Step into the world of exquisite flavors and pure sophistication as we present an exclusive interview with Fait Maison, a culinary gem that has secured its well-deserved spot among the Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Restaurants of the World for 2023.

Combining Parisian charm and Korean culinary innovation, Fait Maison invites diners on a transcendent journey where every detail contributes to an ambiance that captivates the senses.

In this interview, we speak to Sofitel Ambassador Seoul’s Executive Chef Mikael Robin to unravel the magic that earned Fait Maison its prestigious accolade, exploring the harmonious marriage of diverse influences and supreme quality that defines this gastronomic haven.

Luxury Lifestyle Awards (LLA): Congratulations on being selected as one of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Restaurants of the World for 2023! Can you share with us the emotions and thoughts of your team upon receiving this prestigious recognition, and how it inspires Fait Maison to continue delivering exceptional dining experiences?

Fait Maison (FM): It is a true honor and source of excitement to receive recognition as one of the Luxury Lifestyle Awards Top 100. The acknowledgment from our readers deeply touches our hearts and motivates us to surpass expectations, aiming to express our gratitude to our guests for their trust.

LLA: Fait Maison upholds a set of distinctive core values, including Exclusivity, Service, Quality, Price, and Authenticity. Can you elaborate on how these elements are strategically woven into the fabric of the restaurant’s identity and operations? How do they collectively contribute to the unique dining experience that patrons can expect at Fait Maison?

FM: Fait Maison has a distinct identity, and as a team, we are dedicated to staying true to the restaurant’s authenticity. Our service, sommelier, chefs, purchasing, and marketing teams actively engage in extensive training, regular meetings, and collaborative efforts. This collective commitment is aimed at delivering the best to our guests, ensuring a genuine upscale dining experience.

LLA: Can you share more about the design inspiration behind Fait Maison’s interior, particularly the choice of nude wood floors, molded ceilings, and Art Deco elements in gold and Prussian blue?

FM: All the interior elements that make up Fait Maison are focused on delivering a modern French mood to our customers. Nude wood floors, molded ceilings, and art deco elements in gold and Prussian blue were all used as elements to express the ‘Chic Bistro’ theme of the Fait Maison.

LLA: The use of uniquely Korean ingredients to reinvent French classics is intriguing. Can you provide some examples of how these ingredients are incorporated into the menu, and what challenges or advantages they bring to the culinary experience?

FM: Everywhere on the planet, great food bases itself on good quality products and when it comes to South Korea you have an excellent choice of very high-quality ones, such as Dokdo Island shrimp, Jeju Island scampi, Hanwoo beef, and many vegetables and fruits depending on the season. I love to cook them simply and respect deeply the ingredients. What we also try is to stay away from strong flavors, not too sweet, spicy, or salty, and work the products in a similar way that you would in the best tables of Paris.

LLA: The lunch and dinner menus at Fait Maison showcase the best of French cuisine. What efforts are made to ensure authenticity in these dishes, and how do you source ingredients for a truly French gastronomy experience?

FM: We maintain a close collaboration with our suppliers to ensure we bring the finest products to our guests. For instance, our current partnership with Le Meunier Seoul Cheese, crafted by a French MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) Cheese Master, is a testament to our dedication to quality. Authenticity is also ingrained in the respect for the techniques we employ and the expertise of our chefs, particularly in the realm of taste and flavors.

LLA: The French buffet ‘Le Bon Marché’ on weekends features seasonal and authentic menus from different regions of France. How do you select the regions and themes for each buffet, and what kind of culinary journey do you aim to take your guests on?

FM: We begin by carefully selecting regions with distinctive cultural and climate characteristics. In colder winter regions like Alsace or the Alps, we offer comforting dishes that are perfect for Seoul winters. On the other end, during hot Korean summers, we draw inspiration from the light and tasty cuisine of the south of France. Currently, we are exploring beautiful culinary areas such as Alsace, Bordeaux, Monte-Carlo, Burgundy, Paris Bistronomy, as well as Champagne.

LLA: Fait Maison has a convivial bar and a private dining room. Can you share more about the atmosphere and offerings in the bar, and what kind of events or occasions the private dining room is designed for?

FM: Our two private dining rooms are worth experiencing for any type of event. It is designed for formal meetings but also for celebrations such as anniversaries with loved ones.

LLA: Could you provide insights into any innovative initiatives or advancements that your company has introduced since its opening in 2021?

FM: Since the 2021 opening, Sofitel Ambassador Seoul and Fait Maison have been trying to deliver a relaxed French lifestyle. Sofitel Ambassador Seoul follows the ‘Cultural Link’ value, which is a balance of French Art de Vivre and the essence of the local culture. Everyone at Sofitel Ambassador Seoul is committed to communicating the ‘Cultural Link’ value to our guests.

We have also implemented a new sustainable system called Winnow in order to reduce the overall food waste. Fait Maison and Sofitel will continue to engage further in sustainable initiatives as we are aiming to be a true ambassador of Luxury Sustainability.

LLA: Given Fait Maison’s recognition as one of Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ TOP 100 Restaurants of the World for 2023, what do you believe sets the restaurant apart in terms of the overall dining experience and culinary offerings?

FM: The most obvious difference is that Sofitel Ambassador Seoul focuses on ‘traditional French’. We pay attention to providing guests with French gastronomic culture in Seoul and focus on delivering our identity as a French brand. Sometimes, overseas French restaurants may have the tendency to localize the flavors too much over time and therefore lose cuisine authenticity. We are striving to become an ambassador to promote French gastronomic culture.

LLA: In the ever-evolving world of gastronomy, how does Fait Maison stay innovative and relevant, both in terms of menu development and the overall guest experience?

FM: Nowadays innovation surely comes in the art of plating, we are very sensitive and attentive to the look as well as the taste. We have and will again revisit many traditional dishes, yet the twist is mostly on look as we want to remain original to the taste of the French dishes.

Thank you, Mikael! Here’s to many more decadent culinary experiences!

For more information, visit their website: https://www.sofitel-seoul.com/en/dining/fait-maison/