Whatever the recipe was, it was certainly one for success as the culinary teams from the two InterContinental hotels in Seoul took top honors in the 8th MLA Black Box Culinary Challenge. Held recently at the COEX InterContinental Seoul, this culinary contest pitted the hotels’ culinary experts against chefs from nine other luxury hotels and restaurants.

The challenge was to prepare a four course meals - with no prior knowledge of what ingredients would be provided. The winning team will go on to compete in the world finals in Dubai next year.

Participating teams comprise of three chefs - all under the age of 32 - and one team leader. The teams had 24 hours to whip up a sumptuous four-course meal, using the ingredients provided by the contest organizer. The creativity of the contestants was put to the test as each team had to come up with different dishes - despite the fact that they are using the same ingredients.

The team representing The Grand InterContinental Seoul rose to the challenge, taking home the first prize with an outstanding menu that not only convinced the judges, but also wowed the 250 guests at the gala dinner at the close of the contest. The team from COEX InterContinental Seoul did not disappoint either, turning out an equally delectable menu and winning second place, with only a one-point difference to the champion.

To celebrate this great result the Grand InterContinental's contemporary restaurant ‘Table 34’ will feature those winning menus for their guests also from August 2. The menu will start with the appetizer of Smoked lamb soufflé, oven roast lamb collar butt with green papaya ice followed by Velvet of celery root with essence pocket for soup, Two style oyster blade beef with asparagus royal, layer potato cake and jus as main dish and Baked chocolate cream cheese, exotic pearls, pineapple lime reduction, and banana ice cream for the dessert. The price is 85,000 won and with 3 glasses of wine, it's 130,000 won.

“I’m delighted that the culinary teams from both our properties had such a good showing at the challenge,” says Hans W. Olbertz, Director of Operations, Korea. “Their success is the biggest proof-point of our hotels’ position as the number one F&B destination in Seoul. I’m looking forward to another great performance from the team in Dubai next year!”