Thursday, September 14, 2023

Yi Cha Pop-Up@Esters Santa Monica ★★★

Best Korean Food Ever w/ a Modern Twist. Yi Cha's last pop-up (9/15 only) before their opening in Highland Park by TV personality Debbie Lee (Morimoto's Sushi Master). Beautiful presentation w/ personal touch. Fine ingredients. Amazing taste with a pop of crispy accent texture in some dishes. The "Rockefeller" Oysters blew my mind. It shouldn't be called Rockefeller Oysters, because it's 10+ times better than ordinary Rockefeller Oysters out there. It needs quote and quote on it. Love Debbie's rendition of Korean seafood. An unforgettable night full of culinary surprise for the taste buds chilling at the wine bar. Debbie keeps striving for perfection in her culinary creativity. This will be my Korean comfort food. Can't wait to visit their opening in Highland Park soon.

Seoul Style Oysters Rockefeller (6pcs) $33
doenjang butter, panko shallot crust

Abalone Two Ways $31
abalone sashimi w/ kimchee mignonette, abalone porridge w/ gochugaru oil, crispy shallot

Hwe Dup Bap - aka Sashimi Bowl $35 (add Marinated Ikura +$6)
local catch of the day, melon, la bahn ranch egg, mountain rice, gochujang vinaigrette

Berkshire Pork Belly Ssam $45
plum glaze, farmer's market lettuce, perilla, weiser farms melon, minari, soy caramelized kabocha, pluot ssamjang, kimchee

Pan Seared Black Cod $37
gochu hollandaise, charred kimchee, Korean leek, crispy black rice, farmer's market radish salad

Little Neck Clams Soondubu Style $31
perilla pesto crostini, garlic chive oil

500 years Jinmaek Soju Oak (Reserve)

Marinated Melon

Group Picture w/ Chef Debbie Lee & Chef Kook

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