An Acclaimed Korean Chef Will Open His Most Ambitious Restaurant Yet, Right in Times Square

"The 22-seat counter marks Shim's most personal project yet - following Kochi, Mari, Mari.ne, DonDon Korean BBQ, Gui Steakhouse, and Bar92 - set behind Gui's dining room in Times Square. Tucked in its own dining room, Hwaro, named for the Korean braiser, is where Shim works beside a custom grill, where he assembles his 13-course tasting menu ($295). The menu explores Korean techniques like charcoal grilling and fermentation while pulling in broader East Asian flavors."

"The space doubles as a theater: A circular marble chef's counter, with brass detailing and underlighting, gives diners a seat in front of the kitchen. Design cues, like mother-of-pearl inlays and custom ceramics for each course, echo Shim's emphasis on his heritage and artistry. Drinks from bar manager Gelo Honrade riff on Asian ingredients. Reservations are required via Tock."

"Moonburger, the NY-born veggie burger chain, opens its fifth location. It's the first one in Manhattan, following three upstate and one in Brooklyn. The location rolls out this weekend in Nolita at 72 Kenmare, between Mott and Mulberry. To celebrate, the shop is giving the first 50 visitors on both Saturday and Sunday "free burgers for a year" (redeemable monthly). Known for its plant-based patties and playful branding, Moonburger has grown from a Hudson Valley cult favorite into a small New York chain."

Reservations are live for Hwaro, a 22-seat restaurant-within-a-restaurant by chef Sungchul Shim opening October 15 inside Gui at 776 Eighth Avenue near 48th Street. Hwaro sits behind Gui's dining room and centers on a custom grill where Shim assembles a 13-course tasting menu priced at $295. The menu emphasizes Korean techniques such as charcoal grilling and fermentation while incorporating broader East Asian flavors, with highlights like abalone with caviar and seaweed taco, foie gras- and duck pastrami-stuffed mandoo, a pumpkin-bamboo shoots-persimmon "mountain" course, and a beef dégustation featuring smoked A5 knuckle and galbi. The space features a circular marble chef's counter, mother-of-pearl inlays, custom ceramics, and drinks by bar manager Gelo Honrade. Reservations are required via Tock. Moonburger opens its first Manhattan location in Nolita at 72 Kenmare, known for plant-based patties and playful branding.

Read at Eater NY