THE ART OF THE SNACK | A.KITCHEN + BAR D.C.

We're always looking for great places to grab a bite. When we find places that allow us to pop in for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, we know this is one that will be top of mind as we navigate our day. In this month's The Art of the Snack, we head to DC and talk with the team of a.kitchen+bar DC to find out more about what we should enjoy when we're in the neighborhood. We talk with the Founder/Co-Owner of High Street Hospitality Group - Ellen Yin, Chef Eli Collins, and Bar Director Harry Jamison.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we talk about A.Kitchen and Bar DC, tell us about High Street Hospitality Group.

ELLEN YIN: High Street Hospitality Group is a celebrated Philadelphia-based restaurant group founded by James Beard Award winner Ellen Yin. The group includes acclaimed restaurants like Fork, High Street, High Street Bakery, a.kitchen+bar, and a.kitchen+bar D.C. — all known for seasonal, locally sourced cuisine. Ellen has been recognized nationally for her contributions to the culinary world, including receiving the 2023 James Beard "Outstanding Restaurateur" award. The group emphasizes sustainability, inclusivity, and regional ingredients while actively supporting local farmers and community initiatives.

AM: Can you tell me more about yourself as well as your culinary journey in terms of where you trained, kitchens you worked in etc.

CHEF ELI COLLINS: I've been part of the High Street Hospitality Group since 2017. After studying art abroad, I spent time traveling and working up and down the East Coast, eventually landing in New York City. There, I had the incredible opportunity to work for Chef Daniel Boulud at his Michelin-starred restaurant, Daniel, and later served as Executive Chef at DBGB Kitchen, his more casual brasserie.

At a.kitchen, I’ve focused on crafting a menu driven by seasonality and a deep love for prime ingredients - something that earned us Three Bells from Philadelphia Inquirer critic Craig LaBan, who highlighted our “compelling French flair.” a.kitchen Philadelphia has been honored as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wine Restaurants in America, received Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence in 2020 and 2022, and was named a James Beard Foundation semifinalist for Outstanding Wine Program in 2022. I was also humbled to be named Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly 2022 Chef.

AM: As you are based in Philadelphia, why did you want to open this restaurant in DC?

EY: For the past 10 years one of our most proud restaurants is a.kitchen + bar which has been recognized for its amazing wine and beverage programs as well as seasonal cooking by Chef Eli Collins. A.kitchen + bar is a neighborhood restaurant that happens to be in AKA Rittenhouse Square, a luxury hotel property by AKA Hotels, our hotel partner. When they mentioned their expansion to a new property in Washington DC and we had the opportunity to spend time in the West End, we fell in love with the property that has a storied past. Part of what attracted us was the conversion of a gorgeous terrace that would add beautiful light to the space; but the major reason was because the hospitality community in DC is so cohesive, collaborative and is quickly establishing itself as one of the most exciting dining destinations in the country.

AM: You have been open since last Fall. What can guests expect in terms of the ambiance of this restaurant?

EY: The restaurant which was designed by Gensler’s DC office right on K Street, is full of natural light from New Hampshire Street, and from the bar area, a view of our gorgeous terrace. A modern sophisticated, but casual atmosphere allows for diners to feel comfortable whether they are grabbing a quick bite or having a more luxurious meal. Modern art adorns the walls and plants are present giving the space a natural feel.

The ambiance at a.kitchen+bar D.C. blends urban sophistication with understated warmth. It takes inspiration from its Philadelphia counterpart, the space welcomes guests with sunlit interiors and a thoughtfully layered aesthetic. Light ash banquettes and polished concrete floors lend a sense of modern calm, while blackened wood furnishings, dark marble counters, and bronze metal accents add depth and contrast. Abstract photographic prints punctuate the walls, adding an artistic edge to the 60-seat dining room and adjacent 40-seat bar and lounge.

AM: What kind of cuisine is offered here?

EY: We offer American small plates— Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner!

AM: For those coming in for Breakfast, what are 3 dishes you suggest that we should have in mind?

CHEF EC: Cornmeal Pancakes, French Omelet, and Steelhead Trout Lox.

AM: For Lunch, what are 3 dishes that we should enjoy when coming in with friends and family?

CHEF EC: Chickpea Panisse, Bluefin Tuna, and Potato Gnocchi.

AM: Of course for Dinner, are there items that we should have in mind that we can enjoy?

CHEF EC: Crispy Oyster Mushrooms, Rockfish + Clams, and Roasted Cauliflower.

AM: Brunch is our favorite meal of the week. What are 3 dishes that we should think about for this portion of the menu?

CHEF EC: Badger Flame Beets, Biscuits + Gravy, and Croque Monsieur.

AM: We love Golden Hour - what are 3 bites that we should order and what would the wine/cocktail pairing be for this?

CHEF EC: Deviled Eggs — MELON DE BOURGOGNE, LA BREGEONNETTE, MUSCADET SEVRE-ET-MAINE, LOIRE VALLEY 2022; Smoked Chicken Wings — Naked & Notorious; and Cheeseburger — CABERNET FRANC, CHAT. DU HUREAU, SAUMUR-CHAMPIGNY, LOIRE VALLEY 2022.

AM: In terms of cocktails in general, what are 3 for the Summer that we should have in mind?

HARRY JAMISON: A spritz of any kind (Aperol + Hugo come to mind), Tiki drinks (Junglebird or Mai Tai!), and Margaritas on the rocks.

AM: The Summer is about celebrating, whether they are large holidays or those that are personal to us. Are there any events taking place that we should know about to put on our calendar?

EY: This summer, we're hosting our a.BBQ series, where we're partnering with well-loved chefs around the city for a night of grilling on our terrace to benefit Southern Smoke Foundation, a non-profit that supports F&B workers in crisis by providing emergency relief funding and access to mental health services. Save the date for our first one, June 26 with Chef Chris Morgan from Joon!

IG @a.kitchenandbardc

PHOTO CREDITS | A.Kitchen and Bar DC

Read the MAY ISSUE #113 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | a.kitchen + bar D.C. in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | ZEN

This month's The Art of the Snack takes us back to Singapore at 3 Michelin Star restaurant Zén which is the sister restaurant to Frantzén located inn Stockholm which also has 3 Michelin Stars. We sat down with duo Executive Chefs Toraik Chua and Martin Öfner who combine their culinary creativity in this restaurant. Zén's ethos is based in a philosophy of balance and harmony that is woven into its very foundation.

We wanted to know more about how they came to embrace their passion for food, where they trained, and what guests can expect when they come in to dine here!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you fell in love with food?

CHEF TORAIK CHUA: It's a mixed feeling. Like everything I do, I adore it most of the time, but sometimes, I just want to get away from it all. One thing I'm sure of: I love the moment I return to my hometown and get to enjoy the amazing dishes cooked by a talented chef from a tiny, run-down restaurant called MaBrown. I feel like I'm in love every time I'm there.

CHEF MARTIN ÖFNER: I never had a clear moment of realisation, I was always drawn to flavours, smells, and textures. It’s been a natural fascination from the start for me.

AM: Tell me about your culinary background from where you trained to kitchens you worked in.

CH TC: I have rather mixed, but refined experiences. I started off at a French culinary school, then moved into the world of French bistros. From there, I entered the world’s best restaurant, Noma. Later, I moved to Stockholm to work at Frantzén, and was eventually sent to help set up Zén on this small island called Singapore. I went through two Michelin stars, the pandemic, and then the third star. Still here, still cooking!

CHEF MÖ: My culinary journey began in the Austrian Alps, influenced by my grandmother's cooking and the region's seasonality. I pursued culinary training focused on Austrian cuisine with classic French principles, honing my skills in local hotels. My experience expanded to Michelin-starred restaurants across Europe, including Restaurant Parkhuus in Switzerland, Rosengarten and St Hubertus in Austria, Geranium in Denmark, and De Librije in the Netherlands, where I specialised in pastry, fermentation, and R&D. An internship at Frantzén in Sweden led to a permanent position, where I found a strong connection to the restaurant's ethos and team.

AM: What is the cuisine that guests can enjoy when they come in to dine?

CHEF TC: À la minute cooking is at the heart of our cuisine—think of us as a Nordic Kaiseki. A natural progression of flavours runs throughout the entire menu, but always done in a way that’s deeply, deliciously satisfying.

CHEF MÖ: The cuisine blends Japanese and French techniques, with subtle influences from New Nordic cuisine.

AM: Tell us about the interior design and ambience of Zén?

CHEF TC: "Inviting" is the word I’d use—it feels like our home. You start off in the kitchen with small snacks and casual conversation, then move into the dining room for the main experience. Finally, you finish in the living room, wrapped in a cosy, hygge kind of vibe.

CHEF MÖ: The space reflects a purist Nordic sensibility, paired with Japanese aesthetics, all brought together by a Swedish design team.

AM: Tell us about your lunch menu and what we can expect when we are coming in at that time of day?

CHEF TC: A slightly faster-paced menu designed to cater to those with less time, while keeping the same flavours, spirit, and tone as our dinner experience.

CHEF MÖ: The lunch menu is more concise, but it covers all the essentials. We’ve intentionally shortened it to offer a quicker experience for our lunch guests.

AM: What are 3 dishes on the lunch menu that you are excited about?

CHEF TC: I like the Scallop dish with nordic elements! The White Asparagus dish is quite cool too, and I always adore the Fresh Fruits serving.

CHEF MÖ: I’m genuinely excited about the entire menu. Each creation has its own story — it’s hard to pick a favourite. A few highlights: French toast, marron, and Biwa Masu.

AM: For dinner, what can you tell us about this menu?

CHEF TC: We're now into a new season—warmer spices take the lead, while keeping everything deeply seasonal. Some of our signature dishes and bites have been moved around to make room for fresh, fun additions!

CHEF MÖ: The dinner menu is more extensive and includes a sweet course extension as well.

AM: What are 3 dishes on the dinner menu that you are excited about?

CHEF TC: Same as the lunch!

AM: You have a 3 Michelin Star, what does it mean to you to have this distinction?

CHEF TC: It simply means that everything we've been doing over the past few years has been great. Earning three stars takes incredibly high standards, top-quality ingredients, and exceptional execution.

AM: Are there any upcoming events that we should have an eye out for that are taking place at your restaurant?

CHEF MÖ: Formula 1 during Q3 here in Singapore will be an exciting new challenge for the team, and a different kind of energy to adapt to.

IG @restaurantzen.sgp

@toraikc

@martinofner_

PHOTO CREDITS | Zén

Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Zen in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | BURNT ENDS

For this month's The Art of the Snack, we travel to Singapore to Burnt Ends that's full of flavor and has a menu that really showcases BBQ by taking it to the next level. We sat down with Owner/Chef David Pynt to find out more about his culinary journey, what led to the creation of his restaurant, what we can expect when we come in for a great meal , and what is involved in the Burnt Ends universe!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Chef David Pynt, prior to Burnt Ends, can you tell me about your culinary journey, where you trained and kitchens you worked in?

CHEF DAVID PYNT: I grew up in Perth, near Floreat, City Beach, and Scarborough. I studied cooking at TAFE West Coast Institute of Training and worked under Hadleigh Troy at Amusé. But I still craved more, so I moved to Sydney to learn all about cooking and restaurants and hone my skills. Luckily, I got a job as Chef de Partie under Tetsuya Wakuda. That same year, Tetsuya’s was awarded Best Restaurant in Australia and ranked #4 on the list of S. Pellegrino’s World’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Like a kid with sweets, I got a taste and wanted more. So, in 2010, I took a stagiaire at noma, which was the world’s best restaurant at the time. I learnt a lot there and continued on learning when I moved on to Spain.

Growing up, my family had many dinners, gathering around the wood-fired BBQ. My nostalgia and intrigue were piqued when I went to work at Asador Etxebarri with Chef Victor Arguinzoniz, and the penny finally dropped. I loved his kitchens. The custom grills, open fires, and preparation were inspiring.

After my time at Asador Etxebarri, I moved to London, where I learned of the incredible work going on at St John from Chef Fergus Henderson. London was a whirlwind of meeting other chefs, developing my skills and cooking style, and working out what I wanted to do through a few pop-ups.

AM: What led you to want to launch and open Burnt Ends?

CHEF DP: One of the pop-ups I've done was Burnt Enz, where it all really got started. I designed my 4 tonne dual cavity wood burning ovens and elevation grills. It was so much fun; we got DJs in, other Chefs came and collaborated with me. It was a blast, the opportunity came to open Burnt Ends permanently in Singapore, so we moved in 2013 and opened Burnt Ends.

AM: For those that have yet to dine at Burnt Ends, can you tell us about the ambiance and the decor?

CHEF DP: We wanted the restaurant to have a feeling of light airiness that gives way to dark smouldering, where culinary creativity burns at a different intensity. The cavernous room offers ample seating on extra-wide, teak-framed dining chairs, each clad in supple vegetable-dyed leather. A generous Indonesian Suar wood counter runs the length of the open kitchen, the latter anchored by our 4 tonne dual cavity, wood burning ovens. Adjoining the main dining room, through an entrance resembling the appearance of a kitchen-fridge door, is a separate space for wine aficionados, The Wine Cellar is an awe-inspiring showcase of over 2,000 bottles imported from different regions of Australia. From a tasting station positioned within the room, guests can sample a selection of over 500 labels, representing a wide portfolio of artisan Australian wineries, alongside a curated selection of port, champagne, beer and sake all to enjoy in-house or take home. In addition, the experienced sommeliers and beverage team use this unique space to conduct an array of stand-alone activations from Cellar Sessions to corporate and trade wine events.

AM: What are the flavors and spices that we can expect when we come in?

CHEF DP: We have taken inspiration from all over the world, flavours, produce and different combinations, cooked over wood and reimagined through the Burnt Ends Lens.

AM: How is the menu broken out?

CHEF DP: We start with snacks, move on to some sharing dishes, then larger seafood, then main meats and finally desserts

AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest that we should try when coming in with friends?

CHEF DP: Smoked Quail Egg and Caviar, the Grissini and Taramasalata and the Beef Marmalade.

AM: What are 3 main dishes that we should have an eye on when we come in to Burnt Ends?

CHEF DP: The King Crab and garlic Brown Butter, Terry Turbot and the 45 Day Dry Aged Blackores OP Rib.

AM: We love ending our meal with a great dessert. What is the one we should try?

CHEF DP: At the moment we are loving the Rum Baba and Roasted Pineapple.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should try?

CHEF DP: Definately try the Massaman Curry, the Screaming Tomato and the Barrel Aged Sloe Gin Negroni.

AM: Tell us about Burnt Bakery!

CHEF DP: The Burnt Ends Bakery is a bolt on from our Restaurant. We built a woodfired bread oven to bake our sourdough and other items. We also sell our berry tart, lots of doughnuts and coffee that we roast ourselves.

AM: Tell us about Burnt Cellars.

CHEF DP: Burnt Ends Cellars is our platform to import hard to get wines from Australia to Singapore. We primarily use it for the restaurant, but we have opened it up online to give our guests access to these great wines to drink at home!

AM: How did your cookbook, Burnt Ends come about and what can we look forward to when purchasing this book?

CHEF DP: After 10 years at Burnt Ends, we often got asked about our story and how we ended up in Singapore. We also got asked a lot for different recipes and techniques for the dishes we do at the restaurant so people could recreate them at home. You can find everything from a graphic bio from Ryan Inzana outlining our story. Incredible Images from PA Jorgansen capture life at Burnt Ends and also the 70 recipes are included. It has all been put together by Lotta Jorgansen to tell the tale of Burnt Ends, sharing our stories, techniques and recipes!

IG @burntends.sg

PHOTO CREDITS | Per-Anders Jörgensen/BurntEnds

Read the MAR ISSUE #111 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Burnt Ends in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | TAPORI

Tell us we're going to have Indian Cuisine and you can see our tastebuds getting excited for our next meal of savory dishes and phenomenal cocktails! So when we heard that Tapori was opening in DC, we knew that they would be the perfect inclusion for this month's The Art of the Snack!

We wanted to explore more with this H Street find and to talk with Dante Datta who is an industry veteran who is one half of the founding team Daru (Chef Suresh Sundas is the other founder). We discovered more about this restaurant and bar who has a number of our soon to be favorite street foods that we'll have to enjoy the next time we're in the neighborhood.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Tapori, we'd like to know about the backgrounds of you as well as Chef Suresh Sundas and how they came together to create this restaurant!

DANTE DATTA: Suresh Sundas, the executive chef of Tapori, hails from Nepal and arrived in the U.S. in 2007, fueled by his passion for the vibrant flavors of his homeland. Drawing from the shared spices of Indian and Nepalese cuisines, he aims to showcase the unique Indo-Chinese influence of Himalayan dishes while introducing traditional Nepalese momo (dumplings) and noodles to the menu.

I bring a wealth of experience in crafting cocktails to Tapori, drawing on my deep appreciation for flavors and cultural influences. As a first-generation American with roots in West Bengal, I have embraced my heritage while honing my skills in mixology. My background in creating innovative and balanced drinks reflects a commitment to using fresh, quality ingredients along with a nod to traditional Indian flavors, allowing me to create a unique cocktail menu that complements the vibrant street food of Tapori and adds a personal touch to the dining experience.

AM: Can you define what Indian Street Food is and why did you want this to be the focus of Tapori?

DD: Indian street food is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and aromas, crafted on bustling streets across the country. With diverse offerings like tangy chaat, succulent kebabs, and irresistible vada pav, each dish reflects rich regional traditions. At Tapori, we want to embrace the spirited culinary culture to provide guests with an experience that transports them directly to the heart of India's street food scene.

AM: What are the flavors and ingredients that are indicative of Indian cuisine?

DD: Indian cuisine is characterized by its bold and diverse flavors, featuring a symphony of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cardamom that create layers of complexity in each dish. Fresh ingredients, such as vibrant herbs, lentils, and seasonal vegetables, come together to craft rich, aromatic meals that excite the palate and evoke the warmth of home-cooked Indian fare.

AM: What can you tell us about The District's historic H St which is where you are located.

DD: Opening Tapori on H Street felt like a no-brainer for us - this lively area is buzzing with energy and creativity, perfect for our vision of serving up mouthwatering South Asian street food. We wanted to join the mix of eclectic bars and eateries and offer something that not only celebrates our heritage, but also adds to the vibrant culinary scene that H Street is known for. It’s all about bringing people together over great food and drinks in a place that’s all about good vibes and community! We’ve been so well supported with the neighborhood we wanted to continue to grow them.

AM: What does Tapori mean?

DD: Very "tapori," a Hindi word that loosely translates to "rowdy" or "vagabond." The new spot channels a Mumbai subculture popularized by Bollywood in the mid-90s.

AM: In terms of ambiance, what can guests expect when they come in to dine?

DD: A large bar, open kitchen and 20-person communal table — mingling encouraged — are set for a party vibe. You'll also see more tucked-away booths and a mural by local artist Patrick Owens.

AM: Tell us about Edit Lab at Streetsense who designed this space!

DD: As a friend of Brian Miller, I’ve always admired his unique approach to design. At Edit Lab at Streetsense, Brian and his team are renowned for creating immersive environments that reflect a brand’s personality and enhance the guest experience through thoughtful architectural details and material choices. Their collaborative process with chefs and restaurateurs ensures every element feels intentional and cohesive, demonstrating creativity, cultural sensitivity, and meticulous attention to detail, which makes us trust them implicitly.

For Tapori, Edit Lab has been dedicated to crafting a vibrant atmosphere. The design features hip neon accents reflected off mirrored walls, wood paneling, intimate booths, and banquette seating, contributing to a lively and warm dining experience.”

AM: Your menu reflects and takes culinary inspiration from different regions in India.

