Get ready for a culinary adventure like no other! Union Square is about to witness a unique fusion of flavors and techniques that will leave you craving more.
On January 20th, a dynamic duo, Lane Li and Chris Wang, will unveil their latest masterpiece, Rulin, nestled in the heart of Union Square. This exciting venture promises a delightful twist on traditional Asian cuisine, offering a glimpse into the multicultural culinary scene of the next generation.
Li, who immigrated from Guangdong at a young age, brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for Cantonese cuisine. Her journey from the family kitchen in Flatbush to the world of finance and back to her culinary roots is an inspiring tale. Along the way, she honed her skills at renowned establishments like the French Culinary Institute and Guan Fu, adding a touch of innovation to her repertoire.
But here's where it gets intriguing: Li's menu at Rulin is a departure from the traditional immigrant recipes. Instead, she showcases her creativity and the influences of her New York upbringing. Imagine soy sauce duck canapés, a fusion of Cantonese and New York flavors, or cumin-dusted short ribs grilled to perfection. And let's not forget the star of the show - hand-pulled noodles, a true art form that Li excels at.
"I feel more free," Li shares. "I'm gonna make what I want," she adds with a smile. And make no mistake, her menu reflects this freedom. From starters to skewers, noodle dishes to sides, each creation is a labor of love and a celebration of her multicultural heritage.
One standout dish is the short rib noodles, a masterpiece in itself. Li's braised beef short rib, served with hand-pulled noodles in a unique chile herb sauce, is a testament to her culinary prowess. And the best part? You can witness the magic of noodle pulling through a window in the restaurant, a true spectacle for food enthusiasts.
But Rulin isn't just about noodles. The menu also features an extensive selection of binchotan charcoal-grilled delights. Li's high-heat technique results in perfectly cooked, crispy charred dishes while maintaining a tender interior. From chicken thighs to squid and mushrooms, each ingredient is seasoned with care and served as skewers or incorporated into rice dishes.
The ambiance at Rulin is just as captivating as the food. Studio Jari has crafted a soft minimalist interior, with natural wood, marble, and curved architectural elements creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Rulin will be open Tuesday to Sunday, offering dinner service until 10 p.m. Reservations are available via Resy, so don't miss out on this culinary adventure! And remember, this is just the beginning. Rulin promises to be a destination that will keep you coming back for more.
So, are you ready to embark on this culinary journey? Will you be among the first to experience Rulin's unique offerings? Let us know in the comments! We'd love to hear your thoughts on this exciting new addition to Union Square's food scene.