Gyenari just introduced “Seoulful” dishes from Debbie Lee, a recent finalist on “The Next Food Network Star.” She has Korean heritage and grew up in the South. Her cousin also happens to be Gyenari managing partner William Shin. Thus, a fusion and partnership were born.

“We are showcasing the savory and often unexplored side of regional Korean fare,” says Lee. “This menu is also my way of combining the best of both worlds—my family’s origins in pre-war Pyongyang to my parents much cherished time in the American South.” At lunch, that means dishes like Spicy Sesame Spinach topped with Twice Fried Pork Belly, Mushroom Medley, and Fried Potato Noodles, drizzled with a Warm Soy Leek Vinaigrette ($10); and a SeoulTown Po’ Boy made with Sesame Shrimp Tempura in a soft French Roll with Cilantro Slaw and Chile Tomatoes ($12). The “Bibim Box” is a Korean spin on the Japanese bento box with your choice Korean BBQ item, plus an appetizer, salad, banchan. rice, and beverage, all for $9.95. CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL LUNCH MENU

In the bar and lounge, expect “Seoul Style Sliders” with Spicy Pork, Twice Fried Pork Belly, Wasabi Avocado, and Spicy Pickled Cucumber; Beef Lotus Patties, bite size Beef and Pork Patties filled with Lotus Root Chip, dipped and pan-fried in Egg Batter, served with a Pimento Scallion Soy Sauce ($9); and Rice Rumaki – Applewood Smoked Bacon wrapped around Rice Cylinders, served with a Jalapeno Soy Sauce ($7). CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL BAR BITES MENU

“Seoulful” cocktails include the St. Gyenari with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, Poochi-Poochi Sparkling Nigori Sake and a splash of Soda ($11); and the Korean Malt with Soju, Scotch, and Coca-Cola, served with a Lemon Wedge ($9). CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL COCKTAIL MENU

For Labor Day from September 4-7, Gyenari is featuring a “BBQ Box” ($19.95/per person). Start by choosing one Korean BBQ item, either Bulgogi, Galbee, Spicy Pork Bulgogi, Spicy Chicken, or the Mushroom Medley. Select two “Seoulful” appetizers. Think Japchae, Mandoo, Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings, Pimento Garlic Rubbed Ribs, Beef Lotus Patties, or Rice Rumaki. No matter what you choose, you’ll receive salad, an assortment of banchan, daikon soup and rice.

Related Posts

1. Gyenari Introduces 3-Meat Lunch for $15
2. Lee’s Fried Rice Debuts in E-Ho
3. Larkin’s Introduces Sunday “Poor Man’s Buffet”
4. CHAM Korean Bistro Open in Pasadena
5. Library Bar Introduces Food

1. Pingback: Twitter Trackbacks for Food GPS » Blog Archive » Gyenari Introduces Debbie Lee’s “Seoulful” Dishes [foodgps.com] on Topsy.com on August 29, 2009

1 Comment

1. H.C., August 28, 2009:

   it’s definitely a great breath of fresh air for gyenari, it’s a bit hard to make KBBQ work in Culver City (and at the rather high prices before) with K-town about 20 minutes away. But the more affordable prices and food celeb backing may help (esp. since Debbie has cultivated quite a fanbase with her one-time collaborations all over town.)

This entry is filed under LA Culinary Compass.