DD: Yes, we will be pulling from regions from the Himalayas, Mumbai, and Kerala for example.

AM: Can you tell us about the regions that you pull from and the kinds of dishes and ingredients/spices that come from those areas?

DD: At Tapori, the culinary inspiration comes from vibrant regions of South Asia, particularly Nepal and India, featuring dishes like momo (dumplings) and various Indian street foods enriched with spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The restaurant also embraces Indo-Chinese fusion, incorporating bold flavors and fresh ingredients to create an exciting and memorable dining experience.

AM: How important is it to offer dishes that include vegetarian, seafood, and various meat options?

DD: South Asian cuisine is so diverse, and one of the best things about it is how it brings everyone to the table. You can have vegetarians, vegans, and meat lovers all chilling together, and each one will find something they love. It’s all about the flavors and options that make sure everyone leaves happy and satisfied!

AM: What are 3 appetizers that we should be thinking about when we come in to eat with friends and family?

DD: Lotus Root Chaat features crispy lotus root tossed with gram flour, drizzled with sweet yogurt and a sprinkle of black salt for a delightful crunch and tang.

Cauliflower 65 delivers a spicy and savory experience with oven-roasted cauliflower, enhanced by roasted garlic, aromatic curry leaves, mustard seeds, and served with a rich Kashmiri chili mayo.

Buff Chili combines tender buffalo, stir-fried with a flavorful blend of soy sauce, timur, and onions, all topped with crispy puffed rice for an exciting texture and taste.

AM: In terms of small plates, what are 3 that you suggest that we should have in mind?

DD: Calamari Kuttu features tender stir-fried squid seasoned with aromatic black pepper, fennel, and a tangy tamarind sauce for a bold flavor profile.

Jhol Momo offers bison dumplings nestled in a fragrant stew enriched with nutmeg and infused with chili garlic oil for a warming and savory delight.

Gunpowder Masala Dosa presents a crispy fermented rice lentil crepe filled with spiced aloo masala, served alongside sambar, coconut chutney, and tomato chutney for a vibrant and satisfying meal.

AM: What are 3 main dishes that we should have in mind?

DD: Goat Pakku Biryani is a fragrant dish featuring tender slow-cooked goat infused with saffron, nutmeg, and black pepper, layered with aromatic basmati rice and mace for depth of flavor.

Bhatiki Bater highlights tandoori quail marinated in bold Kashmiri chili and garam masala, served with creamy yogurt and a drizzle of mustard oil for a deliciously spicy kick.

Seabass Kebab showcases succulent seabass blended with sundried tomatoes, green chili, and carom seeds, served with a creamy mint labneh and a hint of Amritsar spice for a fresh and zesty taste.

AM: What are 3 desserts that are a great way to complete our meal when we're sharing with the table?

DD: Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian dessert consisting of small, soft balls made from khoya (milk solids) soaked in fragrant rose syrup, offering a rich and sweet delight.

Rasgulla features spongy, white cheese balls cooked in light sugar syrup, delivering a refreshing and satisfying sweetness that's perfect for any occasion.

Kheer is a creamy rice pudding made from basamati rice, milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts, creating a comforting and indulgent treat.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you recommend that we should have?

DD: Tapori Cocktail - A tamarind flavored take on a classic Boulevardier.

Achari Martini - A take on a Dirty martini using a brine made for Achar, a south asian pickle used as a condiment.

The Pineapple-Timur Daiquiri is a refreshing twist on the classic cocktail, featuring acidified pineapple that adds a bright, tangy sweetness in place of traditional lime juice. This vibrant drink combines the tropical essence of fresh pineapple with the unique, slightly spicy notes of timur (Sichuan pepper) tincture.

AM: Do you have a Happy Hour and if so, please tell us about this!

DD: We will be offering a varieties of cocktails, beer and wine at happy hour eventually.

AM: Are there any events coming up in the Spring that we should keep an eye out for?

DD: Yes, Look out for a fun collaboration with Service Bar, Albi, Martiny’s (NYC) and Angel Share (NYC) on April 7th!

IG @tapori.dc

PHOTO CREDITS | Deb Lindsey

Read the FEB ISSUE #110 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Tapori in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | DILLI DILLI

No matter the time of year, we're always looking for a satisfying meal, but when we're in colder weather we really want to have dishes that hit all areas of our tastebuds and give us the warmth that we desire on the inside and out! We took a moment to chat with Abla Atoubi, General Manager of Dilli Dilli which is located in NYC's Theater District. She talked with us about the restaurant's chefs/restaurateurs Gaurav Anand and Vipul Gupta, dishes we should have in mind when we're there, the ambiance of the space and of course the blend of Old Delhi and New Delhi that is presented in every bite!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Dilli Dilli is led by 2 chefs! Can you share your background, where you trained, kitchens you worked in etc prior to opening this restaurant? We'd love to hear from both of you!

ABLA ATOUBI: Our culinary maestros, Chef Gaurav Anand and Chef Vipul Gupta, are the heart and soul of Dilli Dilli. Chef Anand, a celebrated name in the culinary world, honed his skills simply by practicing. His self taught journey took him through different regions across India and his international travel inspired him and taught him how to blend flavors without compromising the dish. He also worked alongside the very famous Jiggs Kalra, a food writer and celebrity chef who elevated Indian fine dining cuisine. Chef Vipul Gupta, on the other hand, brings a wealth of experience from his time in some of Delhi's most iconic kitchens, Hyatt, Marriott, and ITC etc.. His passion for authentic Indian cuisine is unmatched, and together, they create a symphony of flavors that tell the story of Delhi.

AM: What is the meaning behind Dilli Dilli?

AA: Dilli Dilli is a fun way of saying Delhi twice - which at the same time represents Old Delhi and New Delhi. It's a celebration of the city's rich history and its dynamic present. By bringing together the essence of Old Delhi's timeless traditions and New Delhi's contemporary spirit, we aim to offer our guests an unforgettable dining experience that captures the heart of India's capital.

AM: Dilli Dilli is bringing Old Delhi and New Delhi together. Which chef represents which and are the flavors, spices, and techniques of Old Delhi and New Delhi?

AA: Chef Gaurav Anand embodies the innovative spirit of New Delhi, infusing post British era techniques and highlighting dishes that were brought by this occupation and by other Indians who migrated from other states. Chef Vipul Gupta, with his deep-rooted knowledge of traditional Indian cooking, brings the historic flavors and spices of Old Delhi to life. Together, they create a harmonious blend where age-old recipes meet contemporary flair, offering a unique culinary journey.

AM: For those that are dining here, what is the ambiance that they can expect and what can you tell me about the decor?

AA: Dilli Dilli offers a vibrant and eclectic ambiance that mirrors the bustling streets of Delhi. Our decor is a fusion of traditional and modern elements, with colorful textiles, intricate jaali work, and vintage photographs that transport you to the heart of Delhi. It's a lively, welcoming space where every corner tells a story.

AM: What are 3 Small Plates that we should consider for the table when we come in?

AA: You must try the Chili Cheese Toast, a nostalgic snack that will take you right back to childhood, the Goat Shaami Kebab from Wengers - if you're from Delhi, you will definitely appreciate this one - , and the Masala Peanut Bhindi, a modern twist from Jahapanaah club, my personal favorite. Each dish offers a burst of flavors that are quintessentially Delhi.

AM: What are 3 Signature Dishes that we should consider?

AA: Our signatures include the Seekh Mirza Ghalib, a minced lamb shoulder kebab with kastoori methi, the Gilafi Paneer, homemade buffalo milk cottage cheese with red onion and capsicum, and the Tandoori Branzino which resembles the grilled pomfret you would have in Delhi. These dishes are a culinary journey through Delhi's diverse food culture.

AM: What are 3 Large Plates that we should think about ahead of our dinner?

AA: Consider the Pista Kofta, a golden fried cheese dumpling wrapped in silver foil dunked in a gourmet pistachio creamy sauce, the National Mutton Curry, featuring premium goat meat in a marrow sauce, the Dehlavi Chicken Biryani, a fragrant basmati rice dish with burrani yoghurt.

AM: What are 3 breads that you suggest that we should enjoy?

AA: Our freshly tandoori baked Naan, the rich and buttery Lachha Paratha which is a multi layer hole wheat bread, and the unique Roomali Roti which you can't find anywhere else. Each bread complements our dishes beautifully.

AM: To complete our meal, what are 3 desserts that we can share?

AA: Indulge in the Royal Tukda, a golden fried bread soaked in saffron and cardamom milk, the Chavanni Jalebi, mini coin Indian funnel cake with almond saffron milk, and the Gajjrela, a traditional carrot pudding served with rabri. These desserts are a sweet conclusion to your culinary journey at Dilli Dilli.

AM: Tell us about your Beverage Director Jeremy Le Blanche. What is his background working within the cocktail industry?

AA: Jeremy Le Blanche is a visionary in the cocktail industry, with a background in some of the world's top bars. His expertise lies in crafting innovative cocktails that resonate with the spirit of Delhi, using traditional Indian ingredients to create unique and memorable flavors.

AM: What are drink profiles that are indicative of the spirit of India's culinary capital?

AA: Our cocktails are a blend of bold and aromatic spices, refreshing citrus notes, and rich, earthy undertones. They capture the essence of Delhi's vibrant street markets and the city's lively spirit.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have on our next visit?

AA: You should definitely try our signature Golgappa Margarita, a refreshing blend of pani puri masala, lime, and bee pollen infused tequila. It's served with a little golgappa (poori craquer) which you can eat!

Old India, which is our version of an Old Fashion, it's a little bit on the sweeter side, with smoked woodford reserve bourbon, and presented in a theatrical smoky container.

Our Golden Hour cocktail comes in a beautiful amber coupe glass, and embodies a summer drink during all seasons! It also comes with an Indian mango pickle which is supposed to be eaten before the first sip.

AM: You are open for dinner service, do you envision that you will have a lunch service or Brunch?

AA: We are excited to announce plans for a future brunch service post Valentine's, where guests can enjoy our unique flavors in a more relaxed setting.

AM: Are there any events coming up that you would like to share whether it's Winter/Spring events or a Valentine's menu?

AA: We're excited to host a special Valentine's menu, featuring exclusive dishes and cocktails that celebrate love and culinary artistry. Stay tuned for more details on our upcoming events.

IG @dillidillinyc

PHOTO CREDITS | The Art of the Snack + PG 136 9M3NU Dilli Dilli

Read the JAN ISSUE #109 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Dilli Dilli in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | CLOCK TOWER GRILL

This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Clock Tower Grill in Brewster, New York, an hour outside of NYC. We wanted to know more about this restaurant that serves a menu that reflects the culinary melting pot that it resides in while also having their own Clock Tower Farm! We sat down with the Co-Founders, Rich and Cassie Parente who provide a bit of background on this eatery, the cuisine that is offered, dishes that we should consider upon our next visit and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about Chef Rich Parente and his wife in terms of their background and what led them to open Clock Tower Grill?

RICH + CASSIE PARENTE: Cassie came to this country from Canada to work with horses; she’s classically trained in dressage. While here she worked part-time in restaurants, and that’s where we met, in the industry. We got married in 2009, and then took the opportunity to open what is now Clock Tower Grill in 2013. Around the time of the opening Cassie was running her own barn as an instructor and trainer, but with the restaurant getting busy she wound up focusing on that as general manager full-time. Rich graduated from the Culinary Institute of America, later cooking for heads of state and royalty at the United Nations, competing on the Kansas City Barbeque and becoming a partner in multiple restaurants before opening Clock Tower Grill.

AM: Where is Clock Tower Grill and can you tell us a bit about the area that this restaurant is located in?

CP: Clock Tower Grill is in Brewster in Putnam County, New York. It’s located at Clock Tower Commons, a complex of businesses that has a very New England feel to it. There’s an incredible courtyard where we often host events and dinners in the spring, summer and fall.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name, Clock Tower Grill?

CP: The restaurant is simply named after the Clock Tower Commons — the restaurant is nestled in the back of the complex hidden from the main road. We figured that way there would not be any confusion about the location.

AM: Tell us about the kind of cuisine that is offered at Clock Tower Grill?

RP: We serve American cuisine, highlighting the culinary melting pot, with a huge focus on supporting local farmers and artisans. We raise pork and lamb, grow fruits and vegetables and produce honey and maple syrup on our Clock Tower Farm for the restaurant, and we source from 35 local farmers and artisans within a 70-mile radius.

AM: The layout of the menu is fun to navigate. Tell us about Munchies and what are 3 you suggest if we're thinking of sharing with friends and family?

RP: We try to change things up with the menu frequently — we enjoy trying new things. The Munchies items are great sharable plates to begin a meal with, and I suggest trying the Vietnamese Caramelized Pork Belly with a clementine, tamarind and lemongrass glaze, red peppers and scallions; the Pioppino Mushrooms with smoky grits; and Whipped Ricotta & Honey, which showcases the best local ingredients.

AM: For your Mains, what are 3 that you suggest we should have in mind?

RP: The Clock Tower Farm Pork Chop, using pork we raise on our own farm, is a great representation of what we’re all about; the Crispy Roast Duck with wild cherry demi-glace, crispy 1000-layer potatoes and broccolini is delicious; and everybody loves our Chicken Vodka Burrata Parm, a paper-thin cutlet covered in smoky house-made vodka sauce, served with fresh spaghetti and a ball of fresh burrata cheese on top.

AM: What one dish from Graze, Sandwiches, and House Made Pasta sections do you suggest that we should have in mind?

RP: From the Graze section, the Fall Salad with pickled beets & radish, squash, goat cheese, croutons, beet hummus and feta is hearty cold-weather vegetarian option. From our list of Sandwiches, I suggest the over-the-top Cannibal Burger, beef tartare between brioche buns, topped with American cheese, an over-easy egg and béarnaise sauce, served with fries. And of our House Made Pastas, try the Crispy Semolina Gnocchi, an unexpected version of gnocchi that uses semolina flour and is served with Clock Tower Farm lamb ragu.

AM: Tell us about Eat Like A Chef and what diners can expect from this menu item?

RP: The Eat Like A Chef menu is a great way to experience the restaurant. It’s inspired by eating out with other chefs and industry folks, where you need to try everything. The menu includes almost everything we serve plus some specials, so it’s a great option for groups of 4 and more.

AM: What are 3 desserts that we should think about sharing with the table?

RP: The desserts are delicious in their simplicity. A favorite is our Honey & Vanilla Bean Pudding, which uses honey from our farm. Same with our Milk & Honey Ice Cream, which is a decadent example of why using local ingredients makes all the difference. And then I suggest trying something seasonal; right now we’re offering a Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu.

AM: In terms of your beverage program, what can you tell us about this and do you have 3 signature cocktails that you can share with us?

CP: We focus on local spirits and the menu is always changing, but I would definitely try the Local Fashioned, our take on an Old Fashioned with Cooper’s Daughter Black Walnut Bourbon, blackberries and orange; NY Negroni with Listening Rock Gin, Method Vermouth and Faccia Brutto Aperitivo; and the Spicy Passion with tequila, strawberry, passion fruit, agave and jalapeño.

AM: For the holiday season, are you doing a NYE event or if people are looking to make organizing a holiday dinner at home without the fuss, can they order dinner from Clock Tower Grill?

RP: For New Year’s Eve we will be offering a creative tasting menu inspired by ‘80s and ‘90s pop culture, and we’ll have a performer playing acoustic guitar. We also had Christmas meals available for pickup on Christmas Eve and Day to make things easier for people this year.

AM: How did Clock Tower Farm become part of your business and can you tell us about what you raise there?

RP: We truly believe that starting Clock Tower Farm was the natural progression in owning our restaurant, and it aligns with our values. Cassie of course is the driving force behind it with her knowledge of farming, as she grew up on a small farm in Canada.

AM: Clock Tower Grill is truly a Farm-to-Table restaurant between your farm as well as others that you partner with — why is this important to you?

RP: We try to think sustainably in everything we do, so we do our part with the farm. We’re more connected to our food, and it helps cut down on food waste from the restaurant by using scraps as animal feed and compost. It’s also important to educate people and show why it’s important to support local given the broken food system.

IG @clocktowergrill

PHOTO CREDITS | PG Michael Tulipan

Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Clock Tower Grill in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | MOON RABBIT

In this month's The Art of the Snack, we head down to our nation's capital in Washington, DC to Moon Rabbit which is known for their fine dining Vietnamese cuisine. We took some time to chat with Chef Kevin Tien to find out about his culinary background, the accolades that he has received as a noted chef, and what we can expect upon our next visit at this restaurant whether we're stopping in for lunch or for dinner. In addition, we wanted to know more about the ambiance of the space as well. Finally, we also look ahead as we're a the beginning of the holiday season to see how we can begin planning to close this year.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Chef Kevin Tien, can you tell us about your culinary background, where you trained, kitchens you worked in and what brought you to Moon Rabbit.

CHEF KEVIN TIEN: My culinary background started when I was a child. My mother worked in Vietnamese Cafes and would bring me to work with her as a child. I wasn't allowed in the dining room, but the chefs took a liking to me and taught me in the kitchen about food. I continued to work in restaurants in college while earning my bachelors degree and graduate degree. I eventually moved to DC to work for amazing chefs such as José Andrés and Aaron Silverman.

AM: You have received a number of accolades that have included a 4X James Beard Foundation SemiFinalist, 2024 JBF Finalist, Food & Wine BNC 2018, Esquire Best New Restaurant 2021, and 2024 New York Times 50 Best Restaurants in America. What does it mean to you to be recognized for your work and craft in this industry?

CHEF KT: As a young chef, I really began the industry as a way to make ends meet. Over time I found a love for it and dedicated all of my time and really immersed myself into food. For a long time I would always want to be like other chefs, but receiving all of these awards and recognition proved to me that there was a space for my type of cuisine that blended my Vietnamese background with Louisiana roots.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name, Moon Rabbit?

CHEF KT: Moon Rabbit refers to a Vietnamese folklore about a Rabbit who sacrificed itself to feed others earning itself a spot on the Moon with the Gods.

AM: What can you tell us about the ambiance of Moon Rabbit and what diners can expect when they come in for their next meal?

CHEF KT: Moon Rabbit offers a fun relaxing atmosphere in a bright contemporary space. You should feel like you are dining in my home and expect big, bold, and familiar flavors. But presenting in unfamiliar ways.

AM: What are the spices and flavors that are indicative of Vietnamese food?

CHEF KT: Vietnamese food has all of the flavor profiles in its dishes. It will always have a balance of sweet, salty, spicy, umami, and acid. I love the use of pepper, star anise, cloves, and cinnamon. Lots of ginger and garlic as well.

AM: Can you tell us your modern approach to making traditional Asian cuisine?

CHEF KT: I have to be careful when using a modern approach because I don't want to end up making something where it would just be considered fusion cuisine. It can happen so easily. We focus on depth of flavors a lot by fermentation, making our own misos, and various cooking techniques to add a lot of flavor into what can be a simple bite.

AM: I like the layout of your menu. For lunch, From the Earth can you tell us about 3 dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy with friends and family?

CHEF KT: Banh Beo, Cai Lan, and Banh Tam Bi Chay. They have such a different flavor profile on each dish, that you get a great taste of what we have to offer.

AM: What are 3 dishes From the Land that you suggest that we should think about?

CHEF KT: Bo La Lot, Nem Nuong, and Bo Luc Lac. These are my favorite dishes to order when dining out at a Vietnamese restaurant.

AM: From the Sea what are 3 that you suggest that we should have in mind?

CHEF KT: Goi Cuon Ca Ngu, Tom Nuong, Ca Kho. They are such great riffs on the traditional dishes.

AM: Can you tell us about the 3 dishes from The Endings for us to end our meal?

