Before the dinner•••

When I first began mapping out Hazel’s keyword map, words to describe her came flooding into my mind. That, I realized, was proof of just how distinct and memorable her character truly is.

For anyone who knows Hazel—even people meeting her for the first time—it’s impossible to miss the incredible kind energy she radiates.

Whenever I see her, there’s a brightness about her that feels instantly uplifting. But then, layered onto that glow, there’s this delightful, goofy twist. It’s as though a charming stage character has suddenly stepped out of a play and into real life. Abstract as it may sound, being around her feels like watching playful musical notes dance in the air—completely rhythmic and alive.

That’s when I landed on the perfect word: Whimsical.

It captures everything about Hazel’s presence—the romantic aura, the slightly quirky charm, and the almost surreal quality of someone who seems to have leapt out of a storybook or play.

So when it came to planning Hazel’s supper club menu, I approached it as though I were designing props for a stage. The form of the dishes came to me first: I wanted the ingredients, shapes, and final presentation to feel joyful and playful, just like her.

For the first dish, I wanted to create something that mirrored Hazel’s sunflower-like warmth. That led me to think of Gimbap. With its colorful cross-sections, I realized it would be possible to arrange the ingredients into a floral pattern.

Next came enoki mushrooms. Their tall, slender, and almost comically cute shape reminded me so much of Hazel herself that I couldn’t resist. I decided to transform them into a vegetarian Gangjeong (crispy glazed fritters).

Finally, I wanted a dish to pair with Gimbap and Gangjeong—something comforting and warming for a chilly winter evening. That’s when udon noodles came to mind, with their soft, bouncy shapes that felt just right for the theme. I made a kimchi udon soup, using kimchi-based broth as its foundation.

And just like that, Hazel’s whimsical character translated into three dishes—playful, heartfelt, and full of charm.

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