Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa

You can’t have the best of both worlds, or so they say.

In the third installation of Art at Curate in Resorts World SentosaChef Kang Mingoo from one Michelin-starred Mingles in Seoul proves otherwise.

The revered chef steals our hearts with his interpretation of contemporary Korean cuisine with European influences. The way he mingles disparate flavours in a harmonious unison is inexplicably effortless.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
The extremely well-traveled Chef Kang Mingoo started his apprenticeships at Three Michelin-starred Restaurante Martín Berasategui, as well as Michelin-starred Zuberoa and El Bohio restaurants in Spain.

Nevertheless, he stays true to his native roots with his signature use of of traditional Korean ingredients – fermented condiments and vinegar such as  ‘jang’ (generic Korean name for any seasoning made from fermented soybeans) and ‘cho’.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
He studied culinary arts at Kyonggi University in Korea before seeking experience beyond the borders of his own country and culture.

After having trained at renowned restaurants in Spain, Miami and the Bahamas, Chef Kang returned to Korea after becoming the youngest head chef at Nobu Bahamas (part of renowned celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s Japanese-Peruvian restaurant empire).

Since the opening of Mingles in 2014, he has received the much covetable Michelin star and his restaurant was voted ‘Best Restaurant in Seoul’ for the second consecutive year.

Where tradition meets modern cuisine so seamlessly

The celebrated chef rethinks contemporary Korean fusion food in a way that very much blows your mind. As he shakes up the Korean fine-dining scene, Chef Kang remains true to using staple Korean ingredients – dishing up an element of tradition in his exquisite creations.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Cleanse your palate with Omija Cleanser – a refreshing mix of Omija (Magnolia Berry) and sparkling water before the course.

Just a taste of Mingles’ signature Doenjang (Korean fermented soy bean paste) Cured Foie Gras Rolled with Baek Kimchi & Korean-style Beef Tartare will bring you to foodie heaven.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Doenjang Cured Foie Gras Rolled with Baek Kimchi.

If you love foie gras, the Doenjang Cured Foie Gras Rolled with Baek Kimchi is right up your alley. The cross-continent pairing of the rich and savoury French foie gras, with traditional spicy and fermented kimchi will tempt even the fussiest tastebuds.

The fine balance of bold flavours in this cold appetiser ensures neither ingredient overpowers the other.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Korean-style Beef Tartare – where finely minced beef have hints of traditional ingredients – ganjang and gochujang (Korean chilli paste).

Koreans sure love their beef but this pairing takes things up a notch, where the use of gochujang (Korean chilli paste), plum jangajji and sancho jangajji (Jangajji – Korean fermented vegetable pickle) complement the sapid taste of beef.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
The famous Mingles egg dish – Egg Custard with Sancho pepper – is served in a enchanting nest-shaped bowl.

Upon the sight of this intriguing creation, your curiosity is bound to be piqued – and for good reason. The rich and savoury flavours in the wondrous medley of Chorizo and cabbage marinated with Sancho pepper definitely won’t disappoint.

Egg-lovers will lap up the tasty soft boiled egg yolk, filled with cauliflower and egg white foam in no time.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Korean BBQ – Short Rib Galbi; sprinkled with honey, ganjang and served alongside braised radish and seasonal vegetables.

K-BBQ lovers will fall head over heels in love with this quintessential dish because the Australian wagyu beef is done to perfection.

Contrary to your usual K-BBQ fare, this charcoal-grilled indulgence is doused in BBQ smokiness yet uber-juicy at the same time. You can be sure it tastes just as great as it looks, even better with a side of traditonal kimchi served alongside this modern dish.

His mingling of flavour hits the bull’s-eye

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Steamed Tilefish with Potato Roll and Donejang Béarnaise Sauce.

Hands down my favourite dish, this tender Tilefish is slow-cooked in special stock made with ganjang, fennel and water parsley.

It may not be heavy on its sapid flavour but the freshness of the fish shines through, particularly with its soft and chewy texture.

Besides, the contrasting flavours and textures from the crispy potato roll and fish blend seamlessly and the palatable Donejang Béarnaise Sauce only further reinforced my choice.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Fried Conger Eel with Various Bugak and Sweet & Sour Yuzu Sauce.

The multi-layered taste of this combination further whets your appetite with the zesty ganjang yuzu sauce.  Bugak, otherwise known as a traditional Korean way of frying vegetables dipped in glutinous rice batter and then dried, also enhances the flavour of this hot appetiser with its light yet flavoursome crisp.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Inspired by Korean seafood Cho-hoe (sashimi with spicy, sour and cold soup); Scallop carpaccio, ‘Makgeolli’ ceviche, Korean Bottarg brings to the plate a mix of refreshing flavours.

Creativity shines through even in Chef Kang’s desserts

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
‘Bottoms up’ with this delightful Jang trio dessert with a unique spin on the classic Crème Brûlée.

Jang Trio is a Mingles signature formed from three types of ‘jang’ in Korean cuisine – simply a juxtaposition of sweet, savoury, spicy and sweet.

The best way to enjoy this enticing delight is to ‘bottoms-up’ as you bite into different layers of texture from the bottom. From the bottom, you will taste the toothsome Crème Brûlée with doenjang, before reaching the crunchy layer of caramelised pecan with ganjang and fried crops with gochujang (Korean chilli paste) and lastly, the kochujang powder – spicing up things a little.

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Doraji – Doraji (balloon flower root) sorbet, Yakgwa, Rice Ice Cream and Ginger Compote.

The talented chef also puts a truly authentic Korean spin in his desserts. The use of Doraji (balloon flower root) essence in the Korean pear sorbet is bound to entice you further with the crunchy and traditional style yakgwa (Korean cinnamon snack).

Chef Kang Mingoo redefines contemporary Korean cuisine in Art at Curate, Resorts World Sentosa - Alvinology
Chef Kang Mingoo (left) and resident chef Benjamin Harlat (right) posing for a photograph together at CURATE restaurant in Resorts World Sentosa.

In Chef Kang’s diverse culinary repertoire, he certainly redefines contemporary Korean cuisine with an element of novelty in familiarity. He works his ‘Mingle’ magic every time he surprises us with another facet of traditional and classic Korean ingredients in his fusion creations.

Third edition of Art at Curate 2017 featuring Michelin-starred Chef Kang Mingoo

16 to 23 August

CURATE

The Forum, Level 1

Resorts World Sentosa

Prices range from S$180++ for a four-course lunch with wine pairing to S$380++ for an eight-course dinner with wine pairing. Reservations are strictly required. For more details, please click here

To make a reservation, please call (65) 6577 7288 or send an email to [email protected]

The next and last installation of the year will take place from 5 to 12 October and it hails esteemed Chef Alexandre Dionisio from the stunning Two Michelin-starred La Villa in the Sky in Brussels. He will be showcasing contemporary European cuisine with expertly crafted dishes that reveal influences from his Spanish origins.

2 comments

Leave a Reply

Related Posts