Bananas, the new Asian American restaurant from Chef-Owners Chris Ng (previously of Blue Ribbon and Bond St) and Kyaw Lwin (previously of Yakiniku Futago, Hasalon and Michelin-starred Shmoné) opens in the heart of the East Village [174 1st Ave, between 10th St. and 11th St.]. The phrase “Bananas” has been used as a slur to describe Asian Americans who are ‘yellow’ presenting but culturally white due to their upbringing in Western culture. The team expresses their own interpretation of what it means to be Asian American through food, by offering a menu of American favorites with elements of Asian cooking. Bananas offers a bold and inventive menu of shareable dishes alongside a beverage program with a curated selection of beer, wine, and sake and crafted soju-based cocktails. The space features playful banana-themed design elements including custom wallpaper and vibrant artwork, accented by warm, natural wood tones and white banquette and counter seating.
The team behind Bananas includes Chef-Owners Chris Ng and Kyaw Lwin. Chris Ng has years of hospitality experience having previously worked at Waldorf Astoria New York, BondSt, and Blue Ribbon Sushi, while also having completed the Culinary Arts program at the French Culinary Institute. Executive Chef and Partner Kyaw Lwin has spent time in kitchens in New York City, including Yakiniku Futago and Chef Eyal Shani’s Hasalon and Michelin-starred Shmoné. The team’s first joint venture will build upon their years of industry experience to offer their diverse and personalized perspectives through Bananas, offering innovative Asian and American inspired dishes while highlighting seasonal ingredients.
Cold starters include Miso Caesar Salad with stir fried anchovies and crispy ramen noodles; and Chicken Liver Mousse with chinese five spice and bagel chips; and raw bar favorites like Oysters with ponzu, scallions and dried chilis; and Yellowtail Crudo with citrus dressing. The hot starters section features dishes like Sake Steamed Mussels with lemongrass, and fresh herbs; Shrimp Wonton Etouffee served in a cajun broth; and Lemon Pepper Karaage Chicken and Pancakes. The meat section includes dishes like Chopped Cheese Krapow with sauteed shallots, thai basil and red chili on brioche; Char Siu Fried Banana with 48 hour marinated pork and caramelized bananas; and Steak Frites served with a garlic sesame sauce. The menu rounds out with noodles, rice and vegetables like Dynamite Fried Rice with bay scallops, masago and maitake mushrooms; Mushroom Tempura and Chinese Broccolini.
The beverage program features a selection of craft beers, conventional & natural wines, and inventive sake and soju-based cocktails. Cocktail highlights include the PB&J with banana makgeolli, spiced soju, peanut butter, and grape syrup; the Sake Martini with lemon verbena infused sake, yuzu and sage; and the Highball with black tea soju sweetened, apple syrup and sake.
Bananas was designed by Shoucair Design, whose past projects include Brooklyn Chop House, Kokomo, and Spicy Moon). The exterior of the restaurant features an illuminated box of bananas, serving as a beacon inviting guests in the East Village. The 70 seat space features cove lighting and various seating options including intimate counter seating and celebratory white wood banquettes, surrounded by the dichromatic banana leaf wallpaper. There are tongue in cheek moments of customized banana art throughout the space to provide a humorous and visual experience, including a display of banana charms in the entryway, a moss art installation and a skylight, which pair with the sapid flavors on the menu. This visual experience continues to the bathroom entrance with a collection of Jeffrey Koons-like items in a banana sanctuary, including banana inspired animals, balloons and disco balls curated by the team.
Bananas is open Sun-Wed from 5pm -11pm and Thurs – Sat from 5pm – 12am with reservations available via Resy.