CHEF KT: Chef Susan is such a talent that we have here at Moon Rabbit. The three desserts do a great job of showcasing her techniques through my absolute favorite items to get at an Asian pastry shop. Layered soft sponge cake using pandan and tropical fruit, takes on traditional egg tarts from dim sum but with flavors of Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and a fun cream puff that tastes like an Asian banana cream pie.

AM: For dinner, you have the same breakouts that exist in the lunch menu. Are there offerings that are unique to the dinner menu that you can suggest?

CHEF KT: Yes! My favorite items from each section are Goi Cuon (Summer Roll), Canh Chua (Roasted Golden Tile), Chim Cut Chien (Fried Quail and Tomato Rice).

AM: Tell us about Chef's Visit to Vietnam!

CHEF KT: The Chef’s Visit to Vietnam is the best way to enjoy Moon Rabbit. You come in, let us know if you have any dietary restrictions, and we will curate your whole dinner for you. You will get snacks that are rotated often that are off menu, and I will pick some of my favorite items that I am loving at the moment to send throughout dinner. You’ll finish with Chef Susan’s favorite desserts and some extra sweet bites at the end.

AM: What are 3 dessert items that are unique to the dinner menu that we should know about?

CHEF KT: Our Dau Hu (Tofu Cheesecake with Nardello Pepper Jam), Sau Rieng (Durian Mouse with White Chocolate), Rong Bien (Pandan Panna Cotta with Confit Seaweed).

AM: Can you tell us about your cocktails as you have a number of categories that sound like a great journey to sip through.

CHEF KT: The cocktail program is curated by our beverage director Thi Nguyen. We focus on procuring Asian Spirits to build our program, and adding a lot of savory notes throughout.

AM: For those that are interested in beer, wine, or cider, what do you suggest?

CHEF KT: Personally I really like our wine program, because of a great balance between classic and modern/natural styles of wine. I like them both equally, but find myself leaning towards the natural wines on our menu.

AM: Can you tell us about the Thanksgiving Take Home Box which was only available for the holiday?

CHEF KT: We love doing holiday boxes at the restaurant. It's what I would make at home for my family for the holidays. So essentially, you’ll eat like the chef! This Thanksgiving we did an andouille stuffed turkey breast, pho gravy, miso mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie with curried candied cashews, coconut milk creamed spinach, and lots more!

AM: Will there be other boxes for Christmas, NYE, etc?

CHEF KT: We are definitely doing a box for Christmas and are leaning towards a Sichuan Cumin Rubbed Prime Rib.

AM: Will you have a NYE event or other winter holidays that we should know about?

CHEF KT: I think NYE would be the best night for joining Moon Rabbit. We are offering a tasting menu starting at $95 with plenty of add ons for how fancy you want to get. Lots of caviar and bubbles of course.

AM: For those that are interested in private dining, what options exist for those that are looking to book for their own party/events?

CHEF KT: We love doing parties and private events! We make each event unique by doing a custom menu and experience for each guest. No 2 private events are ever the same. You can do our private dining room that seats up to 42 people, or even book the whole restaurant for up to 130 people. And for those that want a extra space, our rooftop has a great view of DC with private bar.

IG @chefkevintien

@moonrabbitdc

PHOTO CREDITS | PG 98 Rey Lopez | PG 100 - 102 + THE 9LIST 9M3NU PG 117 Rachel Paraoan | THE 9LIST 9M3NU PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY PG 117 Kevin Tien |

Read the NOV ISSUE #107 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Moon Rabbit in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | HYUN + THE HYUN

We kicked off a fantastic 4 day period of culinary must haves at the Food Network New York City Wine Festival and the night before these activities, we made our way to HYUN. Owned and founded by Jae Kim, this upscale Korean barbecue restaurant located in Koreatown will definitely take your love and appreciation to Wagyu to the next level!

It's an experience that's not to be missed with each table having electric grills as meats are made in front of you. We enjoyed sitting in one of their private dining booths. It's also fun to share your dishes with your party. We wanted to know more about HYUN as well as THE HYUN which it also owns, the first butcher shop in the US that sells Wagyu beef! We caught up with Jae himself to find out more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into HYUN, can you tell us about being the founder, your background, what led you to creating the restaurant and what the ethos is behind this eatery.

JAE KIM: I moved to New York City, from Korea, around seven years ago to complete my doctoral degree. When I became homesick for my native cuisine, the idea of HYUN was born, a place to showcase my homeland’s traditional, time-honed Korean flavors.

AM: What can guests expect when they come to HYUN when they're dining with friends and family in terms of the ambiance/decor of the restaurant?

JK: HYUN features a minimalist Japanese Zen design. The front room has sizeable black barbecue tables accented with slate grey booths and beyond the main dining room, there are four private dining booths, each seats up to four, and one larger space seats up to eight. Slatted wooden doors then enclose each for a more immersive and exclusive dining experience.

As part of the restaurant experience, guests are assigned a personalized server that provides one-on-one service

AM: We're looking forward to our upcoming Media Tasting at HYUN and we know that we will enjoy the HYUN-makase. Can you tell us about this?

JK: I have streamlined the HYUN-makase, to a new three-course barbeque tasting menu of wagyu beef cuts priced at $159 per person.

The HYUN-makase features 12 daily cuts of beef from my proprietary wagyu butcher shop, THE HYUN Premium Butcher Shop, including: short rib, known for its juiciness; chuck short rib and tri rib, aromatic and beefy in flavor; ribeye, prime-cut that is rich and buttery; striploin, prized for its balance of tender Japanese wagyu beef protein and aroma of beef marbling; filet mignon, prime-cut known for its tenderness; rib caps, rich in intramuscular fat and marbling; ribeye cap, tender and delicate texture; chuck flap and flap tail, intensely beefy flavor; and two premium cuts, culotte and culotte body, deep in color and flavorful in texture. The selection changes daily depending on meat cut availability each day. Each cut is then flawlessly presented on a bamboo Hinoki tray, prepared, cut, and cooked by the server.

They are followed by the next course of Marinated Wagyu (portioned based on party size), short rib with a 48-hour marination consisting of Korean seasoning, sugar, honey, Korean apples and pears, served with grilled onions. Guests can indulge in an encore course of three of the customer’s favorite cuts.

AM: What are the sauces and salts that can be paired with our Wagyu as we enjoy our meal?

JK: HYUN offers a selection of house-made salts to accompany the Wagyu, such as: truffle, cabernet, or wasabi-flavored salt, as well as Ssamjang, a red chili paste sauce.

AM: To enhance our mains, what are 3 sides that you suggest?

JK: I recommend the Sot-bap, pot-cooked rice topped with sea urchin (Uni) and fresh truffle; South Korean Imsil cheese great for cooking on the grill; Uni, fresh sea urchin from Hokkaido, Japan, served atop either rib eye or tenderloin and Gamtae seaweed from Korea; Naeng-Myun, Arrowroot noodles in cold wagyu broth with pickled radish and assorted vegetables.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you think we should consider trying to enjoy with our dinner?

JK: I recommend our Signature Cocktails which feature the Bori Highball, Toki Whisky, Korean barely tea and soda; and From Jeju, Hendrick’s Gin, Korean tangerine tea and hallabong. Non-alcoholic beverages: Hallabog-Ade, preserved hallabong, citrus and soda

AM: What are 3 desserts that you suggest that we can share with friends and family?

JK: Our dessert menu concludes the luxurious meal with Bingsu, a green-tea-flavored Korean shaved ice dessert; Hojicha Ice Cream, a house-made roasted green-tea-flavored ice cream; and house-made Shiso Sorbet.

AM: We are firmly in the fall and looking forward to the long holiday season up ahead. Are there any specials, offers, or events such as NYE coming up that you would like for our readers to know about as they plan ahead?

JK: We offer a premium gift set package of wagyu at our butcher shop, THE HYUN. This is perfect for gifting this holiday season. We plan to use this for various promotions, and we are considering various options/events depending on the characteristics of each holiday, so stay tuned for more details.

AM: Tell us about THE HYUN, the first premium Japanese Wagyu Butcher Shop in the US that is located in Gramercy Park.

JK: THE HYUN Premium Butcher Shop is the first premium Japanese Wagyu butcher to import prized whole boneless cattle and butcher on-site. The first floor is a retail shop with three refrigerated glass cases showcasing over 50 premium A-5 Wagyu beef cuts. All cuts are carefully labeled and beautifully packaged. Each cut comes with a step-by-step cooking guide, custom designed insulated bag, and linen covered ice packs. Below the shop is a 2,000-square-foot space that houses the wholesale butchering operation. This area features state-of-the-art freezers for storing cattle and dedicated butcher stalls where the wagyu beef experts skillfully butcher and package the meat using their proprietary vacuum packing system. This innovative packaging allows the steaks to remain refrigerated for up to three weeks after shipping.

AM: Tell us about the design and aesthetic of this shop.

JK: Nestled in the heart of Gramercy Park, the shop is a testament to Japan’s minimalist aesthetic. Its design, reminiscent of a luxury atelier, perfectly blends elegance and functionality. Two stone cubes at the entrance resemble butcher blocks, with long, cleverly designed refrigerated glass cases showcasing over 50 premium A-5 Wagyu beef cuts. All cuts are carefully labeled, beautifully packaged, and vacuumed sealed using THE HYUN’s exclusive vacuum seal for freshness.

AM: In terms of of the premium Wagyu that is offered at THE HYUN, can you tell us anything about how you source the offerings that come from the prefecture which are made available here whether you're walking in the shop or receiving a shipment?

JK: The Beef Cut selections: I collaborate closely with cattle farmers from various Japanese prefectures, such a Hokkaido and Kagoshima. Each month, a new region is featured. This rotating partnership ensures that Jae can offer the highest quality products to his clientele at the most approachable price points.

Top primal and secondary cuts are sold in ½ pound portions priced at $38.00 to $68.00. The full menu can be viewed here.

AM: With the holiday season coming up and people thinking about their gifting options, can you tell us about the packaging which we hear is beautiful and is perfect for a busy shopping season ahead!

JK: At the heart of the shop, on an elegant extended counter, is THE HYUN Collection. Here, customers transform from shoppers to curators of their culinary experiences for gifting. They can handpick their favorite cuts, and which are then placed in wooden box sets of three or six, then beautifully wrapped in Bojagi—a traditional Korean gift wrapping using colorful silk fabrics—and embellished with decorative tassels. This creates the perfect gift for any occasion.

AM: For those living in the city, are they able to have same day delivery?

JK: Yes, same day local delivery is available via the website, Uber Eats, Instacart, and Mercato, with national overnight shipping coming soon.

IG @hyun_nyc

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | HYUN

Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | HYUN + THE HYUN in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | SUSHIDELIC

This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to SoHo after the first night of NYFW SS25. After taking in a series of shows throughout the day and early evening, we were ready to continue a bit of drama during dinner! We found ourselves at SUSHIDELIC which was a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds. We were transported to Tokyo, Kawaii, and interactive eating. After enjoying an epic omakase meal experience, we sat down with this restaurant's General Manager, Esmeralda Syku to find out about the art within its 4 walls, characters, what you can expect to enjoy when you're dining in, and of course the power of Kawaii that is infused throughout your meal here!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We had the pleasure of dining at SUSHIDELIC to kick off our first night of Fashion Week of the SS25 season and it was amazing to see the decor, the vibe, the sounds, and more. Tell us about the joint venture between AUTEC and Asobi Systems that came together to create this restaurant.

ESMERALDA SYKU: The joint venture between AUTEC and Asobi Systems was instrumental in bringing this vibrant restaurant to life. AUTEC, known for its innovative approach to sushi, introduces a fresh perspective on sushi-making that emphasizes creativity and quality. Meanwhile, Asobi Systems, recognized for its creative flair in entertainment and design.

AM: We love Kawaii as we got to experience it when we were in Tokyo and love how it is presented in the restaurant. For readers who are not familiar, what is Kawaii and what is the Kawaii experience that guests can enjoy when they come in to dine?

ES: Kawaii is the definition of cuteness, but it can resonate differently with everyone. When guests dine with us, they can expect to embark on a delightful culinary journey where our Executive Chef, Reina Tange, artfully combines unexpected colors and flavors, creating unique and playful dishes. It’s not just about the food; it’s about immersing yourself in a joyful, whimsical atmosphere that sparks happiness and nostalgia. Each meal becomes a celebration of creativity and cuteness, ensuring an unforgettable experience for everyone!

AM: We had the pleasure of meeting Sebastian Masuda who is known as the Godfather of Kawaii and was responsible for Kawaii Monster Cafe in Tokyo. We know that he created the stunning art that is at SUSHIDELIC, can you share more about the pieces that people can see when they come in?

ES: As you enter, you'll be greeted by stunning art pieces that reflect Masuda's signature style. The suspended, colorful lipstick lights create a playful ambiance, setting the tone for a delightful dining experience. Center stage, you’ll find three charming and curiosity-provoking cats, each sporting a playful expression that invites interaction and adds a whimsical touch. The rotating conveyor belt is a highlight, showcasing an array of artistic creations, from purses and shoes to a playful cat enjoying sushi.

AM: Tell us about the Delic Cats as we loved being greeted by them and how they correspond with the 3 cat sculptures that are suspended from the ceiling.

ES: We have Delic cats, each with their own, personality and spunk: Tipsy, Lovely, Sassy.

AM: We ate at the sushi bar which was great to enjoy watching the DJ, seeing the art on the conveyor belt and being at the center of the action! What can you tell us about the design aesthetic of the space?

ES: Everything in SUSHIDELIC is custom made and was designed by visionary artist, also known as the “Godfather of Kawaii”, Sebastian Masuda.

AM: Can you tell us about where Chef Reina Tange trained, schools she attended, restaurants she worked in before coming came to SUSHIDELIC?

ES: Chef Reina Tange was born and raised in Tokyo and has worked in prestigious hotels and resorts. Chef Reina Tange’s culinary journey started at her family’s restaurant, Sokodo-so, on Hachijojima, a subtropical island off the coast of Tokyo. She then pursued culinary arts studies at the Japan Culinary Arts College. Reina’s passion for food led her to Italy, where she attended the University of Foreigners in Perugia and gained experience working in local restaurants. After returning to Japan, she worked at the prestigious Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts in Ginza, Tokyo, where she honed her customer service and operations skills.

AM: What is the menu design process in terms of deciding what you would like to include on the menu?

ES: A lot of thought and creativity goes into our menus. Each item is carefully curated by Chef Reina Tange, drawing from her extensive experience and inspired by Sebastian Masuda’s artistic vision. The process involves selecting unique flavor combinations, prioritizing vibrant presentation, and incorporating seasonal ingredients to create a delightful Kawaii dining experience.

AM: We enjoyed the Pure Imagination six-course omakase! Can you tell us about this as well as the Painter's Palette?

ES: Currently, our Omakase style menu, PURE Imagination, features 5 courses – each course is a piece of art that bursts in your mouth, full of flavor - from the savory and sweet 1st course, which is the Hokkaido Scallop Macaron to the carousal wheel, giving the guest the opportunity to try our various delic rolls and nigiri. Our sauce palette is like a painters palette and we encourage guests to create their own journey and dabble into our different sauces to create a variety of flavors. Our. Sauce palette includes: Spicy Mayo, Wasabi, Carrot Ginger, Ponzu Mayo, Black Sesame and Yuzu.

AM: For those that opt to enjoy their menu a la carte, what are 3 appetizers that you suggest that we should enjoy when we come in for dinner?

ES: When delighting in our A la carte menu, we encourage guests to try these dishes: Tuna & Crab Croquette with soy marinated tuna, Chicken Kaarage and Fried Gyoza.

AM: From the Delic Rolls, what are 3 rolls that we should enjoy?

ES: Rolls we recommend include: Special Salmon Roll, Aburi Salmon and Wagu Uni Roll.

AM: Tell us about the Tokyo Signature portion of the menu and what are 3 items you suggest that we can enjoy with family and friends?

ES: Our Tokyo Signature portion of the menu are items inspired straight from Tokyo that are currently popular and our recommendations include: Poke Avocado Sushi Burger (hamburger style with a crispy rice bun filled with flavorful Poke Avocado), Delic Fries (loaded with flavor from Bonito Flakes, Salmon Roe & Fried Garlic), and Minced Pork Katsu Ball (with a curry sauce).

AM: Tell us about the Sushi Tower Deluxe?

ES: Our Sushi Tower is a tasting of all of our favorites! From our specialty Delic Rolls to fresh sashimi and mini cups of our popular Chirashi Parfait.

AM: From Tokyo Sweetness, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should think about?

ES: Our favorites include the Lost Red High Heel, a delightful chocolate and hazelnut cake adorned with an edible red high heel, and the Jiggly Lips Panna Cotta, which adds a playful twist to a classic dessert. Don’t miss the Harajuku Parfait, a creative mixture of desserts from the chef's imagination, presented with flair for a truly whimsical experience!

AM: Tell us about Sushi Sundays.

ES: Sushi Sundays is the perfect day to gather with friends and family to enjoy delicious sushi in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s a time to relax, share great food, and create lasting memories. Whether you're a sushi aficionado or trying it for the first time, there’s something for everyone to savor. Join us for a fun-filled Sunday where you can indulge in our creatively crafted sushi rollsand delightful sides, all while soaking in the Kawaii ambiance!

AM: You are open for lunch as well. Are there any dishes that are specific to the lunch menu only?

ES: Lunch at SUSHIDELIC is all about fun and relaxation! Join us to enjoy our enticing lunch specials, which feature a selection of salads, soups, and various sushi rolls. Be sure to try our Rolling-to-Lunch special, perfect for those looking for a quick yet delicious bite. Or indulge in the Sushi-Go-Round, which offers a delightful variety of sushi rolls to share and savor. It’s a great way to enjoy a leisurely meal with friends or take a break from your day.

AM: Cocktails are always our favorite part of the meal! What are 3 that you suggest that we should try?

ES: Lovely in Pink (named after our Delic Cat Lovely), Tipsy Sake-Tini (named after Delic Cat Tipsy), Sugar Plum Spritz.

AM: Does SUSHIDELIC change its menu throughout the year and if so, can you tell us about what we should expect for the Fall?

ES: Yes, we do change our menu seasonally! This fall, we’re excited to revamp both our PURE Imagination and à la carte menus, introducing a variety of delicious new dishes that capture the essence of the season. From cozy flavors to vibrant ingredients, our new offerings will celebrate autumn’s bounty. Stay tuned for the launch of our refreshed menu, coming mid-October—we can’t wait for you to try the new delights!

AM: Are there any upcoming events that you can tell us about that we should mark our calendars for or what we can anticipate for the upcoming holiday season such as New Years Eve?

ES: Join us for our spooktacular Halloween festivities, where our beloved Delic cats will transform into playful Zombie cats, adding a fun twist to the celebration! And that’s not all—stay tuned for exciting updates about our New Year’s Eve celebrations, where we’ll ring in the new year with style, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences. You won’t want to miss it!

AM: In addition to the sushi bar seating, you also have tables, what can you tell us about those looking to do group dinners or special events?

ES: For large groups, we highly recommend table seating, allowing you to relax and enjoy meaningful conversations with your friends while immersing yourselves in the vibrant atmosphere. This arrangement fosters a communal dining experience, perfect for sharing delicious dishes and creating lasting memories together. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying a night out, our table seating enhances the experience, making it even more enjoyable!

IG @sushidelic.nyc

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 100 SUSHIDELIC| PG 102 - 113 Paul Farkas |

Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | SUSHIDELIC in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | JÔNT + ÔMO BY JÔNT

This month, The Art of the Snack takes us to 2 MICHELIN-starred Jônt (DC) and Ômo by Jônt (Winter Park, FL) for decadent meals that we can't wait to enjoy when visiting either of these cities. We sat down with Chef Ryan Ratino who is the founder of Hive Hospitality and is the recipient of Michelin Guide's 2023 Young Chef Award.

