TV chef Judy Joo launching Jinjuu in 2015

Korean-American chef and presenter Judy Joo is launching a new restaurant in January in London’s Soho.

The restaurant, called Jinjuu (meaning “pearl”) will serve Korean street food in a modern and informal setting. Seating over 85 over two floors, the restaurant is a partnership between Judy and Kia Joorabchian, founder of Babbo Group, and will gravitate towards Korean comfort foods and a convivial way of eating.

Judy, an ex-banker, switched careers and worked in a number of Gordon Ramsay's restaurants, including Maze, Petrus, Claridge's and the Boxwood Cafe. She has gone on to have a successful TV career, presenting Korean Food Made Simple in the US, and has appeared as an Iron Chef on Iron Chef UK, as well as a judge on the US's Next Iron Chef. She also appears regularly on the UK's Food Network. Before this latest venture, she was Executive Chef at Playboy Club London.

As Executive Chef at Junjuu, Judy brings a talented team, including Head Chef Andrew Hales, who has worked closely with Judy since 2011. A regional finalist of the Roux Scholarship, Andrew boasts a background in classic French fine-dining and Michelin-starred training and mentoring. Ottolenghi-alumnus Jaime Garbutt will be Head Pastry Chef.

At the ground floor bar, drinks and “Anju” (Korean food consumed with alcohol) will be served, where high tables, and outdoor terrace and an illuminated back bar will define the space. Along with an Asian beer selection, the cocktail menu - created by Bar Manager Kristian Breivik, previously from Notting Hill bar Trailer Happiness – will embrace the popular Korean spirit Soju.

Signature cocktails include the Seoul Sour (Soju, ginseng spirit, honey & lavender syrup with egg white and fresh yuzu juice) and South Korean Fling (a mix of plum-infused Soju, cherry brandy, fresh citrus and aromatic bitters). Snacks available will include Korean tacos, pajeon pancakes and Jinjuu’s signature Korean fried chicken.

In the restaurant downstairs, guests will be able to indulge in Korean sharing platters and side dishes. Barbecued meats will be prepared on the open kitchen grill and wrapped with lettuce, whilst a Korean-Mexican hybrid dish of Korean carnitas fries (fries topped with braised pork and Kimchi) will innovatively celebrate Judy’s colourful Korean heritage.

The restaurant design will exhibit Korean motifs throughout, contrasting the ornate and the industrial, reflecting the modern and traditional aspects of Seoul. An exposed brick wall will be burned with an iconic white crane bird pattern – symbolic in Korean culture for longevity – whilst Celadon coloured fabrics, silks, ceramics, soft pearls and warm copper notes will balance against concrete, gunmetal accents and distressed metal finishes. A distinctive bamboo ceiling feature will be an integral part of the design, whilst hidden Korean street graffiti art will also aim to delight unaware guests.

Jinjuu opens in Soho in January 2015, followed by the UK debut of Judy’s TV show Korean Food Made Simple on 26th January.

Stay tuned for an interview with Judy Joo coming soon.