1000 Tiny Birds

Joomak Banjum

New York, 2023-04-13

If contrast from Chick Fil A were needed, here it was. Tonight, having been rearranged in many different ways, we embark from a quick tour of the Palantir office to Joomak Banjum, the second in a three day run of Michelin starred restaurants. Joomak Banjum is a Korean restaurant in the French style, with an emphasis on pastry and the classical cuisine. At this point in the week, sadly I don’t think I’m stretching to either of the longer tasting menus, but the four course will just have to do. We start with an amuse bouche of a miniature smoked salmon roe bagel, which is exquisite and sets the scene for what we are about to receive (amen). First course, a beef tartare banh mi, served with pear butter and mozzarella, is an exercise in contrast, the crisp of the bread, the softness of the tartare, both dense in flavour. Sourdough jajangmyeon and duck leg galbi round out the savoury courses, before a fascinating dessert of a root beer float, set off by a milk sorbet and spicy strawberry jam, with touches of popping candy even. It speaks for the whole evening, an inventive take without being showy or losing sight of the enjoyment.