J R
Google
This review covers the 05 December special tasting menu event held in the GYU+ Speakeasy.
I tend to home in on any mention of a restaurant collaboration like a heat-seeking missile. So when I read on Food and Loathing that GYU+Social Lounge was teaming up with Marufuku Ramen on a special one-night-only menu, I quickly booked the first seating on OpenTable.
All in for $180.42 (5-courses $99 + $48 optional premium sake pairing + $4.02 tax + $29.40 20% pre-tax autograt).
Courses were sizable, featuring proteins like pork, beef, octopus, and shrimp. The presentations and preparations were perfect from the soft bao to crisped tempura and fatty belly to moist cake. Roe toppings were generous. The ramen bowl from Marufuku was creamy without cloying thickness, packed with complimenting ingredients, with the noodles at a toothsome doneness, while the main course of the wagyu from GYU+ was so juicy and came with a cute pipette filled with rich yolk. The final course from Pastry Chef Yuka of Moignet Café featured an adorable and tasty Christmas tree with contrasting crumble, cream, and berry.
Everyone received an overflowing glass jigger of Marufuku's "best with ramen" sake. The course pairing selections by GYU+'s Master Sommelier Luis de Santos were the food friendly and accessible Joto Junmai Nigori, Joto Junmai Ginjo, Fuku Chitose Yamahai Junmai Ginjo Happy Owl, Maboroshi Mystery Junmai Daiginjo, and Joto Yuzu. The pourers explained each sake's creation style, flavor profile, and pairing logic.
Service: Superlative in warmth and attentiveness. Managers from both venues circulated the floor and engaged with diners throughout the event over food, drink, upcoming concepts, and local topics. Main server Chai was delightful.
Atmosphere: Very pretty space, with pink "blossoms" covering the ceiling and traditional murals on the walls, with more modern touches like neon LED lighting. Great sound system. Music moved between covers of holiday classics to phenomenal live singer Brianne(sp?).
To be thorough, timing was a small issue. The start was delayed, which forced a somewhat abupt end to the dinner soon after the dessert course so the room could be set for the second seating. But it was handled in a very friendly manner.
Value: Wonderful for a special full-package evening.