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 By 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 t.