Chicago's culinary landscape is leveling up with a unique dining experience that's a cut above the rest. Bonyeon, a new 12-seat restaurant spearheaded by Michelin-starred chef Sangtae Park, serves an all-beef omakase—a first for Chicago. Launched Thursday, December 7, at 651 W. Washington Boulevard, this establishment is placing beef in the spotlight, seasoned with Korean tradition and Japanese finesse.
As per Eater Chicago, Chicagoans can now indulge in seven courses of meticulously curated beef cuts, each paired with sides to enhance the natural flavors. "The cuts are very different and not easy to find in the market," Kate Park, co-owner of Bonyeon, explained. While Chicago steak staples like Gibsons and Steak 48 focus on more well-known cuts, Bonyeon is set to treat their guests to the likes of rib finger and omasum—shining a light on the lesser-known but equally succulent parts of the cow.
The Leo Burnett Company's famous "Beef. It's what's for dinner" slogan from 31 years ago has embedded beef in the American psyche, but Bonyeon is delving deeper, invoking the centuries-old Korean proverb "One head with a hundred tastes" to inform its culinary approach. According to an interview in the Chicago Reader, the Parks are no strangers to original concepts—they first made their mark with Omakase Yume in 2018 and are now embarking on this new beef-centric venture that draws on Chef Park's Korean roots and his experience with Japanese cuisine.
The intimate setting of Bonyeon promises an experience that goes beyond the run-of-the-mill steakhouse fare. Chef Park's menu is set to feature a range of beef, from American Wagyu to prime-grade Black Angus, creatively aged and prepared right in front of diners. "Every fish has their own flavor. With beef: same thing," Kate Park told the Chicago Reader. "Each cut has its own flavor." And with Korean beef like Hanwoo being so rare and expensive that it's seldom exported, this offers a welcome alternative that will cater to discerning Chicagoan carnivores.
The couple's choice to debut Bonyeon at a time when beef prices have hit record highs might raise eyebrows, but their gamble on Chicago's appetite for premium beef seems to be a calculated one. The Parks are investing not just in quality ingredients but in the intimate ambiance too. Bonyeon's sleek black and gold decor and lively music provide a contemporary twist on traditional Asian steakhouse vibes. Open from Wednesday through Sunday, from 5:00 p.m. Up to 10:30 p.m., reservations can be snagged via Resy for those eager to secure a spot at the city’s latest gastronomic destination.
