Korean pop sensation Rain has come and gone, but you can be sure a bevy of bright young K-stars will follow in his wake—and they’re gonna be HUNGRY! Luckily, new Korean restos are opening faster than you can say kansamnida. Itzu aims to offer the latest in Korean cuisine for the modern, K-crazed customer. “We love to eat Korean food but we’re tired of the clunky old family style restaurants. So we came up with the idea of a younger, hipper place where you can come and dine with friends,” co-owner Keng Wapanyu Charoenruk explained. Don’t be fooled by the big bright red Chinese spirit house out in front. This is a Korean restaurant—really. Minimalist décor with plain white walls and big bay windows make it appear more like a chic café than a traditional dining venue. Feel free to dress up; the owners have splashed out on a state of the art smoke-free stove to ensure that you won’t leave smelling like a plate of bulgogi. The menu is pretty heavy on food that can be barbecued. Matzusaka beef is the most frequently ordered dish followed by the subtle and sophisticated lamb slice. The popular bibimbap (steamed rice with vegetables, pork and Korean spicy sauce served in a bowl) is also excellent both in terms of taste and presentation. A sweet and tasty karubi soup (beef and eggs in Korean-style soup) is another fine choice—and it will clear your lungs right out if you happen to be fighting a cold. End things right with a scoop of Haagen Dazs or some wan yen (Thai ice flakes with flavored syrup).
