Gyenari

In August 2008, Gyenari, (pronounced jin-ar-ee) joined Culver City’s restaurant row as the newest culinary resident, offering guests sophisticated Korean BBQ cuisine and innovative California-inspired creations. Set within a chic, contemporary space, Gyenari is a destination for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, tempting locals and visitors alike with an accessible menu of high-quality meat, organic, vegan, and vegetarian selections, as well as inventive cocktails, and educational wine flights.

Named after the distinctive flower that blooms once a year, Gyenari is the joint venture of Korean-American entrepreneurs William Shin and Danny Kim, alongside veteran Los Angeles restaurateur Robert Benson, the owner of Creperie by Jack n' Jill's, who has worked in the industry for over 25 years. “Many of Gyenari’s traditional dishes come from recipes handed down through generations of William and Danny’s families. They share the menu with a variety of modern California-inspired dishes I have created utilizing organic, vegan, and vegetarian elements and ingredients,” says Benson. Gyenari’s décor is modern and minimalist with a striking 35-foot by 10-foot vivid saffron-yellow colored mural of a gyenari blossom and vista landscape by local artist Mike Murphy, 32 individual grill-tables with custom made downdraft systems and smokeless grills, an intricate wine display, water features, indoor and outdoor spaces, and a private dining room.

Authentic Korean BBQ is at the heart of Gyenari’s cuisine and offers an appealing, healthy way to share a meal with family or friends. Avoiding most dairy products and utilizing several ingredients that are high in protein and fiber, while low in fat and carbohydrates, the cuisine is a testament to the healthful nature of traditional Korean fare. Guests can cook market-fresh vegetables, fresh seafood, pork, and prime beef such as Bulgogi, thin, juicy slices of marinated Prime Rib at tables with inlaid gas grills.The Korean BBQ is served with a variety of banchan (side dishes) including Korea’s quintessential fermented cabbage condiment, Kimchee.

A traditional Korean appetizer, Japchae, Korean Glass noodles with thinly sliced Prime Rib and Fresh Seasonal Vegetables in a Soy Garlic Sauce is contrasted with a modern favorite such as “Jeon Jeon,” thin, crispy Korean Pancakes prepared two ways, with Applewood Bacon and White Cheddar Cheese, or Shrimp, Calamari, and Kimchee. Larger entrées include Royal Black Cod simmered in a spicy Garlic-infused sauce. Guests can also choose from desserts like The Bright Bloom, a homemade Shaved Ice Trifle, served with Fresh Fruit and Mango Ice Cream; and Green Tea Cake Donuts topped with Buttermilk Raspberry Dipping Glaze. Midday offerings feature vegan and vegetarian items, organic salads, healthy sandwiches, and light noodle dishes, such as the Grace Noodle Salad, with Organic Field Greens, Charbroiled Chicken, Hazelnuts, Cashews, Mango, and Capellini in a Soy Ginger Dressing and Satay Peanut Sauce and the Korean staple, Bibimbap, a sizzling rice bowl served with various meats, sautéed and seasoned organic vegetables, and a choice of toppings, including Fried Egg and a blended Chili Soy Dressing. Sandwiches include the “A.L.T.,” a variation on the B.L.T. with Breaded Ahi Steak, Applewood Smoked Bacon, Beefsteak Tomato, Arugula, and Garlic Aioli on a lightly grilled Artisan Roll. In the lounge, a distinctive selection of small plates showcases California-inspired Korean dishes such as Seoul Tacos, Crispy Wontons filled with Sautéed Shrimp, Avocado, Chopped Daikon, Spicy Sauce, and Crème Fraîche; Paper Fried Chicken, Spicy and Crispy Chicken Wings garnished with Crushed Walnuts and served with Lemon Ranch Dressing ($8); and Malibu Tofu, Pan-seared Tofu in a Soy Citrus Sauce, topped with Avocado and Heirloom Tomatoes.

A stylish venue for dining and entertaining, the versatile restaurant is happy to host intimate get-togethers, holiday parties, and business meetings, accommodating up to 150 people. Guests can enjoy an interactive dining experience with 32 individual grill-tables inlaid with our unique grills. Gyenari offers state-of-the-art private rooms equipped with plasma screen TVs and iPod docking stations, a sophisticated dining room with intimate booths, as well as a soothing indoor fountain and reflecting pool. A newly expanded lounge and open-air patio located along lively Culver Boulevard is perfect for dining while taking advantage of the lovely Southern California weather. Gyenari also provides off-site catering and coordinates special events with customized menus, live DJs, karaoke machines, and more.

Gyenari is located at 9540 Culver Blvd. in Culver City. The restaurant is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m.-midnight. Happy Hour is available Monday through Friday from 4-7 p.m. Valet parking is available. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 310.838.3131 or visiting www.gyenari.com.