Midtown Manhattan's dining scene is getting a boost with the launch of two Korean restaurants by Sam Yoo, owner of Golden Diner. The new ventures include a gastropub dubbed Golden HOF and a more upscale restaurant known as NY Kimchi. According to Eater, Golden HOF is fast becoming the go-to spot for post-work gatherings, offering a blend of Korean American and American Korean dishes that are perfect for sharing over drinks. The location at 16 W. 48th Street, just off Fifth Avenue, is conveniently situated right across from the bustling Rockefeller Center.
Golden HOF stands out from typical Korean restaurants by offering more than just traditional dishes. Instead, Yoo is making waves with a menu that balances the fiery spice of popular Korean cuisine with a diverse assortment of flavors. Despite being nestled in the site of his parents' former restaurant, Yoo's creation is far from just a sentimental tribute. “A raucous combination of everything that’s come before," the gastro pub is already being pegged as a must-visit, featuring beyond-the-norm concoctions like a kimchi brine martini and scorched rice-infused gin, as detailed by Eater.
On the lower level of Yoo's establishment, NY Kimchi presents a more sophisticated take with a steakhouse flair. As reported by the New York Times, patrons at NY Kimchi can delight in dishes like oysters Rockefeller topped with kimchi butter, alongside Korean classics such as japchae noodles. Yoo’s dedication to excellence and his family’s heritage combine in a restaurant offering a sleek dining experience, perfect for those seeking something beyond the lively gastropub atmosphere.
While some may argue that the spice levels in American Korean cuisine have been increased to garner attention, Golden HOF places emphasis on variety and balance. “There's no shortage of heat on the menu at Golden HOF," reports Eater, with options like gochujang-glazed wings and kimchi-packed dishes. However, Yoo's repertoire also includes dishes where the heat is refined, such as the ddukbokki carbonara that tantalizingly mutes Calabrian chile behind layers of creamy sauce and guanciale.
