Switzerland: Bündner Gerstensuppe, Zürich Gschnätzlets and Carrot Cake
August 2017 - Asia Society Korea resumed its cooking class program last Thursday by teaming up with the Embassy of Switzerland and Mr. Michel Eschmann, executive chef at the JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square in Seoul. Chef Eschmann has 17 years of experience in the culinary field, beginning his career in Switzerland before moving to Asia eight years ago. He had worked at the Hyatt on the Bund in Shanghai, the Grand Hyatt Erawan in Bangkok, and the Grand Hyatt in Kuala Lumpur before recently moving to Seoul. Lotte Shopping once again provided the venue for the class, which was held at the culture center cooking room at Lotte Department Store in Pyeongchon.
While cheese and fondue are often consumed in Korea, little is known about other types of Swiss cuisine. Chef Eschmann prepared three unique dishes for the twenty people in attendance: Bündner Gerstensuppe, a barley soup popular in the Alps during the winter; Zürich Gschnätzlets, a Swiss-style veal ragout served with Rösti; and a Swiss-style carrot cake. The event was a huge success with participants enjoying the clear and concise instructions from Chef Eschmann who was pleased to see so many budding Swiss-cuisine cooks in attendance.