The Citiblog
Inside Kin Gin on the Lower East Side
April 27, 2024, 2:53.01 pm ET
Photos: Noah Fecks
Kin Gin, a contemporary Japanese izakaya, has arrived on the Lower East Side at 107 Rivington St. The restaurant’s name, which translates into “gold and silver,” seeks to connect the electric energy of Tokyo with the bustling streets of Manhattan with a bold menu of shared plates and lively cocktails.
Spearheaded by chef-partner Shotaro “Sho” Kamio and Executive Chef Tony Inn (previously of Masa and Morimoto NYC), the menu highlights five traditional Japanese cooking techniques: Nama (cutting), Niru (simmering), Yaku (grilling), Musu (steaming) and Ageru (deep-frying). Dishes range from Hotate, scallop crudo with tomato water, basil, frozen grapes and hanaho flowers to Tarabagani, poached king crab legs with housemade ponzu Kewpie mayo tartar sauce and shallot rice vinegar mignonette.
Small Plates bring Crispy Mimiga, a local specialty hailing from Okinawa of braised pig ears, sliced thinly and fried with ichimi spice, served with Kewpie mayo; and Nasu Miso, charred grilled eggplant with ginger, sweet miso and white cauliflower puree.
Among the larger plates, look for Saki Mushi, dashi steamed clams in a spicy miso broth, served with homemade fluffy milk bread; Yaki Uzura, a grilled whole quail with pickled perilla leaf and velvety egg yolk cured in honey, tamari and chili oil; and Zuke Tontoro, a roasted miso-cured pork jowl that is thinly sliced and topped with roasted peanuts, pickled daikon and a miso glaze.
Cocktails by Beverage Director Phil Collins (previously of Sake Dojo in Los Angeles and Fandi Mata and Nomo Soho in NYC) include Spirit Of Mushin with Suntory Haku vodka, sesame-washed barley shochu, fino sherry and spicy lotus pickle brine; Bakohan with Kiyomi agricole rum, Ford’s gin, cucumber, greek yogurt, lemongrass and salt; and Shogun Yoshimasa with Meili vodka, white peach calpico, rhubarb, golden berry, grapefruit, egg white, sparkling sake and topped with a mint matcha foam.
Kin Gin’s expansive 50-seat dining room exudes a mid-century modern vibe with an aesthetic that masterfully blends luxury with comfort, including a main dining room, 12-seat cocktail bar and a raw bar. A custom viola marble fireplace is the centerpiece of the dining room which is completed by stunning, futuristic chandeliers and brass elements.
For more information, visit kinginnyc.com
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