We wanted to know more about his culinary background, the thought behind both of these restaurants, and what we can expect when we come in to enjoy these luxury dining experiences!

ATHLEISURE MAG: What was the first dish that made you realize you love food?

CHEF RYAN RATINO: I think as a kid eating pierogies or stuffed cabbage is one of my favorite memories and led me to my passion for eating and food!

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a chef?

CHEF RR: I actually never thought that you could be a chef growing up where I did. My mother was the one to push me as a teenager when she noticed my passion for cooking.

AM: Can you tell us about where you trained and kitchens that you trained in?

CHEF RR: I’ve worked in various kitchens including places like Caviar Russe, WD 50, Todd English's Bluezoo, Ripple (DC) - and I staged in my younger years during my career at places like minibar, Dovetail and various other MICHELIN-starred restaurants that are recognized nationally.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to open your own restaurants?

CHEF RR: When the last place I worked at as the Executive Chef decided to close, I realized that I had the chance to do something on my own and create a place (or places) that are a culmination of the restaurant experiences that I have had the opportunity to partake in.

AM: Tell me about Hive Hospitality.

CHEF RR: Hive Hospitality is a brand that focuses on service at its finest level; creating memorable dining through generosity. Our team personalizes each diner's experience - we want to be a leader in contemporary experiential hospitality that promotes fun and resonance - without losing refinement.

AM: Starting with Jônt, tell me about the ambiance of this restaurant and why you wanted to open this in DC?

CHEF RR: DC is my home base; and where we were able to plant our roots. It was natural with the support that Bresca had received to want to build Jônt in the same city.

Jônt is a multi-room dining experience where we focus on Japanese seafood with techniques founded in the french kitchen and open fire cooking. The room is relaxed and plays vibrant music while guests are about twelve feet from the pass, where dishes are plated, at all times.

The opportunity offers each guest a front seat to watch our team prepare a meal for 2 hours, before moving into the pastry parlor and parting in a similar but even more relaxed environment.

AM: We love a tasting menu. Why did you decide that Jônt would have a tasting menu and how many courses does it include?

CHEF RR: With Bresca being down stairs and a la carte we wanted to create a restaurant that gave us the opportunity to really "geek out "on food and create a long menu of creative bites. The current offering is about 27 preparations from the kitchen this includes snacks, all the way to mignardises!

AM: What is the cuisine that is available at Jônt?

CHEF RR: Jônt offers a cuisine inspired by the seafood of japan and our foundational techniques of french cooking & wood fire. We offer a lot of seafood and 1-2 meat courses depending on the menu.

AM: Can you tell us about what kinds of things that are part of the tasting menu during the Summer?

CHEF RR: Stuffed Quail with Apricot and Rice, Crudo of Onagadai with fermented rice and cucumber, Ebodai and caviar tart, Tomato with shiro dashi and yuba, Japanese Matsutake in venison brodo (this just started, Beltfish in a whey emulsion with koji onions and caviar, White Peach with Wakamomo and Thai basil).

AM: Can you also pair alcohol with your meal that correlates to the dishes that are being served?

CHEF RR: Jont offers 3 beverage pairings. 2 of which are wine and one is non-alcoholic.

AM: What can guests look forward to in terms of the fall?

CHEF RR: As the fall starts to come into season we will continue on the path of Matsutake mushrooms, chestnuts, and some game meats will join the menu as well as fattier ocean creatures like Buri, Tuna, Shellfish.

AM: Jônt has 2 MICHELIN-stars - what does that mean to you?

CHEF RR: To me, it means we still have a ways to go in order to stand next to the best at the 3 star level. I cherish the 2 stars, but am motivated by them as well in order to make sure we know we can keep improving daily, as we still have not achieved the pinnacle of fine dining.

AM: What led you to want to open Ômo by Jônt and to have it in Winter Park in Orlando?

This concept is also a tasting menu but seems to have an interesting flow, and seems to have an interesting flow, and allows guests to move through 3 unique dining experiences - the Living Room, the Savory Counter, and Pastry Parlor - can you tell me more about these experiences and the kinds of dishes that are associated with it?

CHEF RR: Ômo has a similar ethos to Jônt. The space is created to take you through an experience where you start with snacks and champagne in the living room, move onto savory plated courses in the main counter, then finish with desserts in the pastry parlor - while listening to great music and engaging with the team throughout!

Dishes on the current menu…..

• Soba and roasted tomato with prawn

• Sweet corn chawanmushi with Hokkaido sea urchin

• Hokkaido Scallop with Artichoke Dashi & Tempura squash blossom stuffed with scallop mousse

• Dungeness Crab Rice cooked En Donabe

• Yellow Peach and Almond Tart with Peach “bomb” & Cookie

• Hazelnut and Kinako Kakigori

AM: You also received the Michelin Guide's 2024 Young Chef Award, what did that mean to you?

Are there any upcoming events that either Jônt or Ômo by Jônt will be involved in that we should keep an eye out for?

CHEF RR: There are so many events- and we are excited to work with some of our exclusive partners! Ômo By Jônt will host several dinners- one with IWA Sake on September 15th with Richard Geoffroy (formerly of Dom Perignon), and an October 10th event with the prestigious Hundred Acre Wine Vineyard.

At Jônt, since we are a Krug Ambassade - we are hosting The Maison on November 11th, which is an annual celebration; as well as a couple of chef collaboration events (check out our website and Instagram to see more)

The Young Chef award, for me, was a testament to each team - and the professional people that we have surrounded ourselves with - both teams at Ômo by Jônt and Jônt are world class, and deserve all the recognition that can be shined on them. Dedication and hard work is something in today's world that can be continued to thrive off of.

IG @r_ratino

@jont_dc

@omobyjont

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Jônt and Ômo by Jônt

Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Jônt and Ômo by Jônt.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | KINTSUGI OMAKASE

This month, we made our way to Kintsugi Omakase to have an epic meal that we will talk about for quite a bit! We knew that there would be a number of courses that would be created in front of us by Chef Victor Chen who was in last month's issue in our THE 9LIST 9M3NU feature.

Our meal didn't disappoint! We were able to enjoy a 16-course meal that is part of their Kintsugi Experience. It's a fantastic experience where upon entering the restaurant, you are sitting with 9 other guests who have a front row seat at a meal that is next level. We wanted to know more about when the restaurant launched, why they provide omakase, and what you can expect when it comes to heading to this SoHo destination!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Kintsugi launch and can you tell us about the founders/owners of the restaurant?

ASHE YEUNG: Kintsugi was originally founded in 2018 by owners and New York-based creative partners, Ashe Yeung, an architect, and Tim Madrid, an Art Director.

AM: Can you tell us about the chef as well and his background?

AY: Executive Chef Victor Chen, formerly of New York Sushi Ko & Sushi Seki, is a passionate sushi chef that prepares his sushi in the traditional edomae style. Unlike many other sushi chefs, he does not solely use Japanese ingredients. A long-standing relationship with fishmongers allows Kintsugi Omakase to offer locally sourced fish, enabling for a broader selection and more moderate prices.

AM: Can you tell us about the ambiance of the restaurant and what guests can expect when they come in for a visit?

AY: The dining room is centered around a natural wood 10-seat sushi counter, which is framed by dark charcoal walls. Soothing light is filtered through Japanese wooden slats creating a relaxing mood for guests. Each course is presented on dinnerware in collaboration with EM Ceramics and Spark Bird Studio who has created an exclusive line of handcrafted, gold-fused dinnerware for Kintsugi.

AM: We know what omakase is, but can you tell us the history of what this dining experience is?

AY: Omakase, rooted in Japanese culinary tradition, traces its origins to the Edomae sushi culture of early 19th-century in Tokyo. Initially, it is referred to entrusting the chef to create a meal based on seasonal ingredients. Over time, omakase has evolved into a revered dining experience where patrons place complete trust in the chef's expertise and creativity, highlighting the essence of Japanese culinary craftsmanship.

AM: You only offer omakase. Why was that the experience that you wanted to focus on?

AY: Omakase represents the pinnacle of our culinary philosophy, emphasizing quality, seasonality, and the art of storytelling through food. By exclusively offering omakase, we curate a deeply personal and memorable dining journey for each guest, showcasing the freshest ingredients and innovative techniques that define a culinary vision. It allows us to foster a direct connection with diners, sharing not just a meal, but a transformative gastronomic experience that celebrates tradition with a modern touch.

AM: For those that are coming for lunch, what can you tell us about The Lunch Rush Omakase?

AY: The Lunch Rush Omakase is a combination of a quick sushi fix with a high quality offering and also serves as an introduction to omakase for those who have never tried. Our Lunch Rush Omakase is a 12-course one-hour experience for $60. It is served only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We always promote the art of omakase and it is key for us to have an omakase with an affordable price tag.

AM: For dinner, you offer The Grand Street Classic, The SoHo Experience, and the Kintsugi Omakase - the latter which we enjoyed this recently. Can you tell us about each one of those and what the differences are between them?

AY: We serve three tiers of premium omakase which include seasonal appetizers and sushi: The Kintsugi Omakase, a 16-course service for $195; The Soho Experience; a 13-course experience for $155; and The Grand Street Classic; a 10-course meal for $95. All tastings also include a sushi chef’s choice of hand roll, gourmet miso soup, tamago, and seasonal dessert. Each tier features a varied amount of seasonal and premium ingredients diligently prepared by our chef. Our goal is to be able to cater to as many customer as possible and feature different offerings with the same high quality standards.

AM: Are there additional items that you can pair with these packages?

AY: We offer a seasonal beverage pairing featuring sake breweries that are high quality and paired perfectly with our omakase. We also do a seasonal sea urchin (uni) tasting that showcases different sea urchins from around the world; and from time to time, we offer prized auction grade uni.

AM: Can you tell us about 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have on our next visit?

AY: We only have one cocktail called Murasaki, which in Japanese means purple. The cocktail itself is a beautiful vibrant purple color made with yuzu, sake and violet extract.

AM: Can you tell us about 3 sakes, beers, or cider that we should pair with our meal?

AY: We are a big fan of Echigo Koshihikari beer, which used the same rice that most sushi restaurants use as the basis of their beer, perfectly paired with our omakase. We are also avid enthusiasts of the Masumi brewery. Masumi is one of Japan's premier sake brands, produced by Miyasaka Brewing Company in Nagano Prefecturel they have been making sake since 1662. For a more modern flavor profile, we highly recommend the uka sake series. They are made very well with a combination of Japanese and American crafts into one single bottle

AM: Are there any special events taking place this summer or fall that you would like us to know about?

AY: We will be participating in the NYC Restaurant Week with the NYC Tourism Board. Our goal is to promote the craft of omakase from now to September 1st. We will be taking a short break after September 1st and will re-open on September 12th. Then, we will be transitioning into our fall menu, which to all edomae style sushi lovers, it is the best season where all the fish are fragrant, fatty, and simply delicious. We highly recommend all patrons to book ahead of time to make sure that they can save a seat.

For those that want to try Kintsugi Omakase, Restaurant Week kicked off Jul 22nd and goes through Aug 18th with participating restaurants. The below is available until Sep 1st. Kintsugi will offer a 12-course prix fixe menu for $60 per person with an optional seasonal sake flight for an additional $30 per person. Guests can add-on a premium seasonal uni handroll for $30 per person. The menu is subject to change due to availability and seasonality, highlights include their Housemade Japanese Potato Salad with Arctic Sweet Shrimp, Orata/Seabream from Greece, and Hotate/Scallop from Hokkaido Japan - to name a few.

IG @kintsuginyc

PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | Mr. Grant Hao-Wei Lin/Kintsugi

Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK Kintsugi Omakase in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | BLU ON THE HUDSON

We always enjoy a culinary experience when we can step outside of the city and look back at it to fully appreciate it when we're back! We make our way across the river to Weehawken, NJ to enjoy a meal at Blu on the Hudson for an upscale experience that will create a number of memories this summer whether it's any day of the week or a holiday!

We caught up with Andrew Christianson General Manager of Operations to find out about this restaurant, its ambiance, and what we should order when we're there with friends and family that we want to impress.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Blu on the Hudson open?

ANDREW CHRISTIANSON: Blu on the Hudson opened in January, 2023 and has never looked back. Our opening was a smashing success and a brand, we have done some exciting things in the last year and a half. Our reception by the surrounding community has been incredible.

AM: To bring Blu on the Hudson's 30,000 sq ft concept to life, you partnered with Designer Peggy Leung who has worked on Tokyo DisneySea as well as being the lead designer for TAO Las Vegas. Can you tell us about her background?

AC: Peggy Leung moved to New York, joining Rockwell Group as a Senior Designer. The experience working with this talented group of artists and designers was transformative, allowing her to take her creative visions to the next level. She was introduced to different design processes, from concept to schematic design creation, and was able to collaborate with other artists and designers on a series of high-profile projects. Her experience during this period includes the Radio City Music Hall, the Kodak Theatre and various branding and graphic design projects. In 2004, Peggy joined Studio GAIA as a Senior Designer. Demonstrating her acumen for managing projects and teams through the creative design process, she quickly rose to Studio Leader and was later made Managing Partner of the firm. Peggy was accountable for the successful completion of high-end projects including hotels, casinos, restaurants, lounges, bars and nightclubs in the United States and abroad, providing leadership and expertise on Award-Winning projects.

AM: Blu on the Hudson is a large space. Can you tell me about the ambiance of this property (from lounges, main dining rooms, sushi bar, rooftop event space etc) for those who are coming in with their friends and family?

AC: Blu on the Hudson is a dining destination for all ages. We believe that it is important for us to remain elevated yet approachable, as everyone deserves to feel those luxurious moments in life. Our spaces are as versatile as our clientele.

AM: Tell us about your Executive Chef Juan Carlos "JC" Ortega in terms of his culinary background and kitchens he worked in prior to coming to Blu on the Hudson?

AC: Upon arriving in NYC in 1995, Chef Juan Carlos (JC) Ortega initially took a position in a small Italian restaurant on East 62nd Street. Shortly after, he landed his first job with BR Guest, as line-cook at Blue Water Grill, which was touted as one of top seafood restaurants and dining destinations in NYC. Chef JC impressed both his co-workers and those above him; after rigorous training, he was promoted to Sous Chef and Executive Sous Chef, respectively, at Blue Water Grill.

In 2003, Chef JC took the helm at Ocean Grill, another BR Guest restaurant, as Executive Chef. In 2010, he was also entrusted with the opening of Atlantic Grill West. Chef JC then accepted the position of Executive Chef at Blue Fin, in the flagship W Hotel New York.

Thereafter, Chef JC joined Catch Steak NYC as their new Executive Chef, until he was offered the opportunity to be part of creating the Blu brand in Weehawken, New Jersey. As leader of the Culinary Department, he undertook creating and launching Blu on the Hudson in July, 2022. As the Concept Executive Chef, he is responsible for developing the menu and managing the daily operations of the restaurant’s culinary aspect.

AM: In terms of roles and responsibilities, what does the Executive Chef and Executive Sous Chef focus on at the restaurant?

AC: Our team of chefs focus primarily on culinary excellence; we do not spare expense when it comes to the quality of our product, from beginning to end.

AM: Tell us about your background in hospitality.

AC: I am the General Manager of Operations. Previously I was acting director for Restoration Hardware. I traveled the country and spent much time in their premiere properties and most esteemed projects to align the vision of the brand. I have worked predominantly in fine-dining environments. He previously was the General Manager for James Beard winning, Chef Maria Hines. I worked as a Sommelier and luxury hotel General Manager before joining Blu Hospitality Group.

AM: Tell us about your Raw Bar and Crudo and Haute Caviar program.

AC: We purchase our seafood directly from the Fulton Fish Market and receive deliveries daily. Also, Chef JC and Blu Team members visit the fish supplier, located in the Bronx, to source fresh produce. Our Raw-Bar highlights include Seafood Towers, a seasonal selection of chilled shellfish; Blu’s Signature East Coast Oysters, with tomato vinaigrette, Meyer lemon and cucumber; and Chilled Maine Lobster, with avocado-yuzu aioli and orange dressing. Our Haute Caviar Program is one of our top sellers; last year, we sold 400 oz. of Haute Caviar.

AM: What are 3 appetizers that you suggest that we should start our meal with when enjoying with friends and family?

AC: When starting your meal at Blu on the Hudson, we suggest ordering Bluefin Tuna Tartare, Seafood Tower and Nori Tacos (2 pc), which have a choice of Salmon & Ikura, Bluefin Tuna & Spicy Aioli, Hamachi & Avocado or Japanese A5 Wagyu.

AM: The menu is seafood forward which also includes your steak program and homemade pasta. For entrees, what dishes would you suggest that we should order?

AC: Our Ahi, Hamachi, Salmon, Branzino and Oysters are delivered fresh and never frozen; you cannot go wrong. If you are in the mood for a steak, our Australian Wagyu, quality wise, is the best available outside of Kobe, Japan.

AM: Tell us about your Beverage Director Jeremy Le Blanche from his background as well as places that he worked prior to coming to this restaurant.

AC: Jeremy Le Blanche has had a decade-long career in cocktail creation and has traveled the world from France to Australia to New York. His career, as a beverage director, started at some of the best five-star hotels in Courchevel, the ski capital of the world, nestled in the French Alps.

Before landing in New York, Jeremy spent three years in the United Kingdom working as Head Bartender and Head Mixologist of Meister Bar, at German Gymnasium, London. Jeremy is the Concept & Beverage Director at Blu on the Hudson in Weehawken, where he’s working his creativity to a higher volume, aiming to learn from different perspectives of the business. Jeremy has been featured in Food & Wine.

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest we should have when we come to eat?

AC: We recently launched our Summer Cocktail menu, which features creative twists on classics using the finest Mezcals, Tequilas, Gins and Bourbons. Cocktails, curated by Beverage Director, Jeremy Le Blanche, include The Dual, Blu’s take on an old fashioned; Dragon of the Winds, a sophisticated variation of a classic rum punch; and Don’t Be Shy, Blu’s version of a spritz.

AM: Tell us about your Sommelier Adam Greer, his journey prior to coming to Blu on the Hudson and about the Wine Program that you have.

AC: Adam received a Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers of America. He worked with Chef John Fraserat's Michelin-starred restaurant, Dovetail, where he developed a sense of how to pair wine with various dishes as the culinary creations on the menu changed daily. Adam's strengths lie firmly in finding smaller producers, family-owned wineries and wines of outstanding value and quality. The wine list features all the major and some minor regions of the world, including Piedmont and Tuscany, Italy; Bordeaux, France; Rioja and Galicia, Spain; and locally The NY Finger Lakes and New Jersey. Adam has been featured in Wine Enthusiast, Taste France, Food & Wine and more.

AM: Tell us about Social Hour.

AC: We offer our Social Hour (also known as happy hour) Monday – Friday from 4 – 6 p.m. where we offer an approachable cost to our specialty cocktails and rotating starters from the kitchen. We have guests that come from NYC to join us multiple times a week.

AM: The Brunch menu for this meal has a number of options! For the perfect brunch pairing what cocktail, entree and side would you suggest that we should have on our next visit?

AC: For brunch, we suggest starting off your meal with Blu’s Seasonal Black Truffle Bloody Mary; guests can substitute tequila or mezcal upon request. Diners who have a sweet tooth may consider ordering Ricotta Stuffed Pancakes, with blueberry compote and organic maple syrup or those with a savory tooth may indulge in Crab Cake Benedict. Truffle French Fries and Crispy Bacon both pair well brunch entrees.

AM: With the phenomenal views that diners will be able to enjoy, what will you do for 4th of July?

