NYC Korean Bites
Thursday Kitchen
My new obsession is all things Korean food. After trying many spots in K-Town i was on the hunt for something downtown that would be a casual cute date night. That's how I found Thursday Kitchen, it was described as "casual spot for Korean cooking with French & Spanish influence" and I thought it sounded weird enough that it might be great. All tapas-style shareable small places, this Korean-inspired little nook in the LES is one of my new favorite spots. They got me the minute I sat down, with cocktails served in baggies (imagine an adult Capri Sun) with glowing LED ice cubes that tasted like heaven (and hell in the morning when you drank too many.) We started with some seared tuna, that had the texture of butter and was interestingly enough on a bed of hummus coulis and covered in toasted quinoa. We also had the truffle and clam mac and cheese, which wasn't my favorite but a crowd pleaser at out table. The grilled octopus was flawless, served with a Korean pear and soy scallion sauce that mixed favors of some Korean bbq char coated in a delicate sweetness. But my favorite flavor of the night was the homemade edamame dumplings, they were steamed and smothered in a citrus truffle sauce and a small bit of parmesan. If I could bathe in this sauce I would, it was the perfect mix of flavors and blended with the subtle edamame filling. We also had the steak with a soy garlic glaze and feta grits as well as the matcha bread pudding for dessert. I walked away pleasantly surprised by a random yelp choice that truly blended interesting flavors with creative cooking/plating methods. I highly recommend.
Atoboy
The anticipation for this meal was slightly pent up in my head, after months of trying and failing to get someone to go with me. And finally, after I suckered my friend into it, I would say my excitement was highly fulfilled. For $38 you can have a three-course meal cooked by the couple-chef Junghyun Park who was the former chef at Jungsik (the two Michelin starred Korean restaurant). We started with some fluke and tartar which were both raw perfection. By my favorite flavor of the night was the sunchokes roasted with oyster mushrooms, black truffle and fresh orange. I couldn't get enough and highly regretted offering to "share everything!" Our favorite main was the brisket and foie gras, the warm broth poured over it melted the foie gras to a thick creamy sauce. I highly suggest this hip new spot, with abc kitchen style plates and extra ity bity food. But I promise the flavors are well worth the small bites!
Food Genre: fancy family-style Korean
Type of Dining: Great date night, set menu cost
Price Range: $$ ($38 each set price + cost of alcohol)
Check out their website here.
Jongro
Hate group dinners as much as I do? I struggle to find a place that leaves everyone happy, and not digging through their wallets to fork over for everyone else's food. Well Jongro is the best i've found in NYC for group food. Everyone has to order the same thing, since it all comes in large raw meat portions, that they grill for you in the center of the table. Then they come over with a million sides and it's a great night. My favorite part is the setting, I'm not kidding when I tell you that this restaurant is on the second floor of an office building. Once the elevator pulls up you are entered into a small little village that looks like you just landed in the Korean village of Epcot. Add it to your list, you wont be dissapointed.
Food Genre: Korean BBQ
Type of Dining: groups!!! so much fun, but expect a wait
Price Range: $30-40
Gaonnuri
Gaonnuri also means the center of the world, and that would definitely describe this gorgeous restaurant at the top floor of a skyscraper on the corner of Herald Square. I wouldn't say the food was as good as the view, and you certainly pay for each look out the window, but if you are looking for a NYC experience and want some good food to go along with it, Gaonnuri is the right place for you. I highly recommend the mushroom Bokkeum, if you are a mushroom addict like me, you get a little taste of all, including the baby portobello, enoki, pine, pyogo & king oyster mushrooms Sautéed In a pear garlic soy sauce.
Food Genre: Korean bar and lounge, sky view
Type of Dining: Definitely pricey, but great for date night or a first time in NYC, great views
Price Range: $50-$75