BITE OF THE MOMENT: Zusik

The stretch of 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenue has been a bit of a good food desert, with the only truly standout restaurant being Coppelia (which is actually one of the standout restaurants in the entire city, IMHO). This year, Zusik has arrived on the block, giving the area another lively option to descend upon.

A large sign indicates that "Zu" translates to "alcoholic beverage," while "Sik" means "food," which give the restaurant a straightforward name for what they have to offer. Food is served tapas-style with a focus on Korean fusion, giving you the opportunity to try a bit of everything, and the drink options are abundant and carefully crafted. The vibe is casual, and with a roomy main dining room, a spillover room for larger parties or private events, and a sunny bar area, Zusik can accommodate all kinds of diners.

It's difficult to choose just a few plates from the wide assortment of dishes, but we ran with the staff recommendations. We enjoyed the Mushroom Japchae, with sauteed glass noodles topped with king oyster, enoki mushrooms, and microgreens, as well as the Beef Short Ribs, served as silky, medium rare slices in a pleasant marinade and paired with fluffy truffled mashed potato. The Kimchi Pancake is a crispy and hefty must-get, and the charbroiled Mackerel was a light, easy dish, draped atop a bed of tangy pico de gallo. The dishes feel authentic, and though they are "small," two plates of food per person was more than enough for dinner, even leaving us with a bit of leftovers.

Cocktails have a Korean influence as well, with highlights being the Ginger Pom Mojito and the Summer Sky, composed of soju, citron extract, and an ingredient listed simply as "sparkling blue." There's an extensive selection of wine and beer, and you can also order shots of soju, if you are so inclined.

Bring a date or a big group of friends (or even stake out your own solo spot at the bar!) and you'll be sure to find something for everyone at Zusik.

[All photos by Conor Rose. This meal was provided by Zusik, however all opinions are our own.]