The Michelin Guide has recently introduced Baroo, a restaurant operated by husband and wife Kwang Uh Park and Mina Park, in Downtown Los Angeles. “Silky, soy-braised wild black cod is served in the center of a wide-rimmed bowl that is filled with a creamy buttermilk sauce that’s poured tableside,” the guide notes. Additionally, it mentions, “Finally, wood sorrel bingsu, shaved to order, is refreshingly tart and a nice contrast to the creamy panna cotta tucked beneath.”
Located in the heart of LA’s Koreatown near Olympic and Western, Hibi blends Japanese and Korean flavors, including Korean-style grilled fish. Owned by Solomon Lee, Hibi offers simple, classic, and casual Japanese cuisine. The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant as featuring “an intimate space with a sleek, minimalist design, gray walls, and tables and chairs fitted with black leather.”
Lastly, Olivia, situated on Vermont Avenue in Koreatown, is led by Chef Mario Alberto, known for his expertise in vegetarian menus. The guide highlights, “The vegetarian menu displays both Korean and Mexican influences in dishes like breaded, deep-fried oyster mushrooms with a gochujang dipping sauce and fried squash blossoms filled with fully vegan macadamia ricotta, served on a bed of pumpkin seed sauce.”
The annually updated Michelin Guide awards one to three stars to exceptional restaurants, based on several visits a year by expert reviewers posing as regular customers. One star signifies excellent cuisine, two stars indicate a level of culinary expertise worth traveling for, and three stars suggest an exceptional dining experience that justifies a special journey. The guide also includes the “Bib Gourmand” category, recognizing restaurants that offer quality food at reasonable prices.
BY YEJIN KIM, JUNHAN PARK [kim.yejin3@koreadaily.com]
