Around the Hotels 2/25

Park Hyatt Seoul

The hotel is hosting an extraordinary weeklong celebration of Italian gastronomy with Michelin-starred chef Andrea Mazzoni, from March 1 to 8. The executive chef of Rossini restaurant in Florence, Italy, Andrea Mazzoni is innovative and imaginative in recreating traditional Tuscan cuisine. He will prepare a series of events with specially matched fine wines from Tuscany in The Salon and Cornerstone. The events include a gala dinner, wine dinner, weekend brunch with an Italian touch and a tasting lunch and dinner. For more information or reservations, call the hotel at (02) 2016-1234.

Sofitel Ambassador Seoul

The Lobby Lounge & Deli is featuring the delightful combination of strawberry and Belgian waffles through April 30. The Lobby Lounge is delivering freshness with strawberry tarts, strawberry platters, strawberry cakes and more. A selection of waffles is also available from 10,000 won to 13,000 won. For further information, call Lobby Lounge & Deli at (02) 2270-3101.

Grand Hilton Seoul

The hotel will host an exhibition from March 1 to April 30 of work by Austrian-born artist Franz Brandner, who has chosen Korea as his new home. He has gained great recognition for his paintings in Korea as well as in Europe. His art is an important contribution to cultural exchange between Austria and Korea. Brandner likes to paint Korean landscapes and flowers. One of his favorites is Mount Acha, a small mountain in northeastern Seoul. Quite a few of his paintings of Korean landscapes will be shown in this exhibition. For more information, call 010-7218-4464.

Westin Chosun Seoul

Chinese restaurant Ho Kyung Jeon presents authentic and innovative Cantonese cuisine prepared by chef Theam Fook and chef Chan Wai Kang. Some of the menu items of special interest include sauteed duck breast with cashew nuts and hot red pepper sauce, live lobster with ginger soy sauce and braised pork rib with garlic sauce. Prices range from 95,000 won to 160,000 won. All guests dining at Ho Kyung Jeon during the month of February will partake in a lucky draw with fantastic surprises. For more information or reservations, call (02) 317-0494.

Imperial Palace Hotel

The hotel in southern Seoul will introduce the Take the First Step, Together package from March 1 through the end of this year. Package users can stay one night in either a deluxe room, executive floor deluxe room or duplex suite room. Additional common benefits include free admission to the fitness club and the indoor pool, and extension of checkout time till 3 p.m. Prices range from 235,000 won to 445,000 won, excluding tax and service charge. For more information or reservations, call the hotel at (02) 3440-8000.

Renaissance Seoul Hotel

Korean restaurant Sabiru is offering a spring “namul” promotion from March 3 to April 30. Namul, or wild spring vegetables, are traditionally loved by many Koreans, especially from March through May. The Spring Green Set Menu at the Sabiru restaurant consists of six courses, including boiled fresh aralia and seafood with hot pepper sauce, assorted spring greens, fried rice in stone pot, grilled seasonal fish with rock salt, steamed rice with bean paste stew and seasonal fresh fruits. It is priced at 54,500 won (tax and service charge excluded). For more information, call (02) 2222-8655.

Grand Hyatt Seoul

The hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, The Terrace, revealed its new look and expanded services from Feb. 2. Located off the main lobby, The Terrace’s overall color scheme has been changed from green to shades of brown, giving the restaurant a warm, sophisticated ambience. All tables, chairs, booths, walls and carpets have been transformed in concert with the new color scheme. A brand new dessert buffet station with more than 25 desserts has been introduced along with four new private dining rooms. For reservations or information, call (02) 799-8166.

Grand Hyatt Seoul will also hold a special event titled “Breads of Germany” inviting a celebrated master baker from Germany from Feb. 25 to March 5 at the Deli.  During the promotion, guests can have the opportunity to sample a wide selection of authentic German breads made with whole grains, walnuts, rye, and other health conscious ingredients.  The baker Clemens Barkhorn will be on hand to demonstrate the art of baking traditional German breads in the Deli’s open kitchen.  For more information, call (02) 799-8167.

COEX InterContinental Seoul

The COEX InterContinental Seoul’s lobby lounge will feature a strawberry dessert buffet from March 1 until the end of April.  From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., guests can enjoy different kinds of desserts made with fresh strawberries at the lounge.  The buffet is available at 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3430-8603.

Hyatt Regency Incheon

Hyatt Regency Incheon will offer a children’s table manners class at 5 p.m. on Feb. 24.  Conducted by the hotel’s F&B manager, the class aims to teach children proper table manners and offer a fun dining experience that includes a four-course menu.  The class is available for 60,000 won per person and a special discount will be offered to members of the Club at the Hyatt.  For more information, call (032) 745-1713.

Millennium Seoul Hilton 

Il Ponte, Millennium Seoul Hilton’s Italian restaurant, is hosting a special dining session called “Cena dei Reali” on Feb. 28.  The 24th session consists of a six-course meal, paired with a stellar selection of wines.  The six-course dinner is preceded by a cocktail reception at 7 p.m. and will be accompanied by wine pairing. A musical trio will perform well-known opera classics.  Cena dei Reali means “dinner for royalty” and the session is available at 128,000 won.  For more information, call (02) 317-3270.   **Sources: Korea Times and The Korea Herald**