Atomix

Atomix is the new restaurant of the Parks, the couple who is also at the helm of the more casual Atoboy.

Everything at Atomix was exclusive: from the unassuming entrance at 104 East 30th Street in New York City to the cocktail bar on the first floor. We were immediately invited to take the stairs down to the lounge where we had some delightful amuse bouches  before eventually taking our seats around the table - a big U-shaped counter that seats 14 guests only. The atmosphere was zen and peaceful, very much unlike other restaurants in New York City usually very noisy and loud.

Once we were at our designed seats, our waiter served our drinks, a sublime bottle of Champagne Blanc de Blanc from Pierre Péters then our Maitre d', Ellia Park herself, presented us with a case filled with beautifully crafted and sophisticated pairs of chopsticks. We had to pick one to use during our meal. Then she gave us a beautiful card that looked like an arty postcard and that gave a lot of details about the dish we were about to be served. Then Mrs Park explained to us in a sweet voice and a serene manner with a soft smile her husband's, Korean chef Junghyun Park, cooking philosophy and the menu which came in ten dishes (Guk, Hwe, Sukchae, Gui, Husik, etc.).

Unlike at Jungsik, where chef Junghyun Park used to be a sous chef, Atomix is pure Korean food with a twist of European favorites such as truffles and caviar. The chef’s meal was like storytelling, each dish was like a chapter with intriguing ingredients and components. Like any story, it is better when it is good, and chef Junghyun Park knows how to tell it with truly refined dishes with a great ending.

The wine list at Atomix is extremely well thought through and ranges from 60 USD to 600 USD. Guests can choose a bottle from France, Europe or the USA, from the Champagne region or Santa Barbara domain, Oregon or the Douro in Portugal. As for us, we opted for an amazing Champagne Blanc de Blanc from Pierre Péters and a bottle of Nebbiolo 2012  from the Clendenen Family vineyards in Santa Maria which turned out to be a little bit too light for our Italian friends' palates, but for us it was a perfect match to the meat dishes prepared by chef Park.

The service by Ellia Park and her team was flawless, professional and smooth.

Atomix was one of the most accomplished and memorable meals we ever had in New York City and one of the best restaurants of 2018 for us so far.  It seems the Michelin guide agrees with us as they just awarded Atomix its first Michelin star - even though, in our opinion, it deserves two.

If you have only time for one high-end restaurant in New York City, do not think twice: go to Atomix! Yes, it is expensive and you must book - and pay - in advance, but it is worth it.

Atomix

104 East 30th Street (Park Avenue South & Lexington Avenue)

New York, New York 10016

www.atomixnyc.com