8 hours with Esu Lee in Paris
Our last installment of the 8-hour series this season was spent with chef Esu Lee in Paris. Our day began in Esu’s home, where he began his day with a coffee.
Hanging on the wall were a watch to remind him of the importance of punctuality and an electrocardiograph to remind him of his heart. Together, they represent the value of time and how it should be spent on work that holds meaning for him.
Despite having spent significant time working abroad, away from his hometown Seoul, Esu’s cuisine is mainly focusing on simple, fresh Korean inspired fusion dishes.
Despite focusing on cuisine on the other side of the world, Esu sees the city of Paris as a source of inspiration. He enjoys being an outsider, observing and learning from everyday life, most especially in the markets and among the vendors.
Rather than following a set or rotating menu, Esu hopes to bring the freshest ingredients from the market directly to his guests. Menu-less, the restaurant will follow Esu’s whims to showcase the time and heart that he puts into every dish he makes.
