FACT First Look: Mr. Kim Korean steakhouse and izakaya

The Korean steakhouse and izakaya will open in November.

Chef James Soo Yong Kim has been wowing Abu Dhabi diners. Not only did he open the FACT Award-winning fine-dining restaurant Les Dangereux, but creative concepts are set to follow. The next restaurant is the Korean steakhouse, BBQ and izakaya, Mr. Kim.

Located at the VIP valet parking in Yas Mall, Mr. Kim looks set to be a slick space. The venue boasts a minimalist, monochrome aesthetic, and an industrial chic feel. The space includes murals on the wall, countertop dining and long tables for groups.

Chef James prides himself on exceptional presentation and using high-quality ingredients, and Mr. Kim will be no different. So far, we know that the dishes include Chanterelle and Shitake with blood orange, haroshi daikon, Korean miso and saikyo miso; Hudson Valley Foie Gras with ginger, kelp, Korean pine nuts and Reisling; and White Asparagus with fermented cucumber, and koji marinated sesame leaves.

Premium meats take centre stage at Mr. Kim, where diners can select from Korean Jeju Black Wagyu, Australian Wagyu MB7, Wagyu Miyazaki A5 and a 120-day dry aged offering. Diners can also expect side dishes that excel and impress as much as the mains. In addition to the traditional set of ban chans offered to every guest, Mr. Kim will feature a premium Ban Chan set that will rotate seasonally.

The licensed venue will serve Soju and offer a special Soju pairing menu. The colourless Korean beverage can be paired with items such as 14-day dry aged fried chicken, honey chips, steak tartare or Normandy mussel with Korean dashi.

James’ upcoming restaurant openings in Abu Dhabi also include Day and Night in Al Seef Walk. The venue will be invite-only, menu-less and not serve alcohol. James explained: “We dreamt to be able to replicate our favourite restaurants from New York, Paris, Tokyo, Seoul, Austin, Texas — right here in Abu Dhabi — and to be able to do all the things that came from deep within our souls as nostalgic restaurateurs. We want to serve guests food that we harvested from Abu Dhabi soil, with the ambition to bring the pulse of a true food capital into the heart of Abu Dhabi.”

We’re expecting James’ new restaurant to grab the attention of the MICHELIN inspectors. James has worked in some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including New York’s Balthazar, Blanca and Le Cirque. Plus, his Abu Dhabi restaurant, Café James, was listed in MICHELIN Guide Abu Dhabi.

Mr. Kim will open in November. Check in with FACT for the latest details.

GO: Follow @mrkim.ae on Instagram for more information.