David Chang's Hudson Yards Eatery Named James Beard Semifinalist

HUDSON YARDS, NY — The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards opened in March 2019, and nearly one year later one of the high-end mall's restaurants was named on a short list for a prestigious James Beard Foundation award.

David Chang's eatery Kāwi was named one of 30 semi finalists for the foundation's best new restaurant award, which honors a business that opened in 2019 and "already demonstrates excellence in cuisine and hospitality, and that is likely to make a significant impact in years to come."

Kāwi is one of two New York City restaurants, the other being Lower East Side casual spot Golden Diner, to make the foundation's list of semi finalists. Other semi finalists are located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Finalists for the awards — sometimes referred to as the Oscars of the food industry — will be announced on Wednesday, March 25.

Chef Eunjo Park helms the kitchen at Kāwi, which specializes in high-end Korean cuisine. Park joined Chang's Momofuku group of restaurants back in 2013 before leaving in 2017 to cook in Korea.

Check out a list of all the NYC James Beard semi finalists here.