AC: Blu on the Hudson will be opened on July 4th, starting at 11 a.m. Details are still being finalized at this time.

AM: For the rooftop, in addition to using it for private events, will it be another space for guests to enjoy prior to or after their reservation?

AC: Our rooftop, which has spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline, is set to open in the fall. It is an all-glass enclosed atrium and perfect for events.

AM: For those coming from NYC, how can they access the restaurant?

AC: There are several ways to get to Blu on the Hudson from NYC. There is an eight-minute ferry that leaves from multiple points around the island that brings people to our front door. An Uber from the city takes 15 minutes with several bus options as well ranging from 15-20 minutes. If you are looking for the best views of New York, guests should dine at Blu.

IG @bluonthehudson

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Blu on the Hudson

Read the JUN ISSUE #102 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Blu on the Hudson in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | HERITAGE GRAND BAKERY, HERITAGE GRAND RESTAURANT AND PIZZA BAR

Bryant Park has also been a neighborhood that we have enjoyed having power lunches and dinners as well as having amazing views of library and the large greenspace! In this month's The Art of the Snack, we head over to this storied area to pop into Heritage Grand Bakery, Heritage Grand Restaurant and Pizza Bar!

We love that whether you're looking for a bakery that allows you to get great to-go items for breakfast and lunch whether you're heading back to the office or eating in the park. In addition, there is a stunning restaurant that is perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and happy hour. We took some time to sit down to talk with Managing Partner, Lou Ramirez to find out more about these spaces, what is offered, and what we should think about ordering on our next visit!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into Heritage Grand Bakery, Grand Restaurant and Pizza Bar, Please tell me about Lou Ramirez's background as he has been part of some of our favorites including Fig & Olive!

LOU RAMIREZ: My experience in the hospitality world began as a manager at BR Guest Hospitality Group. I then advanced to Director of Food and Beverage at Boutique Hotels & Resorts. Leveraging my expertise, I became Director of Operations at Le Pain Quotidien, successfully launching 18 locations in NYC and LA. This success led me to Fig & Olive, a concept I started with the founder, opening 3 locations in the city.

Subsequently, I co-founded Maison Kayser with Eric Kayser, overseeing the construction of over a dozen stores. Returning to Le Pain Quotidien as the President and Head of US Operations, I played a key role in reinventing their brand image. Drawing on my experience in hospitality and deep knowledge, I founded Nicloubella Management, an entrepreneurial consulting company created to assist established overseas companies looking to break into the US marketplace.

AM: It seems like there are 2 concepts with the bakery as well as the restaurant. Can you tell us about how the concept came about and why you wanted to have a bakery and a restaurant?

LR: I founded Heritage Grand with my partners, Luc Boulet and Alex Garese. Luc is a renowned master baker from France, coming from a lineage of 4 generations of bakers. Alex is the founder of the acclaimed Wolkonsky Bakery, making us all seasoned veterans in the world of bread and pastry. Our vision was to open a bakery and restaurant showcasing our Ancient Grains which are milled in-house.

AM: In looking at the bakery, can you speak to the decision to focus on health-conscious baking and cooking techniques, Ancient Grains and Artisanal Milling Techniques?

LR: We are very passionate about health-conscious and environmentally friendly foods and preparation techniques. We believe “you are what you eat," what you put into your body is what you get out of it. Natural, artisanal foods nourish our minds and bodies and energize our spirit, and that’s the effect we’d like to leave on our guests.

AM: What are the health benefits to cultivating the grains in this way?

LR: Our grains contain an accentuated value in lipids and carotenes, which give the bread a beautiful cream color and signature aroma, as well as making it optimal for baking and pastry making. Health benefits include ease of digestibility, high nutritional value, and low allergenic potential.

AM: Focusing on Heritage Grand Bakery, there is quite an extensive offering from coffees, teas, pressed juices etc. What are 3 coffees cold or hot that you suggest as we head into the summer months?

LR: At Heritage Grand, we use a highly dynamized water filtration system, essentially mirroring water’s natural journey through the mountains using motion, magnetism, and natural minerals. This results in energized water with improved taste and texture, as well as better hydration. We use this water as the foundation for all of our brewed beverages. 3 coffees we’d recommend as the weather warms are our signature Roast Heritage Drip Coffee, our house blend made with different coffee blends from across the globe, the Iced Red-Eye, a double shot of our specialty roast espresso poured over our signature coffee blend served on ice, and our Finca Bernina Red Honey Geisha poured over coffee from Costa Rica.

AM: What are 3 teas, hot or cold that you suggest that we should have in mind when visiting?

LR: Our Hot and Cold teas are sourced from historic tea-growing regions in dirrect collaboration with the farmers. I would recommend the Chai Latte, a spiced latte made with chai spices; Matcha Latte and Tieguanyin Oolong Tea made with oolong tea from China.

AM: On your BAKERY menu, you have a selection of Viennoiseries. What does Viennoiseries mean and what are 3 that we should try on our next visit?

LR: Viennoiseries are breakfast pastries typically modeled after the style of pastry that originated in Vienna, Austria. Executive Head Pastry Chef Damien Herrgott expertly creates the viennoiseries and pastries, and while all delicious, we’d recommend Pistachio Cruffin, muffin-shaped croissant dough filled with pistachio pastry cream; Plie au Chocolat, buttery, flaky croissant dough folded and filled with vanilla pastry cream and dark chocolate chips; Apricot Danish, croissant dough filled with a mixture of pastry cream and apricots.

AM: The Bakery menu also has Muffins/Cruffins/Baked Goods! What is a Cruffin and what are 3 that you suggest that we should have?

LR: Inspired by the French brioche pastry, a cruffin is the hybrid of a croissant and muffin. We’d suggest our Chocolate, Vanilla, and Pistachio Cruffins, muffin-shaped croissant dough filled with chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio pastry creams.

AM: What are 3 pastries that you suggest for breakfast?

LR: In our Restautant we just started weekend Brunch and have several classics but in our Bakery, Our Egg Sandwiches and vienoisseriie are really the best sellers for breakfast, like the Lemon Raspberry Danish, Croissant, and Pain au Chocolate. But for those with a particular sweet tooth, perhaps our Espresso Tart to start your day with a kick; Coffee Ganache and Coffee-Soaked Lady Fingers, topped with espresso Cremieux and white chocolate coffee glaze. Next, the Montebello, a decadent way to get your fruits in early in the day, pistachio almond hazelnut cake topped with pistachio mouse, fresh raspberries, and chopped pistachios; Ispahan, a colorful and vibrant rose-colored raspberry macaron filled with rose buttercream and chopped lychee with fresh raspberries and garnished with a rose petal.

AM: What are 3 G&G Sandwiches that you would suggest when you're heading over to Bryant Park to enjoy an outdoor lunch?

LR: A refreshing Caprese Sandwich on a savory olive roll to beat the heat, French baguette with fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil pine and pesto; Tunisian Niçoise Sandwich, tuna salad mix, hard-boiled egg, red pepper, arugula, and olives on Pan Bagnat bun; our classic Pariseinne with ham gruyere butter and cornichon on a fresh baguette.

AM: What are 3 Savory options from the Restaurant that you suggest?

LR: Branzino topped with pistachio chermoula, served with a side of haricot vert and charred lemon, Ancient Grains Spaghetti—a vegetarian option— population wheat pasta with roasted mushroom and garlic, sprinkled with rich Parmigiano. Pizzas and flatbreads, Moroccan Spiced Lamb Flatbread, spiced ground lamb, pickled shallots, and a drizzle of citrus labneh on a thin, crisp flatbread made from 100% Ancient Grain population wheat

AM: You have a number of breads that you offer that people can purchase, what are 3 that are perfect to bring when you're thinking of bringing it to a dinner atsomeone's home?

LR: Our Executive Head Baker Mark Fiorentino (formerly of Daniel, Café Boulud), along with his dedicated team of bakers arrive throughout the night to mill the wheat, mix and roll the dough, and craft the fresh bread every morning. We’d recommend Hudson Valley Sourdough, naturally leavened sourdough bread made with locally grown and milled flour; Our Proprietary Population Wheat, 17 ancient grain varieties of wheat are blended to create the whole wheat; Spelt Bread, made with 100% spelt flour milled exclusively on-site.

AM: Tell us about the culinary journey of Executive Chef Steve Pereyda from where he trained and kitchens he worked in prior to coming to Heritage Restaurant and Pizza Bar.

LR: Our newly appointed Executive Chef Steve Pereyda is a distinguished graduate of Texas Culinary Academy, He began his culinary journey at Los Angeles’s Michelin-starred Hatfield, under Chef Quinn Hatfield, moving on to The Baazar by José Andrés in Beverly Hills, before relocating to to NYC and ascending to Sous Chef at Aureole Restaurant, Chef Charlie Palmer’s iconic flagship restaurant in NYC, renowned for its 13 Michelin stars and two James Beard awards. Under the guidance of Chef Palmer, Chef Pereyda honed his skills in New American cuisine, before moving on to the Michelin-starred Rouge Tomate. Once Rouge Tomate shuttered in 2018, Pereyda assisted in opening Mercado Little Spain by José Andrés, as well as AperiBar with Charlie Palmer.

AM: It truly feels that Heritage has options that take you from Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner! You also have one of our favorite meals of the week, Brunch. What are 3 brunch dishes that we can enjoy with friends and family?

LR: Polenta Soufflé Toast with mushroom; creamy polenta with fried eggs, mushroom bechamel, and parmigiano; Moroccan Lamb Burger, lamb merguez, harissa aioli, peppers and onions on a homemade brioche bun and served with za’atar fries; Thin crust Diavola pizza with spicy soppressata, fior di latte, tomato, and drizzled with chili oil.

AM: What are 3 dishes that are perfect to enjoy for lunch?

LR: Ancient Grains Salad--a vegan option--arugula, cherry tomato, apple, shallots, toasted seeds, and topped with feta, drizzled with lemon vinaigrette; Crispy Skin Salmon—a gluten-free option—salmon with fennel and piquillo pepper, served with a bed of couscous and charred lemon; Clam Pie, fresh littleneck clams with oregano, garlic, white wine, lemon, chili, pecorino, and breadcrumbs.

AM: Tell us about Happy Hour!

LR: Happy Hour is served on weekdays from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., for dine-in customers only. Specials include $10 Neapolitan or thin crust Margherita pizza, $10 glasses of red, white, and rosé wines, as well as $10 signature craft cocktails.

AM: What are 3 dishes that we should have in mind for dinner?

LR: Grilled Hanger Steak served with a generous portion of za’atar fries, persillade, and arugula with lemon vinaigrette; Wild Mushroom Thin Crust Pizza, with oyster mushrooms, pickled shallot, caciocavallo, and pecorino; Tagliatielle Veal Ragu, braised veal, cipollini, mushroom, pecorino toscano, with population wheat breadcrumbs

AM: What are 3 cocktails that we can enjoy for the Summer?

LR: The refreshing Mezcal Paloma, a blend of union mezcal, Giffard pamplemousse, grapefruit, agave, and lime; The Raspberry Flamenco, a mix of Tanqueray Seville gin, raspberry, egg white, and lemon; the Cucumber Basil Gimlet; ALB vodka, cucumber, agave, and lime.

AM: Tell us about the ambiance and design of both spaces that are located in this historic Bryant Park neighborhood!

LR: The interior design of the restaurant and bakery, by Patricia Joseph in collaboration with Silvia Zofio of SZprojects, seamlessly flow into one another, drawing inspiration from ancient Mediterranean ruins unearthed in the heart of NYC. Anchoring the dining room are two large wood-burning ovens named Patience and Fortitude, after the marble lions that watch over the historic New York Public Library and Bryant Park, across the street from the restaurant. The walls are designed with stone shaved from a mountain to give it a grotto feel, complemented by accents of creamy white Venetian plaster and a soothing glow from soft white light, curated by award-winning lighting designer Herve Descotts L’Observatoire. The dining room is adorned with custom-made banquettes, chairs, and tables designed to evoke the restaurant's Mediterranean feel. Additionally, the private event space on the mezzanine level is ideal for hosting private gatherings, corporate meetings, celebrations, televised sports events or award shows, rehearsal dinners, baby showers, and more.

AM: Are there any special events taking place that you would like to share that are taking place this summer?

LR: Our Private event space is always buzzing with celebrations, parties, corporate power events, sports viewings, showers, and we will start creating culinary social experiences in the fall like pizza or pasta making classes.

IG @heritagegrandbakery

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Heritage Grand Bakery, Restaurant and Pizza Bar

Read the MAY ISSUE #101 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Heritage Grand Bakery, Heritage Grand Restaurant and Pizza Bar in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | CASA BOND

As we continue to navigate the Spring and get closer to the warmer Summer months, the art of going out and enjoying wearing less layers and having meals with initmate and large groups becomes more of an event! We want to celebrate the little and the large moments around the table with a great meal.

We enjoyed having an epic meal at Casa Bond located in NoHo which took our tastes to the next level with dishes that are filled with heritage and passion. We sat down with Managing Partner, Luis Villanueva to find out more about this fine dining Mexican cuisine, the ambiance of the restaurant, and what we should have our eye on in their menu.

ATHLEISURE MAG: We thoroughly enjoyed having dinner at Casa Bond and love the Tulum Vibe at this chic restaurant on Bowery. What is it about Tulum that you wanted to bring to this restaurant?

LUIS VILLANUEVA: At Casa Bond, we aim to transport guests to the spirited atmosphere of Tulum right in the heart of Noho. Inspired by the vibrant Tuluminati lifestyle, our concept embodies youthful vitality, artistic creativity, and Bohemian chic. Our goal is to offer a unique and creative flavor experience that captures the essence of refined Mexican cuisine.

AM: We've had the pleasure of vacationing in Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum, and love the food of this region but for those who are not familiar with the Mexican Riviera, what are the regional dishes that are indicative of this area.

LV: In the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum regions, two iconic dishes that showcase the essence of the area's cuisine are Cochinita Pibil and Panuchos. Cochinita Pibil is a traditional Mayan dish featuring slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus and achiote, while Panuchos are crispy tortillas filled with refried beans and topped with various savory ingredients.

These dishes encapsulate the rich flavors and culinary heritage of the Mexican Riviera, offering a delightful taste of the region's cuisine.

AM: What are the spices and ingredients that are common in this?

LV: In the Riviera Maya, Cancun, and Tulum regions, Achiote is a key ingredient in Cochinita Pibil, contributing to its distinctive and unique flavor. Additionally, common spices and ingredients in this area include oregano, black pepper, and sage. These ingredients are integral to the region's culinary heritage, infusing dishes with rich, vibrant flavors that are characteristic of the area.

AM: When did Casa Bond launch?

LV: We officially launched Casa Bond NoHo on November 1st 2023.

AM: For those who are coming into Casa Bond, what can they expect from the ambiance as there is a sense of being in a luxury residential home that just so happens to be a restaurant.

LV: Inspired by the Tuluminati lifestyle, Interior Designer-Creative Director Michael Arguello crafted the concept at Casa Bond to embody youthful exuberance, artistic expression, and Bohemian chic style. Guests can expect an ambiance evocative of an exclusive private dinner party, blending Michael's expertise in luxury residential design with hospitality to create a unique atmosphere resembling a lavish home-turned-restaurant. This intentional design ensures that our guests feel comfortable, welcomed, and at home.

AM: Who are the owners and the managing partner of Casa Bond and what are their backgrounds in terms of where they trained and kitchens/restaurants they worked in prior to coming here?

LV: Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan, of Casa Bond, first achieved neighborhood acclaim with El Paso Taqueria in Harlem. He began his culinary journey with a humble taco pushcart in 1993 on the corner of Third Avenue and East 104th Street, which eventually grew into a full-service restaurant with three locations. El Paso was perennially lauded as one of the best restaurants in East Harlem by the media and locals alike.

Growing up in central Mexico, as the Beverage Director-Managing Partner I honed my skill for blending diverse flavors and aromas from a young age, learning family recipes and kitchen traditions. Moving to New York at 18, I pursued my passion for mixology while working my way up through various roles in restaurant kitchens, simultaneously studying Hospitality Management and English. My journey led me to roles at Havana Alma de Cuba and Cuba in Greenwich Village, where I crafted cocktail menus deeply rooted in Latin flavors. As Beverage Manager at La Pulperia (FEB ISSUE #86), I developed menus reflecting the cuisines of Latin America. Joining Casa Bond in November 2023 as Managing Partner and Mixologist, I fulfilled my dream of connecting with diners through mixology, enhancing their experience with refined Mexican fare.

AM: What are 3 dishes from the To Share portion of the many that we should consider when we come in for dinner?

LV: Among our enticing selections for sharing from the entrées section of the menu are the Cochinita Pibil, Mixiote de Cordero (lamb shank), and Prime Bone-in Rib Eye. Each dish is served with an accompaniment of rice, esquites, and freshly hand-pressed tortillas, making them perfect to share with friends and loved ones.

AM: From the Ceviche & More, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should enjoy with friends and family?

LV: A must-try from the Ceviche & More section, is our Aguachile. We also highly recommend the Ribeye Tiraditon for those who want a little heat, and the Lobster Ceviche for those who seek sweet, tropical flavors.

AM: We love tacos and we have to say that the Gobernador was everything that we could imagine. What are 3 that you suggest that we should consider?

LV: We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the Gobernador Taco! It is one of our most popular menu items. So, of course, we highly recommend your readers try it as well.

In addition to that, we highly recommend trying our Baja Fish Taco, which is equally delightful. Additionally, we suggest trying our weekly taco specials. This week, we featured a Soft-Shell Crab Taco, prepared with pan-seared soft-shell crab, and jicama-chayote coleslaw, habanero aioli, and served in a blue corn tortilla.

AM: Tell us about the Entrees and what are 3 that should be on our list?

LV: Highlights of the Entree selection are: Duck Confit served in the house signature mole made from 24 ingredients including pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds ground to a paste with white chocolate, hoja santa, and pine nuts; Cochinita Pibil, pork shoulder wrapped in banana leaf with achiote paste, habanero, and chile tatemado; and Pescado Zarandeado, a broiled butterflied branzino marinated in annatto-guajillo, served with hand-pressed tortillas.

AM: For the sides, what are 3 that we should have to share at our next meal?

LV: For Sides, we recommend the Esquites, Mexican street corn salad with chile piquín, Jicama Salad, mixed gem lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and tossed in poblano vinaigrette, and the Grilled White Asparagus.

AM: It's always great to end the meal with desserts can you tell us about your Dessert Chefs, their culinary backgrounds and kitchens they worked in prior to coming to this restaurant?

LV: Molecular Dessert Chefs Erica Huertas and Daniella Castro both were born in Colombia, where they grew up and honed their passion for pastries and desserts while working in their families’ bakeries. Here, they not only developed their technical skills but also cultivated a deep appreciation for the craft.

Their journey led them to the United States, where they pursued their dream of establishing their own pastry and dessert business. During the pandemic, they dedicated themselves to enhancing their skills, focusing on mastering entrements—elaborate, multi-layered French desserts featuring a sponge cake base, mousse filling, and layers of creams, jellies, and compotes.

Drawing on their upbringing and newly acquired expertise, Erica and Daniella launched America Entremets. This bakery specializes in creating visually stunning and intricately designed entremets, offering their creations to restaurants, like Casa Bond, and private customers alike.

AM: Tell us about the desserts, the Tres Leches in a geometric shape was beyond expectations!

LV: The dessert selection features a twist on Traditional Mexican pastries. Molecular Dessert Chefs Erica Huertas and Daniella Castro have created a trifecta of fun-sized desserts that come in beautiful shapes and colors.

