2010 [ click here to return to archives ]

09.14.10
Sang Yoon to Open Lukshon Restaurant
Celebrated Chef Debuting Asian-Inspired Concept this Fall
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LOS ANGELES, CA, August 24, 2010 - This fall, chef/owner Sang Yoon of Father’s Office and partner James Bygrave will open Lukshon (3239 Helms Avenue, Culver City, CA) on the newly landscaped Helms Avenue Walk in Culver City.  Drawing from the extensive pantry of ingredients found throughout Southeast Asia, the menu reflects the rich culinary diversity of these countries including the influence of Dutch, French and Portuguese colonization. 

Each dish is created to showcase traditional and creative Southeast Asian flavors, while using contemporary culinary techniques.  The opening menu begins an exploration of the crossover of shared ingredients between multiple countries and cultures and reflects their versatility in Lukshon’s modern setting.  Inspired by authentic, niche Asian ingredients, Yoon highlights historical sauces throughout the menu including housemade sambals and sriracha.

To complement the cuisine, Yoon has created a signature lineup of hand-picked craft beer and wine with a thoughtful focus on Belgian-style ales and Central European aromatic white varietals that best pair with Asian flavors, as well as small-batch spirits.  The cocktail list will feature little known Asian spirits such as Mao Tai or Bai Jiu from China, and other rare custom-distilled selections from the Lukshon Lab Series for adventurous drinkers who want to sample the concoctions of the restaurant’s experimental test kitchen.

Ana Henton of MASS Architecture and Design transformed the turn-of-the-century warehouse into a modern Asian restaurant by utilizing contemporary and classic materials such as tailored stainless metal detailing, walnut and teak woods, and charcoal gray and black leather booths and banquette seating, in addition to a concrete 34-seat outdoor patio with fire pit.  Inside the 2,500-square foot restaurant is an open kitchen with an intimate 6-seat chef's counter for the curious diner as well as a 12-seat bar and adjacent drink rail.  A composite glass, 16-seat communal table in dark jade overlooks a bespoke, custom cabinet housing a state-of-the-art wine dispensing system designed by Yoon, further expanding upon the advanced proprietary program at the adjacent Father’s Office.