This month, we know that we're in the thick of the holiday season and we need to have our go-to place in mind for after dinner drinks, holiday hangouts and more! We're excited to introduce you and your tastebuds to GG Tokyo and to let you know what you should order when you arrive!
ATHLEISURE MAG: Who is the executive chef of GG Tokyo and can you share his/her background prior to coming to GG Tokyo?
GG TOKYO: The menu was designed by Bryce Shuman, Executive Chef at GG Tokyo and its sister restaurant Sweetbriar, in collaboration with alumni from Shuko, an acclaimed Japanese restaurant in the East Village. The focus of the menu is on having small plates to share with a group of friends over elevated cocktails.
AM: We were near Golden Gai on a trip a few years back but didn’t get to chance to go there at night. Can you set the scene of what makes Golden Gai have a distinctive vibe as it’s an interesting juxtaposition that’s near high rises and step back into another time.
GGT: GG Tokyo consists of 6 alleys with a couple hundred bars, some so small that only a few people can fit in. Tourists are barred from entry at many, and no photos are allowed to be taken anywhere, yet it is a party all the same.
AM: GG Tokyo is located at Park South Hotel and is noted as a jewel-sized izakaya. What is an izakaya and what can you tell us about the décor/ambiance of this spot?
GGT: An Izakaya is a Japanese bar with many offerings from different styles of Japanese cooking. The ambiance of GG Tokyo celebrates art and culture while creating an inspiring place for a meet-up.
We have various pieces of art located throughout the space that were curated for us by local and international artists. Additionally, we work with a few artists who have work on display that rotate seasonally. The décor is modern but minimalistic to shine light on the art, food, and drink.
AM: How would you describe the vibe of GG Tokyo?
GGT: GG Tokyo is great after work/happy hour hang out spot with a fun and lively vibe! We have great drink specials and a prix fixe menu offering!
AM: Cocktails are a major draw when guests come by. Can you tell me about your Beverage Director Ivan Papic and his background prior to coming here?
GGT: Belegrade born Ivan Papic moved to New York in 1998. He fell in love with the industry, first getting a taste as a bar back for the popular Lot 61.
Most notably he has worked with restaurateur Keith McNally at Pastis and Balthazar, at Macao Trading Company, sister bar to Employees Only, and venturing into nightlife with Paul Sevigny at Beatrice Inn, the hardest door in the city, and opening Paul’s Casablanca.
Papic is excited to begin this new chapter acting as Beverage Director at TH/RST Group.
AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should try on our next visit?
GGT: Three cocktails that we’d suggest are the Mermaid, Golden Monkey, and Tomodachi.
AM: We assume that you have an interesting sake list – what are 3 that you suggest that we should have?
GGT: The three sake’s that I would recommend are:
Shichi Hon Yari Seven Spearsman, Shiga Saiya Yuki No Bosha Cabin in the Snow, Akita Tatsuriki Kimoto Tokubetsu Junmai, Shizuoka.
AM: If we’re coming for cocktail hour, what are 3 dishes that we should try and what drink should we pair with it?
GGT: Spicy Salmon Hand Roll, Okonomiyaki, Kara-age.
AM: What are 3 appetizers we should have?
GGT: Somen, Gochujang Rice Cakes, Tuna Tartare.
AM: What are 3 main dishes that we should have for dinner that we can enjoy either on our own or to share with friends?
GGT: Three main dishes that we would recommend would be Miso Maple Salmon, Marinated Skirt Steak, Chirashi.
AM: If it’s late-night but we still want to nibble, what do you suggest?
GGT: Anything that’s on the menu; it’s built for that kind of dining.
AM: For those of us that can never get enough sushi, what are rolls that will take our enjoyment of this dish to the next level?
GGT: They are not all rolls, but the GG Roll, Fluke Sashimi, and Crab Pressed Sushi are great picks.
AM: With the holidays upon us, are there events coming up that we should know about? Will you offer a New Year’s Eve promotion etc?
GGT: We will be offering Peking Duck dinners on Christmas Eve and will be throwing a New Years Eve party.
IG @ggtokyo.nyc
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | GG Tokyo
Read the NOV ISSUE #83 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | GG Tokyo in mag.
