Gurumé — Restaurant in New York

One of the newer restaurants to showcase Korean style tapas, Gurumè appeared on the scene last year and I feel like this is one of those places that will certainly ensure you have a good experience. I know I did.

They take reservations via the RESY app and even right on their Google page (which is convenient when you want to go back after writing your review). They are located around Hell's Kitchen which is also an exciting area (near 42nd St).

The dining area is quite spacious. This place is great for group parties, catching up with friends or nice intimate dinners. Tables are spaced out so no one is on top of each other and there is a full bar (that is the first thing you will see when you walk in). So you already know they offer a good variety of drinks (more on that later).

Korean style tapas....small plates that can be shared among your group. However I feel the portions for certain dishes are quite generous. One person would definitely get full very quickly. It was only me dining in for this visit but I did want to try a few things. Looking at the menu descriptions, it really is clear that Chef Joon put a lot of thought into the ingredients of each dish.

-Stuffed Peppers (tempuru long hot pepper, ddukgalbi, apple shoyu, raspberry dust) I would normally not order something like this but I was curious. This dish is good for sharing since you get four pieces. I did not feel it was too spicy or difficult to eat and was tasty.

Tuna Tartare (yellow fin tuna, lemon shallot aioli, cucumber, crispy sunchoke chips) This is the perfect sharing appetizer. The lemon seasoning shines in this dish.

Steak and Potatoes (prime galbi steak, crispy confit potato, fermented chimichurri) This is one of those "generous" dishes I mentioned above. In fact this dish could be a single meal with the amount of steak they offer you. Steak was cooked very nicely.

-Seafood Ramen Red ( seasonal seafood, jjanbong broth, tempura nori, temomi noodle, shoyu tamago) This is another "generous" dish on the menu. You literally get a big bowl of ramen and seafood. I admit I could not finish this one and had to wrap it up to go. The broth was very flavorful and was chock full of seafood.

I mentioned the full bar earlier in this review. Happy Hour or late night drinks is a vibe here as well. They offer Soju elixirs (signature cocktails), premium soju, beers and wine.

I needed something to wash down all the food and decided to try two elixirs. With the helpful recommendations from the staff, I chose

Drink responsibly

Origami (yuja, lemon, white foam)

Summer Sky (yuja, lemon, sparkling blue)

Each cocktail is quite unique and well made. The Summer Sky has a light inside. My compliments to all of the very hardworking and attentive staff that assisted me during my visit.

I am trying to plan another visit but this time with friends so we can order more dishes and drinks. If everyone ends up being busy I have no problem going back to order more things for myself. Not every dish will be everyone's cup of tea, so to speak, but they offer enough variety so you will find something that will tantalize your taste buds.

There were two girls sitting in front of me dining in and they were celebrating a birthday. Another table nearby of six started to sing the Happy birthday song in chorus when the cake was lit but they did not know her name...so there was a big pause after the "Happy birthday dear........." then they continued to finish the song. We all got a good laugh out of it.

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Embarking upon a culinary exploration of Gurumé, one is immediately struck by the remarkable synthesis of traditional Korean cuisine with a decidedly modern culinary ethos. The establishment, renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation, presents an array of dishes that are both a delight to the palate and a feast for the eyes, embodying the very essence of gastronomic excellence.

Upon entering Gurumé, guests are enveloped in an atmosphere that seamlessly marries contemporary design with a warm, inviting ambiance. The meticulous attention to detail in the decor—a harmonious blend of sleek, modern lines and comforting, elegant touches—sets the stage for an unparalleled dining experience. The ambiance, while undeniably modern, retains an air of intimacy and comfort that encourages diners to linger, savor, and indulge in the pleasures of the table.

The menu, a veritable ode to the art of Korean cuisine, features an array of meticulously crafted dishes that pay homage to the rich culinary traditions of Korea, while also embracing the innovations of contemporary cuisine. Each dish is a testament to the chefs' mastery of flavor, texture, and presentation, utilizing the freshest ingredients to create a tapestry of tastes that is both diverse and harmonious. The selection, ranging from the classic to the avant-garde, ensures that every palate is catered to, making each visit to Gurumé a unique journey through the best of Korean gastronomy.

What truly sets Gurumé apart, however, is the exemplary service that accompanies its culinary offerings. From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted with a level of attentiveness and professionalism that is both refreshing and commendable. The staff, proficient and courteous, exhibit a remarkable dedication to guest satisfaction, ensuring that no detail is overlooked. The service is characterized by a remarkable efficiency and a keen awareness of guests' needs, making for a seamless dining experience. Requests, no matter how small or complex, are handled with an ease and competence that speak volumes of the establishment's commitment to excellence. One never feels ignored, but rather cherished and valued, as the staff navigate the nuances of hospitality with grace and finesse.

In conclusion, Gurumé stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, offering an exquisite blend of traditional Korean and modern cuisine set against the backdrop of a thoughtfully designed space. The remarkable quality of the food, combined with the modern ambiance and impeccable service, makes for an unforgettable dining experience. It is a place where the joys of gastronomy are celebrated, where every visit becomes a cherished memory, and where the essence of Korean culinary tradition is both preserved and reimagined for the...

I made a reservation for myself and two friends for a Thursday at 6:15 (Note - if you cancel less than 6 hours prior, you get charged $10 per person). It was pretty packed at that time. For drinks, I had the Jejudo mocktail (grapefruit, coconut, pineapple). It reminded me of a pina colada, and it was nice and refreshing. Since everything is tapas style, we ordered a few dishes to share:

-Baby back ribs (citrus dwenjang, perilla tempura, gochujang corn puree) - this had a good flavor to it. Although the meat fell off the bone, the meat was still somehow dry -Fried chicken wings (soy garlic, radish kimchi) - again nice flavor, but the batter was too thick. You're eating more batter than you are chicken -Charred romanesco (romanesco cauliflower, tingling chojang, creme fraiche) - this was my favorite dish. It was very unique and I loved how the creme fraiche balanced out the spice -Truffle dduk & cheese (brown butter korean rice cake, six cheese sauce, crunchy quinoa, crostini) - this reminded me of mac and cheese, and I liked it - especially with the thin crostini -Seafood kalguksu (knife cut noodles, haemul broth, manila clams, seasonal seafood) - a little basic. Not sure it was worth the $23 -Scallop crudo (hokkaido scallop, fermented chili vinaigrette, ruby red grapefruit) - I couldn't partake in this one since I am pregant but it looked really good/refreshing -Black sesame bread pudding (warm black sesame bread pudding, vanilla bean gelato, candied almonds) - aside from the cauliflower, this was the other dish of the night that I loved. You could really taste the black sesame, and I loved the candied almonds

Overall, it seems the dishes are hit or miss. I wasn't hungry afterwards, but I definitely wasn't full, so just something to keep in mind in case you're super hungry since the menu isn't exactly cheap. Service was really great though - everyone we interacted with...