Drawing inspiration from the opera’s poignant portrayal of King Lear’s descent into madness, Central Yunit’s menu unfolds as a captivating culinary narrative. Each dish and drink is meticulously crafted to symbolize a character or theme from the play, creating an immersive and thought-provoking experience for discerning diners.
The gastronomic journey begins with a trio of amuse-bouches, each representing one of Lear’s daughters. The enigmatic Goneril finds her essence captured in a somber black taco shell encasing a delicate shrimp, while Regan’s allure is evoked through a vibrant red cannoli filled with cream cheese and a glistening blueberry. Cordelia, the youngest and most beloved, is symbolized by a warm ratatouille nestled in a black tart shell, topped with savory grated cheese.
The main course features an octopus and black squid ink pasta, a visual representation of King Lear’s downfall. Inspired by the opera’s innovative set design, which utilized water to convey the characters’ emotional and physical landscapes, Chef Park Sun-woo masterfully incorporates dark and eerie elements of the sea to reflect the play’s themes of death and mythical creatures.
Complementing the dishes are three themed drinks that further enhance the theatrical experience. The Cosmopolitan cocktail, crowned with effervescent bubbles, embodies Edmund’s insatiable thirst for power. The bitter Negroni, symbolic of King Lear’s disgrace, features an elegant orange peel representing his crown, accompanied by a flickering cinnamon stick that adds an aromatic touch. The non-alcoholic Black Ade pays homage to Goneril’s sinister act of poisoning her sister Regan, served with a dramatic smoky effect created by dry ice.
This exceptional culinary experience, priced at 35,000 Korean won (US$26), has garnered immense popularity, resulting in its extension throughout April. Park Sun-woo attributes this success to the harmonious collaboration between theatre and dining, which resonates deeply with patrons of the National Theatre of Korea. Yunit’s commitment to innovation and its farm-to-table philosophy sets the stage for a transformative dining experience, where food and culture intertwine to create an unforgettable theatrical delight.
