Chez Simon: French Cuisine done right

October 05, 2010

Chez Simon in Samcheongdong, Seoul

Back before Samcheongdong became the date hotspot, the street was famous for restaurants. These days the trend seems to be on turn and burn establishments and too, too many cafes. My favorite bouillabaisse went defunct and became another cafe. Just when I thought all was lost, I happened to find Chez Simon. For years they have been turning out great homemade cuisine in a 20 seat, reservation-only restaurant.

Chez Simon's menu changes regularly depending on local ingredients that are available. The secret to the restaurant's success is the ability of the chef to transform these ingredients into works of art. Each plate is adorned with mini fireworks of flavor. The crispy ravioli first course was served over tomato and bean sauce, accented with oregano. The potato foam soup was frothy like a perfect cappuccino. The pasta was cooked al dente and the anchovy, mushroom sauce was just right. My steak was cooked medium rare- the outside crispy and the center cool-almost raw.

The creme bulee was how creme bulee should be. The specks of vanilla bean in the suspended cream mixture crackled with the caramel bulee. A perfect creme bulee stands out- this one does and will.

Our chef-slash-waiter was a charming guy that worked speedily to cook our food, dress the plates, and serve everything piping hot. I don't know how this one guy would have been able to handle everything if there were more than 3 tables, but he didn't miss a beat with us.

Chez Simon
Address: Seoul, Jongro-gu Samcheong-dong 63-10
Phone: 02-730-1045 Reservations recommended.
Directions: Go out Anguk Station exit 1 and make the first right and walk about 10 minutes until you get to Samcheongdong. Walk on the elevated walkway and you’ll see it up on a hill.