The presentation of the Tres Leches was designed to mirror the geometric, diamond-shaped glass chandeliers in our dining room that were selected by Interior Designer-Creative Director Michael Arguello. This seamless collaboration between our culinary team and design visionaries elevates the dining experience, ensuring a harmonious and refined ambiance that complements the meal.

AM: We had the pleasure of meeting you and enjoying your selections first hand. Can you tell us about the Beverage Program that is offered?

LV: Our cocktail program is a testament to my creation of classic and innovative cocktails by uniting the perfect balance of spirits and liqueurs.

The Couture is made with McQueen Gin, Colt 43, and Luxardo. When mixing McQueen gin with the fresh lemon juice, the cocktail changes color from purple to pink. The Deluxe Margherita is made with Casa de Dragones silver tequila, made by the first woman-owned distillery in Mexico, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. The Señor Bond is a play on the Old Fashioned, using Woodford Reserve bourbon, aromatic bitters, smoked maple, and Amarena cherries.

AM: What are 3 tequila cocktails that you suggest we should keep in mind?

LV: For those who want a classic tequila drink, you cannot go wrong with our Deluxe Margherita, made with Casa de Dragones silver tequila, Cointreau, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. For those who want something sweet and tropical, we recommend the Bond•ing Cocktail, a delicious fusion of Del Maguey Mezcal, Herradura Silver Tequila, Malibu rum, passion fruit, and pomegranate juice. And finally, for the tequila enthusiast, we recommend the XXVII Karat Cocktail, made with Herradura Legend, Grand Marnier Cuvée Louis-Alexandre, yuzu, and local honey.

AM: We enjoy Mezcal and had the pleasure of enjoying these cocktails - what are 3 that you suggest?

LV: We also highly recommend trying the Couture, made with McQueen Gin, Colt 43, and Luxardo. When mixing McQueen gin with the fresh lemon juice, the cocktail changes color from purple to pink. The Señor Bond is a play on the Old Fashioned, using Woodford Reserve bourbon, aromatic bitters, smoked maple, and Amarena cherries. And, the Downtown, a mélange of grapefruit, pineapple, orange, Meyer lemons, lime, and Pisco Liquor, making for a sweet cocktail that complements the spicier dishes.

AM: You have a Beverage cart that has 15 premium tequilas, can you tell us more about this?

LV: We take pride in showcasing the latest and finest tequilas to our guests. To that end, we feature a display cart housing our top-tier premium selections, including renowned brands such as Clase Azul, Don Julio 1942, Esperanto Extra Añejo, Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino, and Herradura Legend, among others. This curated collection offers a diverse array of exceptional and exquisite tequilas for our guests to enjoy.

AM: Tell us about Bonding Hour!

LV: Bonding Hour reimagines the classic happy hour experience, running Monday through Friday from 5 to 7 PM at the bar and front tables. Featuring specially priced cocktails and small plates, guests can indulge in handcrafted drinks made with premium liquor for $9, including our signature margarita, espresso martini, and coconut mojito, alongside delicious bites. Outdoor seating is also available on our sidewalk café, weather permitting.

AM: We love a great brunch, what can you tell us about this portion of the menu when we come in with friends and family?

LV: Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan has designed the brunch menu with a focus on the best seafood dishes from the Mexican coast and put his twist on classic American breakfast items.

Brunch highlights include: Benedictinos: blue corn masa memelita (masa cakes), Cochinita Pibil, poached eggs, and habanero hollandaise sauce, Hamburguesa Blue Demon: 8 oz. prime sirloin, brioche bun, caramelized onions, and blue cheese, served with wedge fries, and Chilaquiles Verde: crispy corn tortilla smeared in a green tomatillo sauce, topped with onions sour cream, and queso fresco with choice of eggs, steak, or shrimp.

For those looking to elevate their Tulum-inspired experience, Casa Bond offers live DJ sets on Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in collaboration with Housematic Entertainment, which has specially curated a selection of deep house beats infused with Tulum vibes.

Brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and outdoor seating will be offered, weather permitting.

IG @casabondnoho

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Casa Bond

Read the APR ISSUE #100 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Casa Bond in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | MISHIK

In month's The Art of the Snack we make our way to Hudson Square in Lower Manhattan where the West Village, SoHo, and Tribeca surround it! We find out more about Mishik's Modern Japanese and Edomae-style sushi omakase, their dishes, and what one can expect when enterting this culinary destination! We sat down with David Kim, Owner of Mishik as well as their Executive Chef/Partner Markee Manaloto to find out more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What is the meaning behind the name, Mishik?

DAVID KIM: Mishik can encompass various meanings in Korean depending on context, but it generally translates as “beautiful food” or “delicacies.” While fine dining may be associated with formality and high cost, it doesn’t have to be. My aim is to provide guests with the opportunity to savor high-quality cuisine at an accessible price point, within a setting that strikes a balance between informal and formal. What we want to provide for our guests is exquisite food prepared with highest quality ingredients and classic techniques that date back to the Edo period in Japan such as aging of fish combined with our omakase counter experience that doesn't involve complete silence or an overly stuffy environment.

AM: Located in Hudson Square, when did this restaurant launch and why did you want to be in this neighborhood?

DK: Our grand opening was in January 2024. Hudson Square, sitting between the busy Soho and Tribeca neighborhoods, is an up-and-coming area with lots of new developments. I want Mishik to be one of Hudson Square’s top go-to restaurants.

AM: Tell us about Studio Rolling as we love how they create interiors for restaurants as we enjoyed their work in Hortus NYC during Food Network's NYC Food Wine Festival. What was the design approach to Mishik and can you walk us through what guests can expect in terms of its ambiance or where they can sit either at the sushi counter, the dining room, or at the 13-seat bar?

DK: The space was a bit tricky to work with as it was a former burger joint, so we started redesigning from the ground up. I wanted to offer our guests a unique sushi counter experience for omakase as well as an exceptional bar featuring great cocktails and unique wines and sakes. The final design that Youngmi from Studio Rolling and I came up with struck a balance between relaxed and trendy, intimate and aesthetically pleasing. We aim to be a great addition to this beautiful neighborhood.

AM: Our readers have heard us share a number of restaurants that utilize omakase, but what is Edomae-style sushi omakase?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MARKEE MANALOTO: Edo was the old name for Tokyo during a time of great change in Japan from the 17th to 19th centuries. Edomae-style sushi was born during this time, and the techniques have been passed down through the generations. It involves butchering fish humanely, the ikejime way, scaling it precisely with a knife to not damage the meat, the sukibiki way, aging or curing the fish and then serving it over rice seasoned with vinegar.

AM: As Executive Chef/Partner Markee Manaloto, can you tell us about where you trained and kitchens you worked in prior to being involved at Mishik as we know that you were an Omakase Chef at both Michelin - starred Sushi Yasuda and Kissaki.

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: Prior to Mishik I was the chef partner at Gugu Room, a Japanese-Filipino izakaya restaurant in New York City. Before that I was an omakase chef at Michelin-starred Sushi Yasuda and Kissaki Omakase. I started my career in Michigan, working under chefs who defined the traditional sushi scene in the Midwest. My last mentor there before moving to New York was Chef Lloyd Roberts, who went on to open Nobu 57 and was one of Nobu Matsuhisa’s first executives to travel the world.

AM: Why did you want to be involved in Mishik?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: David and I both wanted to shakeup the omakase game in New York City by adding a more robust tasting menu and a la carte options. It feels like there are hundreds of omakase bars in the city that just do counter service, but having a kitchen to also produce plated dishes, flavorful sauces and detailed garnishes is where we really get to showcase our creativity. Joining Mishik has also allowed me to introduce dry-aged fish to customers, an under-used technique that really brings out the flavor and texture of fish. Being able to offer the purist form of sushi alongside progressive dishes and techniques is like having the best of both worlds.

AM: Guests who come to Mishik have the option for Edomae-style sushi omakase, chef's tasting, and a la carte options. Why was this approach that you wanted to make available in terms of the menu?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: We visualized Mishik as modern, all-around Japanese dining experience, which includes an omakase counter but also features a dining room with a la carte and tasting menu options. This gives me an opportunity to rotate the menu with new dishes and highlight seasonal ingredients. Plus, blending traditional Japanese ingredients with modern techniques is really exciting and offers something new to customers.

AM: Tell us about your 2 omakase options and walk us through this particular portion of the menu.

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: We have two omakase options, 12 or 16 pieces of nigiri with a traditional handroll, soup and dessert to finish. These two options are only available at the omakase counter. It gives me an opportunity to explain to guests how we dry-age all the fish in-house to enhance the texture and flavor of each bite. This process of meticulously cleaning and then hang-drying the fish in-house really makes a difference in the final product.

AM: Tell us about the Chef's Tasting Menu which is a 7-course meal.

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: The seven-course tasting menu highlights the best of Japanese cuisine and goes beyond sushi. It starts with Scallop Sashimi with Asian pear, crispy shitake mushrooms and truffle ponzu, followed by a Donburi rice bowl with tuna tartar and jidori egg yolk, then Yakizakana fish of the day with broccolini, yuzu hollandaise and shishito kosho (we use dry-aged fish in this dish as well); six pieces of Nigiri Sushi highlighting seasonal fish and seafood from Japan such as goldeneye snapper (kinmedai), black throat sea perch (nodoguro), rockfish (kinki), tuna, and uni. Then Yakiniku 6-hour koji-marinated steak with black truffle emulsion and choux farci; Dashi white miso and fish-bone based broth, and dessert that includes the prized Japanese crown melon. The tasting menu is the best way to experience Mishik. The fish changes based on season and what’s fresh from the market, which is another reason why I recommend the tasting menu, since it means guests get to try something different every time.

AM: For the a la carte menu, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should have our eye on when we come in to dine?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: The a la carte menu offers modern Japanese dining experience: dry-aged fish like Nodoguro (black throat sea perch) with tomato dashi cream and braised king trumpet mushrooms; King Crab Legs with ginger aioli; A5 Wagyu beef; and a stunning Kegani Donabe for Two, an elegant rice pot with Hokkaido hairy crab, uni, ikura, scallops, lotus root, maitake mushrooms, and edamame that can be shared by the table.

AM: For those who are interested in a salad or a rice bowl, what are 3 that we should have our eye on for our next visit?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: The rice bowls really allow us to explore different techniques and culinary influences. The Uni Bibimbap with nori puree and the A5 Wagyu Kimchi Fried Rice are exciting marriage of Japanese and Korean cuisine. If you want to go all out with a rice bowl, then try the Kegani Donabe for Two, a showstopping rice pot loaded with seafood, mushrooms and more delicious flavors that makes for a great date night dinner.

AM: What are 3 pieces of sushi that you suggest?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: Our nigiri sushi changes seasonally but if you see goldeneye snapper (kinmedai), black throat sea perch (nodoguro) or rockfish (kinki) on the menu, they are fantastic and not as common as tuna or uni (though they are delicious too). We also offer a selection of temaki (hand rolls) and makimono (sushi rolls).

AM: For sides, what are 3 that would be great to enjoy with our meal?

EXECUTIVE CHEF MM: Ankimo (monkfish liver) is considered a delicacy — it’s like the foie gras of the sea. We serve it fried in tempura batter, and it makes an excellent accompaniment to anyone’s meal. If guests are looking for something lighter, then I’d suggest the refreshing hiyashi wakame seaweed salad. A la carte sushi and sashimi options also make for great sides if guests just want an extra bite or two at the end of their meal.

AM: We love a great beverage program, we'd love to know what are 3 signature cocktails that we should have in mind when dining with friends and family?

DK: I feel like the cocktail scene has dramatically changed in the past few years, where in the past drinks were usually simple with just three elements: your spirit, a balancing agent, and a modifier. Nowadays, there is so much more technique and creation involved. The classics will always remain, but we have a great cocktail program that we created with some very talented people. I would personally recommend the Genmai Espresso Martini, Bergamot Tea, Kuri Tai, and the Shiso. I know you said three, but we have so many good cocktails!

AM: What are 3 sake's that we should consider?

DK: This is a tricky question. Everyone's palate is different, and just like someone might prefer a pinot noir over a cabernet, sake is the same. My personal favorites at the moment are Dewazakura Yukimanman, which is a sake that has been aged for five years; Hakkaisan Yukimuro Snow, aged three years; and I usually don't gear towards fruit flavored sake but we have a beautiful Yuzu Sake by Masumi. 

AM: We love a great beverage program and we know that you consulted with sommelier Doreen Winkler, what are 3 wines that would be great to pair with our meal?

DK: Doreen has been really great for us. She is well versed in different wines, especially skin contact wines.  We offer a variety of wines but right now my personal favorites would be the Grape Republic "Anfora," a fantastic red wine from Yamagata in Japan, as well as Karine Lauverjat Pouilly Fume and Patrick Piuze "Terroir" Chablis.

AM: For those who enjoy a great beer, what are 3 that you suggest?

DK: Orion pairs really well with any Japanese cuisine.  We also have a Kyoto Matcha IPA, and for the ale lovers I'd recommend Lucky Cat White Ale. Both are from Kizakura Brewery.

AM: Are there any upcoming events that we should know about that Mishik will be involved in?

DK: We will be participating in the upcoming Joy of Sake event in NYC on Aprill 11!

IG @mishiknyc

PHOTO CREDIT | Michael Tulipan

Read the MAR ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Mishik in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | SABAI THAI

During NYFW FW24, we found ourselves after a long day of shows in Midtown East on a Fri night at Sabai Thai. There's nothing like a classic night out where you know you'll have a well rounded meal, great cocktails, and the perfect vibe! We enjoyed this Thai restaurant from the food, the staff, and the ambiance. We took some time to chat with this team to find out about the restaurant, their menu, what we can expect when we're dining there, and more.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Sabai Thai open?

SABAI THAI: In 2018, Sabai Thai opened on Park Avenue South by Owner Karan Daryanani, who spent a lot of time in Thailand and made his foray into the hospitality realm with a vision of happiness for his guests – encapsulated in the Thai term "Sabai."

AM: What does Sabai mean and how does that connect to the ih that you want people to have when they come in?

ST: The word “Sabai” means happy in English which is why we pride ourselves on bringing happiness to guests through traditional Thai cuisine and hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere. We wanted to create a place where New Yorkers and tourists alike could come and escape the bustling streets of Manhattan after a long day and enjoy Thai cuisine and hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere, with the intent of leaving ‘sabai’ - happy, relaxed and content.

AM: Karan Daryanani is the owner of Sabai Thai. Can you tell us about his hospitality background, and how his time in Thailand from the food to the culture, led to this restaurant?

ST: Karan, a world traveler and entrepreneur, has traveled to Thailand numerous times over the years and during all his visits, one memory stood out. He was walking through Petchaburi Soi 5, a street food market in Bangkok and vividly remembers the delicious street food, liveliness, and energy surrounding him. He shares “everyone is just enjoying a good meal, and everyone is happy and relaxed after a long day's work.” This experience inspired Karan to create an atmosphere where patrons could bask in the happiness and warmth reflective of Thai culture while enjoying the best food Thailand has to offer.

AM: We enjoyed coming in during NYFW on a Fri night, as it was a lot of fun to be in the midst of the energy of a classic night out. From being able to see the bar and watching people's faces as they received their cocktails and dishes, it was a great vibe. Can you tell us about what guests can expect when they come in for their next meal in terms of the decor?

ST: Our 2,300-square-foot restaurant boasts floor-to-ceiling windows, high ceilings, Thai paper umbrellas, a gold backsplash at the bar, lotus fountains and gold statues throughout. The decor takes inspiration from traditional Thai culture, offering guests a glimpse of the country. The back wall of the bar is inspired by the golden roof tiles of Thai temples, which make its the perfect focal point for the restaurant.

AM: We loved the outfits of the staff. Can you tell us about them and how it fits into the overall aesthetic?

ST: At Sabai, our staff wears a traditional Thai attire known as, panung, originating from central Thailand. These traditional Thai garments feature beautiful colors, intricate patterns and ornate details. Sabai is one of few restaurants in New York to showcase traditional Thai attire as part of the staff uniform. In having the team wear panung, we are showcasing yet another element of Thai culture into the restaurant.

AM: Tell us about Thai cuisine, the regions that it pulls from, and the ingredients and spices that are indicative of this cuisine.

ST: Thai cuisine is a combination of Eastern and Western influences. Similarly, it pulls inspiration from many of its neighboring countries. A Thai dish can vary depending upon the area or region of Thailand the dish originates from, for example in Northern Thailand you’ll find — while in Eastern Thailand you’ll find —-. Further, Thai cuisine offers many different flavors such as sweet, salty, sour and spice, giving you an explosion of flavor in every bite.

At Sabai our menu focuses on the cuisine of central Thailand. First time guests and regulars alike enjoy Sabai’s cuisine as it lends to many different dietary restrictions. On our menu you’ll find a handful of vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free dishes, like our curry which is all three.

AM: Your Executive Chef is Mingmitr Eddy Amnuaypanich who is a native of Central Thailand. Can you tell us about where he trained and kitchens he worked in prior to coming to Sabai Thai?

ST: Chef Mingmitr’s culinary journey began in his mother's kitchen in Bangkok, where he cultivated a deep-seated passion for cooking through innovative experiments with local ingredients. While pursuing an education in banking, Chef Mingmitr simultaneously honed his skills by working at various restaurants in Thailand. However, his career trajectory took a significant turn when he decided to pursue his culinary path in New York.

Embarking on his career, Chef Mingmitr began as sous chef at PONGsri in 2000, the then-notable restaurant for both theater enthusiasts and locals. He continued to elevate his craft as Executive Chef at Kelly & Ping, an esteemed SoHo establishment situated on a charming cobblestone street, revered as one of the premier Asian food and lifestyle destinations of its era.

AM: In presenting Thai cuisine at Sabai Thai, how did you approach Thai with a Western twist?

ST: Sabai unifies traditional Thai cooking with modern twists, catering to every palate. Chef Mingmitr’s blends his traditional style of cooking with Thai and American ingredients, creating dishes that offer a western twist, such as Thai Chicken Wings.

AM: What are 3 appetizers or Arharn Wang that you suggest that we should try when dining with family and friends?

ST: Our Curry Puff comes together with potatoes, green peas, carrots and is wrapped in roti canai bread, plus it’s vegetarian.

Our Sabai Sampler includes fried chicken dumplings, calamari, vegetarian spring rolls and curry puffs, with a sweet and sour Thai chili sauce - making it perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Our Thai Lettuce Wraps can be made with chicken and tofu and are a more interactive dish, as they require you to fill them up and dip them in a delicious sauce.

AM: The Sup & Yum or soup and salads had a number of our favorites on it. What are 3 that you suggest that we should try?

ST: Tom Yum, a traditional Thai soup, is a hot and sour soup packed with tons of flavor. It’s especially fragrant from the shrimp and fish sauce and packs a punch of heat with every bite.

Tom Kha Gai, a coconut milk soup, is a creamy, tangy, salt soup infused with lemongrass, galangal and makrut lime leaves.

Som Tam or papaya salad is a classic Thai dish known for its variety of flavors and textures. It’s bright, tangy, and spicy all at once and a must try.

AM: In terms of main courses and specials or Chan Lhak and Pi Set, what are 3 that you suggest that we should have in mind when coming in?

ST: Palor, also known as Pork Belly Stew, is a very traditional pork stew from Bangkok. It’s rich and hearty with a ton of flavor coming from the tender chunks of pork belly, shiitake mushrooms, hard boiled egg and Thai spices.

Pad Thai is undoubtedly the most well known Thai dish. It comes together with chewy rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, scallions, lemon and crushed peanuts. We take it a step further by adding tender juicy prawns and lobster, making it a hearty seafood noodle dish.

