FOOD & DRINK
NOREETUH
HAWAIIAN FARE WITH AN EAST VILLAGE VIBE By Anne Raso
awaiian fare has always been something hard to come across even in Manhattan’s hardcore foodie atmosphere. Not since the closing of Roy’s in the Financial District about 12 years ago has there been a Modern Hawaiian restaurant that has been the toast of the town. Noreetuh is taking over that long vacated spot blending different flavors from classic Japanese dishes like Chicken Teriyaki to Korean street food favorites to various SPAM dishes (yes, it’s considered a delicacy in Hawaii). Noreetuh has the classic funky and cozy East Village vibe and is located on First Avenue at St. Mark’s Place. There is plenty of Hawaiian bric-a-brac, including a brass pineapple lamp on the bar and numerous photos of customers pinned to the wall between images of sunsets, palm trees, and surfers. You can spend hours looking at all the incredible art and photos, but you’ll want to spend your time trying several of Noreetuh’s exotic dishes and sampling the great wines available (with over 200 plus varietals, they’ve been awarded two Wine Spectator Excellence Awards). This uncommon eatery is owned by the affable Chung Chow, a Honolulu native who also serves as executive chef, and partners Jin Ahn and Gerald San Jose. This culinary genius spent over a year honing his skills at Bouchon Bistro (in Napa Valley) and then moved onto Per Se and then Lincoln Ristorante (both in NYC). 60 | OUR CITY, YOUR LIFE | MAY 2021
Chef Chung Chow
