Atomix [R&D Tasting + NA pairing] – August

Great solo dinner at Atomix. Took part in the R&D tasting (at the bar) along with the NA drink pairings. Cool, calm, and collected is how I would describe everything from the food the service to the dinnerware. Such amazing colors produced, both in the dish and the drinks. I realize that this isn't the food that Atomix is "known for" but, I highly recommend trying this experience. 6 bar seats total, the staff (both FOH/BOH) make it a point to converse with you throughout the night. However, if you're more of a quiet enjoyer (like some other guests), you were more than welcome to do so. Everything and everyone seemed relaxed which I could appreciate but I think there’s room for the “performance” aspect to be looked at a little deeper. Cost ~$300 ($298.xx) upfront, inclusive of tax and tip.

Courses with NA Pairing: 1 – Gim Bugak, Tuna, Grenada Peppers, Fried Daepa "MURI, Passing Clouds, Copenhagen, Denmark" – All good things come from Copenhagen… such as this tea.

2 – Red Shrimp, Korean Pear, Moo Radish"Pomegranate, Apple, Gim, Burdock"
– Texture, flavor, and color. Checks all the right boxes. A fruit-centric drink that supports the sweeter elements of the dish. One of my highlights.

3 – Spanish Mackerel, Miyeok, Grilled Pepper Sauce Yellow Bell Pepper, Banana, Balhyo Honey"
– “Spread the radish out and enjoy everything together.” – The best advice I received that night. A yellow-drink that cuts through the “fishiness” and allows you to enjoy the rest of this dish.

4 – Egg Jjim, Morels, Guanciale, Truffle Sauce "Sweetened Toasted Rice Tea"
– Egg souffle ft. premium ingredients. As for the drink by far one of the top things I've drank: with or without alcohol. Caramel, smoky grain, and oak – pure nostalgia.

5 – Maine Lobster, Cabbage, Foie Gras, Iberico Sauce "Cole Brew Sejak, Chungju Reduction"
Individually perfectly executed ingredients, together…? Makes for a decent dish. The drink – great in theory slightly underperforms its predecessors (reduction was a bit too bitter for me).

6 – A5 Wagyu, Abalone, Turnips, Beef Broth "Wild Pear Tea, Hadong Province, South Korea" 
A complex tea with hints of honey and bitterness to soothe your soul. Forget the broth. Drink the tea.

7 – Artic Char, Kristal Caviar, White Kimchi, Shishito "Shishito, Seedlip Garden"
Peppers and Caviar an unlikely superstar. Radioactive drink lol.

8 – Galbi, Mushroom Rice, Buchu "Figlia Apertivo, Lapsang Souchong, Black Currant, Blueberry Vinegar"
– The most underwhelming main course I’ve had in recent months not to mention this pairing tasted similar to the second drink.

9 – Sea Buckthorn Ice Cream, Coconut Rice Cake, Fig Leaf "White Lotus, Hadong Province, South Korea"
– The typical cake and ice cream. Not complaining tho