A fan favorite, our Massaman Curry offers everything you could want in a curry - warmth, creaminess, soft bites of potatoes, crunchy peanuts and more. Massaman Curry is one of the most popular curries, given its subtle sweet and tangy flavor, compared to spicier curries like Gan Kiew Waan.

AM: We also noticed that Kratha, From the Wok had amazing dishes as well - what are 3 that you suggest?

ST: Pad Thai, is undoubtedly the most well known Thai dish. It comes together with chewy rice noodles, eggs, bean sprouts, scallions, lemon and crushed peanuts. It’s hearty, tangy, sweet, and well loved for good reason.

Pad See Ew, is a close second to Pad Thai for most popular and for good reason. It’s a soy sauce stir fry made with thick rice noodles, Chinese broccoli, and eggs. It’s simple, yet packed with a ton of salty umami-ness. It’s a great dish to try if you are trying Thai food for the first time.

Green Curry or Gan Kiew Waan, is a rich, spicy curry with a hint of sweetness and herbal notes. It’s one of the spicer curries on the menu and perfect for a cold day or if you’re feeling under the weather.

AM: For dessert, there were a number of options - what are 3 that we should share?

ST: Mango Sticky Rice is a classic combination of coconut milk, sticky rice, and sweet ripe mango. It is one of the most well known and most popular Thai desserts and just as delicious as it sounds.

Fried Ice Cream is just as delicious as it sounds. Vanilla ice cream is wrapped in thick roti canai bread and deep fried until golden brown. It is then topped with logan (a sweet tree fruit similar to lychee) and a chocolate drizzle - and perfect for sharing.

Khanom Pang, a popular dessert in central Thailand, comes together with bread, coconut ice cream and sticky rice.

AM: We enjoyed meeting Demetrius Butler who is the Beverage Manager and we enjoyed his energy, how he worked the room, and our Cucumber Mezcalitas! Can you talk about his background in hospitality, where he trained and worked and how he came to Sabai Thai?

ST: Beverage Manager, Demetrius Butler, brings his extensive knowledge of working in New York City’s nightlife to Sabai Thai. Previously making stops at Blue Midtown and Wild Birds, Butler infuses his grandiose personality with Thai-inspired flavors in his drinks, resulting in the creation of distinctive signature cocktails.

AM: We are huge fans of Suntory and for the bar program, Sabai Thai has partnered with Suntory and has their Toki Highball Machine. Can you tell us more about this?

ST: The owner, Karan, is also a huge fan of Suntory. Fun fact, the majority of our cocktails list is made using Suntory Brands as he believes they offer the best quality liquors. We partnered with them last fall to launch three highball towers - which are the first of its kind. A highball is a mixed alcoholic drink, composed of alcohol and often a carbonated beverage. It's very popular in Asia where you have a “highball session.”

AM: What are 3 cocktails that you suggest that we should have when we come in for our next meal?

ST: Our most popular cocktails are the Pink Lychee Martini, Mamaung Margarita, and the Cucumber Mezcalita. Our Pink Lychee Martini is cold, refreshing, tropical, and perfect for sipping on. The Mamaung Margarita comes together with Hornitos tequila, mango puree, and lime. Our Cucumber Mezcalita offers a refreshing cucumber and mint flavor paired with the smokiness of Verde mezcal.

AM: Are there items on the menu that are only available for lunch or dinner?

ST: Sabai offers a lunch special weekdays Monday-Friday from 12:00-3:00 pm, starting at $21. It comes with a garden salad, choice of a bite and entree. Choose from your favorite Thai classics like Pad Thai or Green Curry, to name a few.

AM: Do you have a Happy Hour or Bar Menu and if so, what are 3 pairings that you suggest in terms of a cocktail and 2 dishes that you suggest?

ST: We don't have a happy hour at the moment, however; we plan to launch our happy hour in the late spring of 2024.

AM: Are there any upcoming events that we should know about or anything that you would like to share about Sabai Thai that hasn't been covered?

ST: Sabai will be throwing a happy hour launch party with Suntory in the spring of 2024.

IG @sabaithainyc

PHOTOS COURTESY | Sabai Thai

Read the FEB ISSUE #99 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Sabai Thai in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | CHEF GUO

We're always looking for our next best bite and the decadent meal that Chef Guo Wenjun has for those who dine at Chef Guo is one not to be missed. We wanted to find out more about this chef and owner on how he got into the food industry, where he trained, and he shares information about their 10-course meal and walks us through the dishes that we can enjoy when we come in for our next visit.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Chef Guo Wenjun, when did you first fall in love with food?

CHEF GUO WENJUN: My father was a well-known local chef in the village, specializing in catering for various events such as baby showers, housewarmings, birthdays, weddings, and funerals. This led me to understand the significance of food at different stages of people's lives. It was during this time that I first developed a deep love for food.

AM: Tell us about your culinary journey from where you trained to restaurants that you worked in.

CHEF GW: At the age of 14, my journey into the captivating realm of culinary arts commenced under the guidance of esteemed Royal Chef Ding Guangzhou (7th generation disciple in the ancient lineage of royal chefs). It was during those early years that my profound love for food took root. Mentorship under Chef Ding was more than a culinary education; it was a transformative experience that ignited a passion for the diverse flavors, techniques, and traditions characterizing Chinese cuisine.

My culinary voyage has been a rich tapestry woven with threads of dedication and expertise. Beginning as Chef Ding's disciple, my training unfolded at prestigious academies, spanning decades and encompassing experiences from the National Youth Chef instructional program to immersive training in Hong Kong at the International Haute program. Each step marked a chapter in mastering the culinary arts, with every academy and mentor contributing significantly to shaping my approach and philosophy. This journey culminated in the creation of my own culinary system in 2008 – the Healthy Royal Cuisine Culinary System. I am the only chef in China with his own culinary system.

AM: Can you tell us more about your honorable and esteemed mentorship?

CHEF GW: The mentorship under Chinese Master Chef Ding Guangzhou served as a sacred passage into the realm of culinary excellence. As a seventh-generation disciple in the lineage of royal chefs, Chef Ding not only instilled the discipline of Chinese Imperial Cuisine, but also shared ancient culinary secrets employed in serving emperors with me. This profound connection with the philosophy of imperial cooking became the cornerstone of my culinary identity.

Chinese Imperial Cuisine, originating from various cooking styles across China, formed the foundation during my training under my Shi-Fu (meaning mentor). This foundation enabled me to seamlessly integrate diverse culinary styles from across China. With hundreds of cooking methods in Chinese cuisine, including pan-frying, stewing, braising, decoction, gradual simmering, stir-frying, baking, grilling, flash frying, jellifying, velveting, and many more, I gained an understanding of each food processing procedure tailored to different ingredients.

AM: You are known as a Chinese Master Chef. What does this distinction mean?

CHEF GW: The recognition as a Chinese Master Chef represents the pinnacle of a lifelong quest for excellence. It signifies not only mastery in diverse culinary disciplines, but also a profound understanding of the intricacies of Chinese cuisine. This distinction serves as a testament to relentless dedication and the capacity to harmonize tradition and innovation on a grand culinary stage.

AM: How do you define Chinese Fine Dining?

CHEF GW: Chinese Fine Dining, in my view, represents a symphony of culinary elements that surpass mere sustenance. It's an immersive experience that blends the essence of tradition with the avant-garde, presenting dishes not just as meals but as artistic expressions. This revolutionizes the global perception of Chinese cuisine.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to open Chef Guo, which is located on the ground floor of the luxury residences of Randolph House?

CHEF GW: Amidst the pandemic, witnessing life's vulnerability and the global transformations, I made the decision to open Chef Guo in New York City - a place where people converge from all corners of the world. This provides me with the opportunity to share authentic Chinese cuisine with them.

The decision to establish Chef Guo on the ground floor of the luxury residences of Randolph House was an epiphany rooted in the aspiration to convey the genuine essence of Chinese cuisine. More than just a restaurant, it is a cultural haven where culinary excellence converges with immersive dining experiences.

AM: When you initially launched, back in Aug 2022, you had a 19-course tasting menu and you now have a 10-course menu which you launched last fall in 2023 - why did you want to present your dishes of Chinese Fine Dining in this way?

CHEF GW: The 19-course menu is a fusion of East and West. We initially introduced the 19-course menu to facilitate better acceptance of our concept. The 10-course menu, on the other hand, is more traditional, drawing inspiration from an ancient recipe from the Ming Dynasty.

The transition from a 19-course to also offering a curated 10-course format in 2023 was a deliberate decision. It was aimed at making Chinese Fine Dining more accessible while retaining the refined essence of the culinary journey. This shift enables guests to enjoy the intricate flavors and culinary innovations in a more approachable format.

AM: Before we delve into the menu, the restaurant truly allows guests who attend with 1 of the 2 seatings to be immersed into Chinese culture. Can you tell us about the restaurant's interiors and some of the artifacts that are 200-years-old from your own personal collection?

CHEF GW: The Chinese character represents "banquet." Breaking it down, signifies a house, and translates to "comfortable, leisure." I designed the dining room with this concept in this mind.

The interior is designed to transport diners to an imperial courtyard. The ornate, Zen dining room features a faux gingko tree, Chinese like the Chinese Bian Zhong (Bronze Chime Bell), an ancient instrument from 2500 years ago, stone horse pillars standing the entrance to welcome guests, and white glove service to complete the experience. The dimly lit intimate dining room softly plays Chinese classical music allowing diners to focus on the intricate dishes before them without distraction.

Diners arrive at their table to find an elegant hand painted charger plates covered by 24-karat gold accented porcelain serving cloches. The carefully selected music, thoughtfully designed lighting, servers adorned in traditional Long Pao (Dragon Robe) representing each dish to our guests - all of these elements come together to create a unique ambiance for our dining experience.

AM: How are guests able to access the restaurant and how many people can enjoy this meal for each seating?

CHEF GW: The restaurant can be accessed on street level on 50th street between 3rd Avenue and Lexington Avenue. Upon arrival, guests ring the doorbell and are greeted by a server dress in a traditional red robe. The dining room accommodates 10 people for each seating, with an exclusive two seatings a night (6 pm and 8:30 pm), creating an atmosphere of a private dinner party.

AM: In many respects, this feels due to its intimate nature, like a private dinner party. How much is the tasting menu per person?

CHEF GW: The 10-course menu is priced at $298 (per person) and the 19-course menu is priced at $518 (per person).

AM: Why was it important to you to have healthy, organic, seasonal, royal Chinese cuisine that utilizes traditional dishes and also incorporates Western ingredients?

CHEF GW: The importance of presenting healthy, organic, seasonal, royal Chinese cuisine infused with Western innovation is ingrained in my culinary philosophy. It involves preserving traditional dishes while embracing global influences, crafting a culinary narrative that transcends borders and time. The Healthy Royal Cuisine Culinary System extends beyond Chinese ingredients to include Western ingredients, as long as they enhance bodily health and align with my culinary concept.

AM: As we continue to navigate through Winter, are there seasonings and ingredients that you especially enjoy using during these months and as we look forward to the Spring, what are seasonings and ingredients that you like to use during that portion of the year?

CHEF GW: Winter fosters an appreciation for warm and comforting seasonings, inspiring the creation of dishes that evoke a sense of coziness. Anticipating Spring, the focus transitions to lighter ingredients that embody the vibrancy and renewal of the season, ensuring a dynamic and ever-evolving menu. For instance, the QianKun pot is an ideal dish for winter. When spring arrives, we will incorporate leaves, available only for a few weeks during the peak season in spring.

AM: You create the 10-course menu based on seasonality so it is subject to change. What is the creative process in putting this menu together and what are you inspired by?

CHEF GW: One of the fundamental concepts in my culinary system is balance, encompassing not only the balance of taste but also of color, aroma, nutrition, and more. I wanted to create a dish that encompassed all of these features. After about two years, while sorting through my Master Ding Guangzhou documents following his passing, I stumbled upon an ancient recipe from the Ming Dynasty, during the reign of Ming Cheng Zu (The Yongle Emperor) – Zhu Di.

He moved the capital to Beijing, considering it the Land of Dragon Rising and the center of the world. The Emperor tasked the Imperial Chef with celebrating a grand event using a dish. The concept of Qian Kun, vital in Feng Shui, caught my attention. It symbolizes the harmony of Heaven & Earth, Yang & Ying, Sun & Moon, Male & Female—in essence, the balance of nature. This discovery brought me immense joy as it aligned perfectly with what I had been seeking. After numerous experiments and refinements, it eventually evolved into the Eternal Bliss of QianKun Pot, serving as the signature course in the new 10-course experience.

AM: As each dish is presented, guests are told about the dish and its ingredients, but are they also given a backstory on how it fits in Chinese Culture as well?

CHEF GW: The servers at Chef Guo provide the background and story behind each dish. Each course is presented as more than just a combination of ingredients; it's a narrative that connects diners to Chinese culture. The shared backstories enhance the dining experience, adding layers of meaning to the exquisite flavors on the plate.

AM: Can you tell us generally what the Four Appetizer Platter is that begins this meal?

CHEF GW: A Chinese banquet typically commences with cold appetizers, meticulously crafted with a combination of meat, seafood, and vegetables. This ensures that guests experience a comprehensive array of tastes and nutrition from various ingredients.

The Four Appetizer Platter, serving as the meal's opening, is thoughtfully curated to present a variety of flavors and textures. It acts as a prologue, introducing diners to the culinary symphony that will unfold throughout the evening.

AM: Can you tell us about the dishes that follow that are savory?

CHEF GW: After the appetizers, the savory dishes venture into a distinctive fusion of Cantonese, Hong Kong, and Western cuisine. This culinary exploration pushes the boundaries of tradition, presenting innovative interpretations of classic dishes and delivering a sensory experience that surpasses expectations.

AM: Is there a signature or show stopping dish that you can share with us?

CHEF GW: Among the constellation of dishes, a true showstopper emerges in the form of the "Golden Tadpole Pasta." This culinary innovation is not just a dish; it's a testament to pushing the boundaries of Chinese cuisine, marrying tradition with a contemporary flair.

AM: Dessert is always the best way to end our meal, tell us what you end the meal with.

CHEF GW: As the culinary journey approaches its conclusion, dessert takes on the role as the pièce de résistance. Crafted to harmonize sweetness and elegance, it leaves an indelible mark on the palate - a sublime conclusion to the gastronomic adventure.

The 10-course experience concludes with the "Honey Glazed Golden Nest BaBao Sweet Rice Pudding." This dish is a must-have during the Chinese Spring festival, not an everyday treat due to its complex preparation process (requiring hours of preparation) and the use of multiple ingredients. "BaBao" translates to "Eight Treasures," encompassing sticky sweet rice with dried longan, raisin, lotus seed, red date, sweet cherry, walnut, goji berry, and sunflower seed, with a sprinkle of dry osmanthus on top. It symbolizes a sweet and happy life.

AM: In terms of beverages, tell us about what you pair with it and is there a wine or cocktail pairing that is offered?

CHEF GW: To complement the menu’s diverse flavors there is a concise list of Champagne and wine that leans French and is accented by New World selections from California. We also provide a 7-course wine pairing, featuring sparkling, Riesling, white, red, and concluding with sweet wine.

A sommelier has meticulously curated a wine pairing option for each course, enhancing the dining experience by harmonizing carefully selected combinations that elevate the overall culinary journey.

IG @chefguorestaurant

PHOTOS COURTESY | Chef Guo

Read the JAN ISSUE #97 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Chef Guo in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | TSUBAME

As we end the year, we find that we tend to enjoy going out just a bit more! It's the perfect way to eat at places that we enjoy coming back to again and again as well as to try something entirely new that we feel will be in our rotation for years to come!

Located in Tribeca, Tsubame is a Kaiseki Inspired Omakase. We sat down with Chef/Owner Jay Zheng who talks about the recently launched restaurant that will allow our tastebuds to be truly transported with each bite that we enjoy of their menu.

He shares his culinary background, why he opened this restaurant, the menu's focus as well as walking us through what we can expect when we make our next reservation for one of the two seatings that they have available for dinner.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Tsubame launch?

CHEF JAY ZHENG: Tsubame opened its doors on August 29, 2023

AM: Can you tell me about your culinary background? Where did you train and what kitchens you worked in prior to opening Tsubame?

CHEF JZ: Born in rural China, my family grew up under very humble beginnings. In search of a more prosperous future, my father emigrated our family to the United States Midwest when I was 7, where I was first introduced to a kitchen in my family’s new restaurant at the time. Humbly, the restaurant took off, and around my early teenage years, my father took our family on frequent visits to Japan where I gained extensive knowledge of culinary tradition and culture. I quickly fell in love. Since, I had a stint at the Peninsula Hotel in Chicago.

AM: What was the reason and vision behind Tsubame?

CHEF JZ: Initially, I opened my first restaurant in Indiana in 2012, but authentic Japanese cuisine was less appreciated in the area than I had hoped. After 4 years, in 2016, I was fortunate enough to move to New York City, where I opened Gaijin, an upscale sushi restaurant in Astoria, Queens, which I relaunched as Kōyō after the pandemic. While this restaurant was a success, I always had my heart set on opening a location in Manhattan, so when I found the location in Tribeca for Tsubame, I jumped on the opportunity. The name, Tsubame, comes from a barn swallow that nested in my childhood village during the spring.

AM: Tsubame is a kaiseki-inspired omakase restaurant. Many of our readers are familiar with omakase, but can you tell us about what kaiseki is and how that connects with an omakase experience?

CHEF JZ: In Japan, Kaiseki refers to a traditional multi-course meal, crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients. It is characterized by extreme sophistication of taste and appearance, carefully selected ingredients, and meticulous attention to the arrangement of the vessels and space. The world of kaiseki is a very deep world involving the concept of wabi-sabi and the five yin-yang elements. At Tsubame, we employ the Japanese culinary concept of Shun for our kaiseki-inspired progression, using ingredients at their prime seasonal freshness, making each offering both the best-tasting and most visually appealing. This is central to my omakase preparation because I believe omakase is more than just a dining experience, but also a sensory one as well.

AM: How does one become a kaiseki master?

CHEF JZ: You must be trained in true Kaiseki restaurants for years to become a master, which not many exist outside of Japan. There are no shortcuts to becoming a master.

AM: For those that are coming to Tsubame, can you tell us about the ambiance and the space?

CHEF JZ: The interior was designed by AESAM based in Hong Kong in a minimalist fashion with blonde wood and a white textured wall that is inset and backlit to set a very relaxed mood. The tasting counter is lined with very comfortable high, black velvet barstools trimmed in gold. At the entrance are handblown white glass birds to evoke the restaurant’s namesake. While the interior is clean and comfortable, we wanted to avoid the over-the-top flashiness so we could let the ingredients and dishes shine instead.

AM: With only 10 seats for diners, how many sittings are available each night?

CHEF JZ: 2 seatings, at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday.

AM: Can you walk us through each portion of the seasonal menu which is 8 courses?

CHEF JZ: Our menu rotates quite often as our menu is based on seasonal freshness, but recently, here are some of the dishes we’ve had.

Sakizuke – the amuse bouche – launches the meal. My Shiroebi Uni Shokupan is a big opener, housemade milk bread layered raw baby shrimp from Toyama and vivid uni from Hokkaido, garnished with shiso flowers. Luxuriously creative, it sets a tone for the meal that follows.

Hassun, meaning “eight inches” is a collection of small bites served on miniature dining pedestals and marks the menu as an evocation of the season establishing my range as a chef. Eaten from right to left, the dishes are: Tako, Hokkaido octopus tentacle slow braised for four hours with daikon and served with wasabi, is pure Japanese country; Caviar Shiso Potato Pave heaps rich, briny Ossetra caviar atop a crispy scalloped potato and garnished with citrusy sansho pepper that gives the dish a Tokyo-meets-Paris sophistication; Toro Gobo Tart combines raw bluefin tuna, crisped gobo (burdock root) and torched rakkyo (pickled onion) in a rice paper wafer.

