Danji – One of a Kind

I will make this one nice and quick, just like a lovely lunch at Danji in Hell’s Kitchen.  Photos this time courtesy of the Iphone 5 with semi sweaty palms.  Spring was cancelled this year in case you haven’t noticed, so we went from winter straight to sweaty palms

Danji, the only restaurant in the world that owns both a Michelin Star and a spot in Ziggy’s Hell’s Kitchen Survival Guide.  No one else can claim this dubious distinction.  Hakkasan, the only other Michelin Star establishment in Hells Kitchen, tried but failed.  Maybe next year Hakkasanians.  Don’t know how Daniel and Masa alumni Hooni Kim feels about this accomplishment, but my gut tells me he probably doesnt even know.  I mean seriously, how many people you know even heard of Michelin Stars!  Certainly none of my Korean American friends.

Anyway, Danji is the type of place you take your sexy new coworker for lunch to introduce her to the neighborhood.  I cant think of a better culinary introduction to Hell’s Kitchen, even though Danji is not located on the prettiest block (ugly industrial looking office buildings + an army of people waiting for a table at Totto staring at their phones).  Reservations arent accepted for parties less than 6, but I never had any trouble getting a table for 2 and something 4 for lunch.  The menu, which you will find in a drawer under your table is full of a Korean inspired fancy bar food.  Mostly small plates.

After several lunches with family, friends, loved ones, here are 4 dishes that will make your taste buds go Gangnam style

Tofu W. Ginger Scallion Dressing soy vinaigrette – Creamy interior, crunchy exterior, delicious all around.  One of the best tofu dishes I ever had.  EWZ historians claim that this is the only recommended tofu dish on EWZ

Spicy ‘K.F.C.’ Korean Fire Chicken Wings honey, garlic, four chilies – These are simply some of the tastiest wings you will ever have in NYC.  Plenty of heat, plenty of joy, and plenty of finger licking followed by Gynecologists convention like finger smelling session

Bulgogi Beef Sliders spicy pickled cucumber and scallion salsa – One of Danji’s specialties.  Small and explosive

Kimchi Pork Bibim-Bop satur farm vegetables, jidori egg, and aged kimchi w. pork – My latest discovery (top picture, below mixed).  Mix in all the goodies with the sauce  and you got a beautiful medley of textures and flavors.  Note, my vegan friend, lets call her Phoebe (because thats her name) really liked the veg version.  Bring your vegan friends here.