How Michelin-star chef offers urban green dining at new restaurant at Banyan Tree in Seoul

The Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul, in the South Korean capital Seoul, has refurbished its signature restaurant and appointed a Michelin-star chef to offer an urban green dining experience.

Kang Min-goo, 36, who has taken on the role of executive chef at the hotel’s Festa by mingoo, is the owner and chef of Mingles, a contemporary Korean fine dining restaurant in Seoul with two Michelin stars.

“Festa by mingoo offers a familiar but sophisticated gourmet experience with its rustic European cuisine which is crafted with chef Kang's passion and creativity,” Choi Jong-yoon, the hotel's president, said at a press conference to mark the restaurant’s official opening on July 8.

“The diverse and creative à la carte menu options created with seasonal ingredients offer an authentic taste which can be enjoyed at affordable prices in a relaxing atmosphere.”

“I want to introduce European casual dining that matches the restaurant's location,” Kang said

The chef said he is dedicated to finding the best ingredients to deliver an authentic taste.

“A pleasant green dining experience focusing on genuine taste and the freshness of seasonal ingredients are a cornerstone of the plates at Festa by mingoo,” he said.

One of the ingredient providers is Fritz Coffee, known for trading directly with farmers to obtain the world’s best coffee beans.

The coffee company sources its coffee beans from farmers in six countries in Latin America and Asia, Banyan Tree said.