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After a series of twists and turns, Chef Kim Yeong-seon wrapped up his famed career as a classic French chef at Restaurant Soleil and opened Essence to offer his very own version of French cuisine. Here, the chef provides bistro-style French fare that is cozier and lighter, and therefore more accessible, than the fare at his previous restaurant. Although the winds of change are sweeping through the dining industry, he is steadfastly committed to the classic style, delivering deep flavors through precisely baked and cooked ingredients and carefully crafted sauces. In this era of contemporary cuisine that appeals to diners with a wide range of novel culinary styles, Essence’s unpretentious meals highlighting genuine authenticity remind us, once again, of the core of French cuisine.