Jeong

Hanbun was such a huge hit in the International Mall in west suburban Westmont, David Park and his wife, Jennifer Tran, decided to head to the city and open Jeong in the pretty space formerly occupied by Green Zebra. Jeong, which is the maiden name of Park's grandmother, features familiar Korean ingredients fashioned in a completely contemporary style. They've exchanged the more casual Korean fare of Hanbun (for which Park earned a James Beard semifinalist nomination) for upscale a la carte and tasting menu dinners at Jeong. With the price increase comes complexity, artistry and definite "wow" moments for diners lucky to get a reservation. Winning dishes include broccoli with smoked mayo, fuji apples, chili oil and roasted cashews; shrimp cake with gochujang aioli and radish; braised short rib; and duck confit. Diners are raving about all three desserts including chocolate cake and tapioca pudding with buttermilk icing and pine nut sponge candy. Drinks, like the Roasted Barley cocktail, are equally intriguing. Even though the buzz about Jeong is deafening, you can still try to walk-in and enjoy the full menu in the lounge.