“Katianna and John Hong’s Yangban is a Korean-American Restaurant in the heart of Downtown L.A.’s Arts District. With Yangban, Katianna and John showcase an autobiographical experience that celebrates the varied dimensions of their respective backgrounds while providing a dynamic space for locals to gather.  The Yangban menu draws inspiration from Korean flavors and influences, regional California ingredients, as well as aspects of deli culture informed by Katianna’s childhood memories frequenting New York delis. Together, Katianna & John craft dishes that reveal their distinct perspectives and upbringings as Korean Americans, as well as their nuanced culinary approach, refined from their shared time at The Restaurant at Meadowood, The Charter Oak and Mélisse.”

“While celebrated within the fine dining space, at Yangban, Katianna and John launched Yangban as an experience intended for the everyday. Serving dinner each evening, the restaurant recalls a Night Market with a curated playlist rotating through early-aughts hip-hip and the option to order a la carte or participate in a Yangban-style prix fixe menu”

“One year in, the genre-defying Korean-American culinary ‘conversation’ re-emerged after a transformative one-month overhaul of the space, revealing an ‘intentional evolution’ of the highly acclaimed restaurant. Featuring a full-service (more comfortable) dining room, and updated food and beverage programs, the concept remains at its core a modern Korean-American dining concept, rich in self-exploration, as told through the lens of seasonal California ingredients and set in a warm, communal environment.”

“The new phase of Yangban aims to offer guests the deeply personal dishes that convey the Chefs’ distinct perspective and upbringings as Korean Americans which they’ve become known for, but further embellished to highlight their nuanced culinary approach and usher in the next chapter for both the Hongs and Los Angeles’ rich Korean dining scene.”

Katianna (Kat) Hong joins us with a bowl Matzoh Ball Mandu stuffed with Grandma Sindy’s matzoh ball with chicken broth and shmaltz.

The post Show 550, November 4, 2023: Restaurateur and Chef Katianna Hong, Yangban, Arts District, DTLA Part One appeared first on SoCal Restaurant Show.