BWW Preview: ROUNDHOUSE in Balsley Park in Hell's Kitchen

RoundHouse is now open offering a mashup of Asian and Mexican street fare, including poke and banh mi-inspired burritos, all crafted inside a kiosk anchoring a bustling corner of Hell's Kitchen. This is a new project from local restaurateur Emanuel Kaliontzakis and Chef Joel Jester, formerly of Seattle's heralded modern Korean restaurant Revel.

RoundHouse guests can choose from Bowls ($11), Burritos ($10), corn tortilla Tacos ($3.50 each or $10 for three) and Sides ($3), with vegan and gluten-free options. Chef Joel, who is committed to sourcing local, sustainable ingredients and to providing nutritious options, crafts dishes like Chicken Tacos topped with kimchi aioli and cabbage-carrot slaw; Short Rib Burrito featuring avocado crema and chili oil; the vegan Mushroom Burritoinspired by the flavors of a banh mi sandwich, complete with pickled carrot and daikon, tofu, cilantro, mint and peanut sauce; and the Octopus bowl filled with edamame, pickled carrots and daikon, sesame seeds, preserved lemon and pickled ginger, dressed with miso and chili oil, crowned with a soft-boiled egg. Diners can also dig into house-cured and smoked Pork Ribs with gochujang, kimchi mayo and scallions. Sides feature vegan options such as Cauliflower with pickled peppers, parsley, capers and lemon; and Beet Salad turned to 11 thanks to sesame oil and miso dressing. Housemade drinks like Spicy Strawberry Lemonade, Ginger Ale and Cola are also available.

RoundHouse is the partnership of restaurateur Emanuel Kaliontzakis, the owner of Kilo in Hell's Kitchen, and Kilochef Joel Jester (ex-Revel, Seattle). Joel developed an affinity for Mexican cuisine while living in Los Angeles and cut his teeth cooking Asian-inspired fare at Seattle's acclaimed Revel, which serves modern Korean street food. Joel actually grew up eating homestyle Korean food cooked by his father, who lived in the country for several years. At Kilo, Joel occasionally prepares Asian-inspired specials like short ribs braised in soy sauce, mirin and sake. One day Emanuel commented how those flavors would taste great wrapped in a burrito and the concept for RoundHouse was born.

RoundHouse is located in Balsley Park at 866 9th Avenue at West 57th Street (646-764-5983,www.roundhousenyc.com). There is seasonal outdoor seating for 30, as well as takeout and delivery. Open daily from 11:30 am until the park closes.

Photo Credit: Michael Tulipan

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