KYU
NEW YORK
$$$
Kyu was founded in Miami in 2016 and that is where we first fell in love with it. At the time, we didn’t know the chef, we didn’t know the management, we just thought Kyu served some of the best food in town and so it became part of our weekly rotation. I’m not exaggerating. Kyu is a wood-fired Asian inspired concept restaurant that TIME labeled as “The Best Restaurant In Florida.” They now have two additional locations: Mexico and NYC.
When I found out Kyu was opening in NYC, I was beyond excited and as things tend to occur in this day and age, I connected with Kyu’s head Chef, Chris Arellanes. Cut to April 2022, I sat down at Kyu’s opening night and as I tasted each dish I thought to myself, “This food is even better than it is in Miami.” The staples - Tuna Crispy Rice, Cauliflower, Crab Bao Buns, Fried Chicken, Halibut, and Sweet Potato (geez, I sound like a glutton) - are still amazing, but Arellanes has added some fire dishes to the NYC menu, which include the Wagyu Toast (holy crap you should come to NYC just for this dish alone), the Lamb Saddle, and for dessert the ice cream sundae (inspired by a childhood favorite: Drumsticks).
Chef Arellanes and GM Bethany Lucas will make you feel welcome as you walk into Kyu. The vibe is great for a weekend night and you should definitely try some specialty cocktails as well - my fave is the Wabi Sabi (partly because of the name!).
Reservations are available through Seven Rooms. This is a run, don’t walk situation. So get moving!
The Blistered Peppers Order:
Soft Shell Crab Bao Buns
Tuna Tataki
Wagyu Toast
Fried Chicken
Pan-Roasted Halibut
Dry-Aged Lamb Saddle
Japanese Sweet Potato
Dessert: S’mores or the Ice Cream Sundae
Frankly, I could list about 10 more dishes that are must orders, so use this as a starting point. I recommend bringing a group and trying it all!
SOFT SHELL CRAB BAO BUNS
The soft shell crab is perfectly cooked and stuffed into a soft, steamed bao bun. The sauce is reminiscent of spicy mayo and the pickle adds a perfect touch of acidity.
TUNA CRISPY RICE
While this dish is something that most of us have tried in our dining journeys, I will say Kyu has nailed the crispy rice. It has THE perfect crunch.
DRY AGED LAMB SADDLE
This dish is a labor of love. Dry aged, and smoked, the lamb is incredibly flavorful and extremely tender. The crispy, fatty bites on the side are a highlight, all served alongside potato gratin.
KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN
Ok, this chicken is unbelievable, but frankly, the sauce is what makes this dish top notch. The sauce is spicy, with a real punch, and a hint of creaminess, combined with the crispy chicken skin and juicy meat… I swear you’ll lick your fingers clean.