Yakimono, in more traditional fashion, is a grilled fish course. Japanese Amadai (tilefish) is crisped yubiki style with hot oil before it is finished on a binchotan grill, served with house made negi shoyu (green onion and soy sauce) over baby corn.

The Mushimono that follows features Dungeness crab, and nagaimo (mountain yam), layered in an egg custard that is finished a slurry of kudzu and shaved black truffles. It’s a worldly New Yorker’s take on Chawanmushi.

Futamono (lidded dish) is A5 Miyazaki Wagyu Shabu Shabu with udon made of pressed sawara (Spanish mackerel), in awase dashi, is a tribute to Chef’s family fish noodle. It is accompanied by a jidori egg in sweet shoyu (soy sauce) for dipping.

The entrée is Gohan, a rice course served in two different sets beginning with a nigiri progression and ending with a small rice bowl. For his nigiri, chef favors a fluffy, lightly seasoned blend of two grains of koshihikari rice, Tsubame will serve seven to eight piece of nigiri for each seating, which may include: ten day aged Shima aji (striped jack); Kinmedai (golden eye snapper) from Chiba; Barracuda from Kamasu; lightly cured Iwashi (sardine); Aji (horse mackerel) from Oita; Toro (tuna) from Spain; and Muki Hotate (scallop) from Miyagi. The proceeding rice bowl is composed of Uni from Hokkaido and Ossetra caviar over koshihikari rice.

The experience concludes with Mizumono, two light seasonal desserts. The first is a light serving of Hojicha Custard topped with bruléed seasonal fruits. As it is customary to end a kaiseki meal with tea, Tsubame serves ceremonial Uji Matcha Green tea from Kyoto with seasonal fruit.

AM: Tell me about your beverage program and pairings that you suggest with this meal?

CHEF JZ: We offer a sake program, sourced from World Sake Imports, including rarities, as well as a selection of Japanese beers and teas. I would suggest Sake to be paired with the experience, as it’s most traditional and pairs excellently with the flavors of the fish.

AM: As we're in the holiday season, can you tell us about what Tsubame's NYE and NYD plans are?

CHEF JZ: We will be open for New Year’s Eve under normal operating hours, one seating at 5:30 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. It’s a perfect destination to ring in the New Year with a luxurious date night, or simply for a great meal.

IG @tsubameny

PHOTOS COURTESY | Tsubame

Read the DEC ISSUE #96 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Tsubame in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | BOHEMIEN BAR

This month, The Art of the Snack takes us down to Brooklyn where we plan on spending the holiday season enjoying savory seasoned bites as well as cocktails that will transport us! In addition, we're loving that the attention to detail for the audio experience is next level as well! We took some time to chat with the owener of Bohemein Bar, Tarek Debira to talk about this spot, what we should enjoy on our next visit, why it was created, and why the audio is so key!

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did Bohemien Bar open?

TAREK DEBIRA: February 2020.

AM: We like the concept of an upscale cocktail bar and listening room. Tell me the vision behind this concept and why you wanted to create a space that incorporated these elements together?

TD: Being a melophile, I was so excited to create a space that would have creative cocktails, nice design but also a great sound system.

Bars with good sound system have been around in Japan for while now but there’s only a hand full in NYC, so having the opportunity to open Bohemien Bar in my neighborhood was such fun and fulfilling experience. The vision was to give as much attention to details to all aspects of a cocktail bar, with a focus on sound experience.

AM: What is the ambiance of the space like?

TD: The ambiance is light and comfortable, transporting you away from the environment you’ll find at many other bars in Brooklyn. We wanted to create a sophisticated, yet easy-going vibe, and a go-to destination for an array of events, whether it be for celebration, a first-date, or just a drink after work.

AM: Who is the owner of Bohemien Bar and tell us about their background and why they wanted to create this space?

TD: Bohemien Bar is the most recent passion project from Husband-and-Wife team, Tarek Debira, (formerly at Hotel Costes in Paris and Nobu Los Angeles) and Patricia Ageheim, (formerly at Standard Grill and Indochine), who have an extensive resumé in the fine dining and the hospitality world. The pair also own one of Brooklyn Heights' most celebrated speakeasies Le Boudoir and beloved French bistro Chez Moi. Their passion and attention to detail come to life at Bohemien Bar, where they combine a high-fidelity listening experience with meticulously crafted cocktails and a chef-curated menu.

AM: Tell us about Perry Brandston and other projects, his background and how he came to Bohemien Bar?

TD: For the last few years, Pete has been hosting DIY audio meetups in Brooklyn for folks who like to build their own audio gear, and that's where Pete met Perry. Perry was describing a pair of line arrays he designed and built, and a few months later Pete hosted one of his meetups at Perry's space to give them a listen. Later on, a friend connected Pete and Tarek, Pete suggested a version of Perry's arrays for the bar, and the rest is history.

Perry has been in live sound and more creative sound implementations for the last 40+ years. He worked very closely back in the day with some of the pioneers of club sound. His designs come from a place of trying to recreate an authentic ecstatic experience - it has to sound great, but he's not chasing after the same audiophile nonsense others chase after. His last project was Oda - a small pair of compact flat-panel speakers that recreate the sound and feel of a live performance.)

AM: Pete Raho is the owner of Gowanus Audio. Can you tell us about his background and how he came to Bohemien Bar?

TD: Pete started Gowanus Audio to focus on classes for folks to build their own audio gear and build custom audio and speaker projects - pieces that sound incredible, made by hand, and look as good as they sound. When Pete and Tarek connected thru a friend, it was a natural fit to partner with Perry on this. We wanted to create something that sounded incredible, but that looked the part too - surprise and delight everyone who walks in, visually and aurally.

AM: What is the sound experience that one will have when here and can you tell us about the speakers that are here?

TD: We wanted to create a system that would sound great anywhere in the space - consistent throughout, not too loud or boomy anywhere - and that's easier said than done. We wanted folks to enjoy it, hear the details, and still be able to have a conversation. The opposite of typical "bar sound" where you put speakers in all four corners and call it a day.

To accomplish this, we placed two large Altec Model 17s in the rear - a speaker from the '70s the size of a small refrigerator with a lineage going back to the '40s that still sounds incredible - and then placed a pair of rather visually arresting floor-to-ceiling line arrays at the front. Small custom speaker "pendants" hanging from the ceiling throughout the bar fill in the rest.

The arrays look stunning - entirely custom for Bohemien - and project sound into the room a bit differently than more traditional speakers - all speakers together in the array are acting as one - each quiet on its own, but together they fill the room. Standing next to it, you can still have a conversation - it doesn't sound loud - and hear the music from the other array across the room. It's a really cool effect.

Overall, it "sounds like" the music is coming mainly from the Altecs or line arrays (depending on where seated), but the pendants have a deceptively large role filling in the sound since they're delayed by a few milliseconds (but don't tell anyone!) - your brain doesn't register their output. Nowhere is it too loud, or too is boomy - it just sounds "right" throughout the space.

To find out more about the sound system at Bohemien Bar, you can read more about it at Gowanus Audio.

AM: What is the meaning behind the name, Bohemien Bar?

TD: Bohemianism is the practice of an unconventional lifestyle, often in the company of like-minded people and with few permanent ties. It involves musical, artistic, literary, or spiritual pursuits.

We loved the name and the meaning behind it. Bohemien bar’s concept, décor, food and cocktail list is inspired by free thinkers, artists, musicians, wanderers and adventurers. Each decision in its creation and daily operation is made through that lens.

AM: What kind of music can guests expect when they're at the lounge?

TD: We play all kind of genre depending on the time of the day or day of the week, but some of our favorite for the early part are Psychedelic rock, surf rock bands like Kruangbin, Arc de Soleil, Latin western band like Hermanos Gutiérrez, chillout downtempo and even some of our server Amy Vachal’s songs.

Later in the evening when the bar fills up, we change it up to genres like funk, afro house, Brazilian disco, reggae. We also have DJ’s Fridays and Saturdays.

AM: Tell us about Executive Chef Steven Barrantes background and how he came to the Bar?

TD: Executive Chef Steven Barrantes (formerly Executive Sous Chef at Times Square Edition Hotel and Restaurant Daniel), who has created a menu that matches the sophistication and artistry of the cocktails has worked at Chez Moi back in 2012 with Patricia & Tarek where they became friends and stayed in touch. Steven has always had an amazing palate and is talented that we had to ask him to be involved with Bohemien.

AM: What is the thought behind offering small plates?

TD: We wanted to offer a wide selection of options in a small plate style as that’s our favorite way to eat.

We love trying many things every time we go out and thought it be a great way to go with the cocktails.

AM: What are 3 vegetables that we should order?

TD: The crudités, the crispy zucchini with smoked paprika aioli, and the beet dip with labneh and walnuts. All three selections provide a refreshing flavor, perfect to pair with your cocktails.

AM: Cheese as well as Small Bites are two categories that you offer. What are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should have from this portion of the menu?

TD: Baked Brie with herbs de Provence, Crispy Waffle Fries, and Mac & Cheese Bites with bacon jam.

AM: What are 3 dishes from Land and Sea that you suggest?

TD: Tuna on crisp is a must, Lamb chops with mint yogurt, and Duck flatbread with leeks and smoked gouda.

AM: What are 3 desserts you suggest?

TD: Warm chocolate cake, Crème Brulee cheesecake, and a bowl of candies to snack on.

AM: The cocktail menu which is so playful between the glassware and a number of the names incorporating songs for the cocktails. Tell us 3 drinks that we should consider for our next visit!

TD: Espresso Martini: Vodka, Mr. Black, espresso, bitters, coconut water, coffee smoke

Birdbirdy Num Num: Gin, sugar snap pea, jasmine tea, peach, topped with cava

Depende: White wine, green apple brandy, cardamom, spiced apple cider, pear

AM: In terms of beer and wine, what are 3 that you suggest?

TD: Terra Roza | Muscat of Alexandria Muscat ----- amazing skin contact wine from Greece

La Patience | Vin Blanc Grenache Blanc, Rhone ----- cool organic wine from France

Kölsch | Reissdorf German beer

AM: What are 3 mocktails that we should have on our radar?

TD: Roselle: Ritual Tequila Alternative, bitter orange cordial, lime & hibiscus Ice

Chrysalis: Butterfly pea flower, tea, fresh ginger, lime, seltzer

Piano: Clarified green apple juice, celery, lemon, chamomile, mirin, aquafaba

AM: Are there any special events that we should know about?

TD: Yes, we are having a Christmas pop up during the month of December where we decorate the whole bar with Christmas decoration and offer special cocktails in santa mugs, ginger bread mugs etc…

IG @bohemienbar

PHOTOS COURTESY | Bohemien Bar

Read the NOV ISSUE #95 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Bohemien Bar in mag.

THE ART OF THE SNACK | SAGAPONACK

We enjoy going to the Hamptons during the summer and IYKYK that the best time to go is during the fall when it's a lot less crowded! But if you can't get out of the city, there are restaurants that still have Hamptons vibes that you can enjoy without the travel and getting sand in your shoes along the way! This month's The Art of the Snack takes us to Flatiron to Sagaponack where we can get our coastal fix year around. We took some time to sit down with their managing partner, Kyung il Lee, who shares more information about this restaurant that reopened last fall, his role, and of course what we need to think about when we come in to dine.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Can you give us some background on Sagaponack as we know the brand reopened back in Oct 2022.

KYUNG IL LEE: Back in October 2020, I, stepped in to run Sagaponack, a restaurant that was on the brink of failure. Originally, it was co-owned by Richard, my current silent partner, and another operating partner. They decided to part ways, and Richard then bought out the remaining shares, and instead of closing shop, he decided to give it another shot. That's when we crossed paths, and we decided to join forces to revitalize the restaurant.

I got involved just three weeks before we reopened. It was a bit chaotic, but somehow, we managed to quickly put together a team, come up with a concept, and create a menu. I even met the executive chef, who used to work with us, just three weeks before we reopened. It might not be the most glamorous start, but we rolled up our sleeves and made it work.

Over time, we made gradual improvements to our team, food, and overall restaurant experience. Then in October 2022, Chef Phil took on the role of Executive Chef, and together, we fine-tuned everything step by step.

AM: Tell us about your background leading up to coming to this restaurant.

KIL: I immigrated to the United States at the age of 7. Witnessing my parents' relentless hard work and their ongoing struggles has been the driving force behind my determination and resilience.

In the restaurant industry, resilience is crucial, especially for owners. I have a decade-plus of experience in this industry, starting from the humble role of a packer, where I would assemble fried chicken into boxes. Over the years, I've worn many hats - from busser and runner to server, captain, and bartender. I've even managed three different restaurants before venturing into ownership.

During my time managing Turntable 5060 in East Village, we witnessed a remarkable achievement as revenue doubled within the first 3 months. Similarly, when I took the reigns at Sagaponack under its previous owner, we experienced a significant revenue boost within the same timeframe. Another notable milestone was achieved when I managed Jeju Noodle Bar, which became the first noodle restaurant in the U.S. to earn a Michelin star.

After parting ways with Jeju Noodle Bar when we closed the restaurant during the pandemic, I initially considered leaving the industry altogether. Uncertain about the future, I reached out to Richard, who owns a catering company, with the intention of taking on some occasional catering gigs. However, our conversation took a different turn when he expressed the need for assistance in reopening a restaurant. I initially hesitated but eventually accepted the challenge.

What I initially viewed as a casual endeavor has turned into an opportunity for which I am profoundly grateful. It has been a tremendous learning experience for me.

AM: Prior to coming to Sagaponack, can you tell us about where Executive Chef Phil Choy went to school and kitchens that he trained and came up through?

KIL: Executive Chef Phil Choy, who graduated from the prestigious Johnson & Wales College of Culinary Arts, where he earned an internship at the Hyatt Regency Newport. He then moved to New York to begin his professional culinary career in Dovetail’s Michelin-starred kitchen under the guidance of Chef John Fraser, before advancing as sous chef in Daniel Boulud’s Lincoln Square hit, Boulud Sud.

AM: What can you tell us about the ambiance of Sagaponack and what guests can expect in terms of the decor of this restaurant with its Mediterranean meets Eastern Long Island meets Flatiron aesthetic?

KIL: The atmosphere exudes a retro Hamptons vibe, characterized by vibrant blue hues with subtle touches of gold. The structure itself evokes the charm of a Long Island restaurant. Given our status as a small business, we didn't have the financial means to hire a large design firm. However, this limitation has allowed us to maintain the intimate and personal feel of a small, independently-owned establishment.

Our venue boasts an artful touch, featuring the works of Kathryn Sheldon. She skillfully incorporates gold leaf accents into her black and white photographs, adding a unique and elegant flair to our decor.

AM: With an Asian and Mediterranean inspired menu, what are the ingredients and spices that one can expect when they come into dine with friends and family.

KIL: The ingredients consist Asian ingredients like yuzu, sesame, gochujang, trout roe, Koji, and more. As for Mediterranean ingredients or spices, you’ll see a mixture of Aleppo, sumac, Calabrian chili, ‘Nduja, Marcona Almonds, and more.

AM: Oysters are definitely a star to begin your meal for dinner. You offer them raw, dressed, or roasted. Tell us about the Asian-inspired menu.

KIL: Our seafood menu, inspired by both Asian and Mediterranean influences, offers a unique culinary experience, even in a diverse city like New York. Beyond drawing inspiration from Asian ingredients, our menu incorporates a rich tapestry of Asian flavors as well.

Our chef is a fan of exploring different restaurants, and he's particularly drawn to Asian establishments. He loves Korean, Thai, and Filipino food, and these visits inspire him to put his own spin on our dishes.

AM: For appetizers, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should try when sharing with friends and family?

KIL: The 3 dishes we recommend trying are Fluke Tartare, Gambas Al Ajillo, and Calamari.

AM: For our entrees, what are 3 dishes that you suggest that we should have?

KIL: The Paella is phenomenal, as well as the Shoyu Salmon, Ricotta Cavatelli, and ‘Nduja Mussels.

AM: When it comes to sides, what are 3 that we should enjoy for the table?

KIL: For sides, we recommend getting Brussel Sprouts, Chicken Bites, and Parmesan Fries.

AM: Dessert is always a must to end a meal even if it’s only meant to be shared, what are 3 desserts that you suggest?

KIL: Well… This is easy as we only have 3 desserts. The Thai Milk Cake, Carrot Cake Trifle, and Earl Grey Crème Brûlée.

AM: Before we delve into drinks can you tell us about Alex Parker who curated your beverage selection?

KIL: Alex Parker's journey in the restaurant industry began as a cook, and his passion for it has been unwavering since he was just 17. During our interview, I felt his energy and decided to hire him as a busser, even though he lacked front-of-house experience. However, his determination and passion quickly propelled him through various roles, including busser, runner, barback, server, and ultimately, our lead bartender.

I believe crafting cocktails requires an understanding of flavors and textures, as well as the willingness to research. Despite not having as many years of bartending experience as some, Alex's dedication and knowledge surpass that of many seasoned bartenders.

AM: Tell us about 3 beers pairings.

KIL: Sloop Juice IPA: A refreshing choice with a delightful juiciness that complements our Calamari without overpowering the palate.

Montauk Pilsner: Crisp and perfect for those enjoying our Chicken Bites, creating a delightful flavor combination.

Sunday Beer Lager: Light and refreshing, it's an ideal match for our Gambas, enhancing your dining experience with a harmonious blend of flavors.

AM: What are 3 cocktails you suggest?

KIL: Three cocktails we highly recommend: the Bateau Banane, Fiji Blue, and Seaside Sunset. Keep in mind that Alex loves to craft new cocktails with each season, so don't hesitate to chat with our friendly servers or bartenders. They can suggest something special tailored to your taste!

AM: You also serve lunch. Can you suggest 3 dishes that are only on the lunch menu?

KIL: For a satisfying lunch, our standout recommendations are our sandwiches. The Chicken Sandwich and the Fish Filet Sandwich are both incredibly juicy and delicious options. If you're in the mood for something special, don't miss our Lobster Roll, prepared Connecticut style with a warm twist and dressed in our housemade Korean chili jam. It's a flavor sensation you won't want to miss!

AM: Tell us about your Happy Hour and 3 items that you suggest.

KIL: Our happy hour is available Monday to Saturday, and we are closed on Sundays. It’s available for Lunch (11:30 AM to 3PM) and for dinner (5:00 PM until 6:30 PM).

Our Spicy Margarita is a beloved choice among our patrons. We take pride in using fresh ingredients and crafting our own spicy-infused tequila to give it that extra kick. Additionally, we offer a variety of options, including beer, wine, and a selection of cocktails that change with the seasons to keep things exciting.

Don't miss out on our oyster happy hour, where we feature the same high-quality oysters from our regular menu, rotating the selection daily. And if you're looking for a delicious deal, our Parmesan Fries and 'Nduja Mussels, available during happy hour, are absolute steals that have garnered rave reviews!

AM: Brunch is our favorite meal of the week, what are 3 dishes you suggest?

KIL: We offer a limited brunch menu but serve our full lunch menu during brunch. Our chef is always innovating and adding new brunch items. Brunch is available only on Saturdays, so expect a few exciting additions to our offerings.

AM: Do you have any fall or holiday events that we should know about?

KIL: We are working on a few holiday specials. We always do something special during the holidays season as it slows down around this area. Chef and I are planning on something for Thanksgiving week.

IG @sagavibes

PHOTOS COURTESY | Sagaponack

Read the OCT ISSUE #94 of Athleisure Mag and see THE ART OF THE SNACK | Sagaponack in mag.