Park Hyatt in Seoul.

Any celebration can be held at Festa as it has two rooms available for private functions and when the weather is suitable there is outdoor seating in front of the restaurant entrance for a garden backdrop dining opportunity.

Located on Namsan, the isolated yet accessible Banyan Tree Club and Spa was transformed from what was once the Tower Hotel to become both an urban resort and membership club. Accommodation is noted for privacy and ample space with a plunge pool in each of the rooms. Boasting over 3000 members and facilities of the highest standards with service that caters to every possible need The Banyan Tree in Seoul is where one can slip into a coma of style and comfort.

According to the website, around the world ``the group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 26 resorts and hotels, over 65 spas, in excess of 70 retail galleries and 3 golf courses.’’

All prices listed in the article will include a 10% service charge. For more information call 02-2250-8000 or email clubandspa-seoul@banyantree.com