my timesThe Korea Times
  1. South Korea
  2. Global Community

RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Picoler, Suwon's hidden French gem

Listen
By Eddie Tam
  • Published KST
  • Updated KST
Navarin d’agneau (French-style braised lamb stew) with baby potatoes costs 34,000 won at Picoler in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 16. Courtesy of Eddie Tam

Navarin d’agneau (French-style braised lamb stew) with baby potatoes costs 34,000 won at Picoler in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 16. Courtesy of Eddie Tam

SUWON, Gyeonggi Province — In the entertainment district of Ingye-dong in Suwon, 646 meters from exit 6 of Suwon City Hall Station on the Suin-Bundang Line, lies a hidden gem called Picoler, a French wine bistro.

This delightful establishment is the brainchild of a talented chef who not only studied culinary arts in France but is also fluent in the French language. The interior boasts an industrial yet elegant candlelit ambiance, providing a cozy and sophisticated dining experience. The open-concept kitchen allows patrons to watch the chef in action, adding an engaging element to the meal.

Our culinary journey began with the salmon tartare (22,000 won), a refreshing starter topped with fresh dill and served with mini toasts. The tartare was a delightful introduction to the meal, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Next, we savored the asparagus (12,000 won), accompanied by a light mousseline sauce, croutons and freshly shaved parmesan cheese. The asparagus was cooked to perfection, maintaining a slight crunch that paired wonderfully with the creamy sauce and the crisp croutons. This dish was followed by my personal favorite, the baked scallops (24,000 won) with baby potatoes and a rich hollandaise sauce. The scallops were tender and succulent, and the hollandaise sauce added a luxurious touch to the dish.

The front door to Picoler in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 16 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

The front door to Picoler in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Sept. 16 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

The main courses arrived promptly after we finished our appetizers, much to our delight. The first main dish was the slow-cooked beef (24,000 won), topped with a creamy potato puree. The beef was incredibly tender, and the potato puree was smooth and flavorful, creating a harmonious combination. The second main course was the French-style braised lamb (34,000 won), which was incredibly tender and paired perfectly with crusty slices of baguette to soak up the delicious sauce. The lamb was cooked to perfection, and the sauce was rich and savory, making each bite a delight. The final main course was the classic French steak (38,000 won), served with a pepper sauce and crispy French fries. The steak was cooked to our liking, and the pepper sauce added a nice kick to the dish, while the French fries were crispy and well-seasoned.

To conclude our meal, we indulged in a piece of chocolate mousse. As expected, it was rich in chocolate flavor and beautifully garnished with crumble and almond flakes. The mousse was smooth and velvety, providing a perfect ending to our dining experience.

Overall, if you haven’t experienced French cuisine, I highly recommend Picoler. The chef’s talent and passion for cooking are evident in every dish. French cuisine’s refined nature is a testament to why many esteemed chefs have studied it. Take someone special to Picoler; you won’t be disappointed. The combination of exquisite food, elegant ambiance, and the chef’s personal touch makes Picoler a standout dining destination in Suwon. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or new to French cuisine, Picoler offers an unforgettable culinary experience that will leave you wanting more.

Picoler is open every day of the week from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., with last order at 11:30 p.m. Reservations can be made at 031-222-9550 or @picoler_wine on Instagram.

Eddie Tam is an assistant professor in Suwon and runs the Facebook foodie groups Hidden Gems Korea and Hidden Gems Suwon, Korea.