Noreetuh, East Village’s Best Kept Secret

noreetuh is definitely a hidden gem of the East Village. Located on 128 1st Avenue, noreetuh, is a Hawaiian fusion restaurant that strays away from the norm. Translation from “playground” in Korean, noreetuh is co-owned by Jin Ahn, who crafted the award-winning wine list and Executive Chef Chung Chow, who uses the menu as just that — his playground.

The menu features a variety of Hawaiian fusion dishes like Beef Tongue with cilantro and crunchy peanuts (which was way tastier than I thought); Pork Jowl with scallion and a hint of ginger; and a Hawaiian staple of Spicy Spam, soy mayo and jalapeno for a slight kick (highly recommended). There are also a number of smaller dishes to share such as the Bone Marrow Bread Pudding with Hokkaido uni and topped with truffles; Monkfish Liver Torchon with yuzu, pickled pear, ponzu and cilantro served with toasted king Hawaiian rolls; and Big-eye Tuna Poke with pickled jalapenos, macadamia nuts and seaweed.

I had the pleasure of trying some of their entrees as well, including the Imperial Wagyu with beef fat rice, pickled garlic and radish, which can also be ordered with Miyazaki a5 wagyu. The Mentiako Spaghetti, made with smoked cod, aonori and chili, was also quite scrumptious. I decided to wash my meal down with a Hawaiian Punch, made with hibiscus, POG, Pineapple and Soju.

For dessert, I tried the Chocolate Haupia Sundae as well as their Bruléed Hawaiian Pineapple. I’m not much of a dessert guy in general but this was quite a treat!

If you’re in the mood for something different from the usual night’s out I recommend noreetuh. You might find a new favorite dish among their one-of-a-kind menu.