Short-Lived Korean Eatery Magpie and the Tiger Bounces Back in a Big Way | Eater DC

"I saw Magpie and the Tiger as a cozy, 22-seat small-plates project from second-generation Korean American couple Caleb Jang and Roren Choi that opened in early 2022 in the storied Himitsu space but lasted only seven months before they shifted into a “period of exploration and collaboration.” With help from D.C. chef Kevin Tien, Jang used the concept to explore his Korean roots while drawing on his pastry training at Seylou Bakery and Choi’s experience from Michelin-starred Tail Up Goat and Reveler’s Hour; rather than insisting on a strictly traditional menu, they aim to translate their life experience through food. Their pivot includes roving pop-ups, collaborations, private dinners, catering, cooking classes, and a planned bottled line of spicy sauces, and they’re planning more partnerships (including talks about projects in Seoul and London) plus a Korean-Italian pop-up inspired by Choi’s New York upbringing. During a November residency their tasting menu featured rolled egg omelets with parmesan and nori, Korean rice cakes in a rosé gochujang sauce, and kimchi-wrapped pork sausages, and they continue to workshop playful, Korean-inflected dishes through partnerships and pop-ups." - Emily Wishingrad