The Boston Licensing Board decides tomorrow whether to allow a New York restaurant that serves cheeseburgers with a kimchi-infused topping and other "Korean fusion" dishes open an outlet in the Seaport, with a bar that will serve what its lawyer said would be an extensive list of soju and other Korean liquors.
Nowon Seaport, 117 Seaport Blvd. would be buying its liquor license from Pho on Thayer in the South End.
Nowon's attorney, Tom Miller, explained the "public need" for yet another liquor license in the Seaport by pointing to the nature of its food and drinks, in particular with its focus on soju, a Korean drink made from rice, which, unlike Japanese sake, is fermented, is distilled So many soju options on one drink menu "is not only not readily available in the Seaport but in Boston in general," he said.
He continued that the fusion part of the menu, combining Korean foods with more western-style offerings, would also fill a public need because of its uniqueness. He pointed specifically to the Korean "legendary cheeseburger" - which he said had been hailed by reviewers as "possibly the best burger in New York and the country" with a topping that includes kimchi, Kewpie mayo and secret umami seasoning.
He added, with a smile, he is looking forward to a Korean cheeseburger himself. "I'm actually looking to see if it meets my high standards for such a meal."
If approved, the new restaurant would have 92 seats, with a seasonal patio with room for 22 more seats. It has a proposed closing time of 2 a.m. - 10 p.m. for the patio.