Stimulate the Senses with a Fiesta of Mexican Flavours at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul: PICA PICA by Garden Terrace Opens May 5

Merging the freshest dining concepts with the finest city views, Four Seasons Hotel Seoul reveals an all-new al fresco feasting experience at its rooftop terrace lounge bar: PICA PICA by Garden Terrace, or simply PICA PICA. From May 5 to September 30, 2022, guests can head to the leafy haven on the Hotel’s 15th floor for a lively Latin American menu crafted by leading Mexican Chef Maritza Cortez.

Last year saw Four Seasons Hotel Seoul launch its Garden Terrace bar dining to high praise with a fun beer and burger concept. A breath of fresh air in travel-restricted times, the Garden Terrace’s “Travel the World Through Food” slogan is further explored this year with a bright fiesta of Mexican food and drink right in the heart of Seoul’s thriving Gwanghwamun area.

Commemorating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mexico, PICA PICA showcases Chef Maritza’s superlative culinary skills. A member of the Four Seasons family since 2016, Chef Maritza was part of the opening team at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Los Cabos at Costa Palmas in Mexico, where she now serves as a Chef for the Baja-brasserie Casa de Brasa, the cevicheria El Puesto and guest-favourite food truck, the 19th Hole.

"It’s my first time visiting Korea,” Chef Maritza comments, “and I’m already discovering that just like Mexico, it has an array of diverse and interesting ingredients. Through this collaboration, it’s an honour to introduce local Mexican cuisine and culture to Korean customers using various elements from both countries."

Pica translates as “appetite-stimulant” – something that makes one want to come back for more – as well as “hot and spicy,” and Chef Maritza has created a menu alive with piquant, moreish flavours. Signature dishes include green ceviche, rib eye taco, soft shell crab taco, tripe taco, and barbacoa. From the silky soft tortillas to the sizzling sauces, everything is crafted by hand, and Chef Maritza reveals an artist’s eye when it comes to colour and presentation.

Offering artistry for all the senses, green ceviche is a fresh sauce-based version of the South American fish dish with lemon and orange juice, basil, parsley, and cilantro, and crispy pineapple chips. Mexican favourites galbi tacos are filled with a variety of ingredients that enhance the main flavour, such as homemade roasted habanero pepper mayonnaise and fresh cabbage alongside soft shell crab, and onion, coriander and lemon juice with crispy grilled tripe. Chef Maritza channels the culinary creativity of her hometown in barbacoa – a barbecue dish from the Hidalgo region – with its melt-in-the-mouth meat softened by slow cooking over a fire.  

Drinks will also get the PICA treatment in a delicious and daring bar menu crafted by the Hotel’s very own Keith Motsi, Head Bartender at Charles H. and winner of the peer-judged Altos Bartenders’ Bartender Award 2022. The slightly frozen Verdita Margarita mixes blanco tequila with lime, lemon, verdita (cilantro), spices, and orange liqueurs for a fragrant summer refresher.

Celebrating the hot and spicy element, Loco Michelada is a unique Mexican-style beer cocktail that combines hot sauce with a spice blend, citrus, and a salt rim – fun and future-forward garnishes include edible bugs. Other easy drinking options include Mezcal Paloma – a combination of Latin American flavours of mezcal, grapefruit, agave, and seaweed salt – alongside Mexican beers and sodas, and, of course, tequila.

"We’re beyond thrilled to bring this exclusive experience to the city,” comments Alejandro Bernabé, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul. “Offering sky-high views, our Garden Terrace is a place for in-the-know Koreans, from couples to co-workers. Now, they can savour artful, authentic Mexican dishes and drinks while catching a Seoul sunset – what better way to enjoy a beautiful summer night?”

PICA PICA will be available on the Hotel’s 15th floor Garden Terrace from 6:00 to 11:00 pm, Tuesday through to Saturday (available for walk-in only).