“I’m really passionate about what I do,” he said. “I like to cook, I like to provide good food and make people feel good.”
Credit: Olivia Wakim
Credit: Olivia Wakim
Kim began his culinary career in New York City at eateries like Nobu and JoJo by Jean-Georges. He spent eight years in Korea learning to cook what he calls “my own cuisine” before returning to the states.
He served stints at Cooks & Soldiers and True Food Kitchen before opening Danbi.
Kim’s diverse career experiences result in a menu that’s inspired by everything from his time in Korea to his background in classical French cuisine. Dishes are often based on traditional items with a healthier twist, like substituting Asian grain rice for white rice. Kim said he plans to change out the menu about four times a year.
Lunch and dinner offerings include seared salmon with slow-cooked black lentils, garlic-roasted Brussels sprouts, mint, dill and chili flakes; brisket bourguignon with ancient grain pilaf, pearl onion, mushrooms, and kale and red cabbage slaw with French vinaigrette; and jeyug bokkeum, a Korean-style stir-fried pork with red cabbage, baby gem lettuce, cucumber kimchi and rolled egg.
Credit: Courtesy of Amy Song
Credit: Courtesy of Amy Song
There are also two vegan options: aglio e olio pasta with Brussels sprouts, red onion, mushrooms and whole wheat penne.
The breakfast menu includes a yogurt parfait; an egg sandwich with bacon, pineapple chutney, jalapeno mayo, avocado and scrambled egg; and steak and eggs.
Guests can sip on housemade vegan horchata, lemonade or drip coffee.
Danbi also offers a rotating selection of three baked goods made fresh daily. Recent offerings include flourless brownies and chocolate cookies.
While searching for a space to house the concept, Kim wanted something intimate with an open kitchen that would allow him to interact with customers. He also preferred to operate counter service so he wouldn’t have to ask customers for tips; a sign at the counter proclaims Danbi is a “tip-free zone.”
Credit: Courtesy of Amy Song
Credit: Courtesy of Amy Song
The 1,300-square-foot eatery has two lines of bar seating against the window and wall with 15 seats total. The design is simple with concrete floors, tiling and a green counter that highlights the open kitchen.
As for the restaurant’s name, Danbi is a Korean word that means “sweet rain after long drought,” and is also the name of the cat owned by Kim and his wife.
Danbi Seasonal Kitchen is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays and Saturdays.
3432 Clairmont Road, Atlanta. 404-855-5506, eatdanbi.com.
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