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Something Curated highlights five of the most exciting new and recently launched restaurants to try in New York this July, taking a closer look at the founders and proprietors behind the promising food offerings.

Kichin || Bryan Moon & Hoon Smith

Bryan Moon and Hoon Smith’s much-praised Korean pop-up concept, Kichin, has found it’s first brick-and-mortar home in Brooklyn. The pair met while attending college in New Paltz, NY, and working in a noodle restaurant. The new space’s menu highlights include mussels with kimchi and anchovy butter; Korean rice cakes with halloumi cheese and mozzarella; as well as their in-demand fried chicken, which previously proved to be very popular at their Marcy Avenue take-away shop.

1264 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11221


Montesacro Pinseria Romana || Gianluca Legrottaglie, Riccardo Buitoni & Emanuele Tibaldo

Montesacro Pinseria Romana, the Californian pinsa shop has now set-up an outpost in Williamsburg. Alongside pinsa, on offer are a range of pasta dishes, cheese plates, and classic meats. Montesacro’s popular pinsas are made from a combination of soy, rice, and wheat imported directly from Rome, and the dish technically falls under a category separate from pizza, though it is topped similarly. Accompanying the food, a list of organic wines has been curated by Emanuele Tibaldo.

432 Union Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211


HK Food Court || Poky McCarthy, Kevalin Thammasut, Emma Aisha Ma & More

At present, the new HK Food Court accommodates 24 independent vendors, with a growing roster, along with a seating area for around 200 diners. The cuisine on offer is remarkably diverse, echoing the neighbourhood’s diasporic population. Tibetan, Thai, Japanese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and regional Chinese cooking, including Henan, Fuzhou and Sichuan food, are all represented. Among the many concessions, there are several noodle shops to explore, a dumpling stand, a dessert shop, a live fish specialist, and three tea vendors.  

8202 45th Ave, Elmhurst, NY 11373


Apollonia || Danny Minch & Dylan Dodd

From the team behind Walter’s and Karasu, Apollonia is a new, minimal Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, with fare including dishes like white anchovies with harissa and marjoram; lamb ribs with coriander, carrot, cilantro, and yogurt; and raw scallop with pistachio oil, preserved lemon, and bronze fennel. Apollonia’s interior comprises lightwood, generous foliage and wall-installed carved white seating, reminiscent of the architecture of Sardinia, while a small space at the front of the eatery hosts a rotating programme of artists’ work.

128 Meserole St, Brooklyn, NY 11206


Tsismis || Reggie Aguinaldo, Stephen Young & Jappy Afzeliu

New Filipino spot Tsismis comes from couple Reggie Aguinaldo and Stephen Young, with chef Jappy Afzelius at the helm. Afzelius has previously worked under eminent chefs Alain Ducasse and David Burke, as well as travelled extensively, cooking around the world. Tsismis’ must-try menu highlights include their pinsit fritos, fried pork dumplings with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce; and sinigang, a tamarind-based soup with salmon, poached eggplant, daikon, and bok choy.

143 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002



Feature image via Apollonia

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