An Oasis of Space and Time in the Midst of Chaos Unfurled
Written: Jul 25 '01
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Pros: studies show peace and quiet aids digestion
Cons: not for the price-conscious
The Bottom Line: Few places allow you to leave New York City behind and leave you as gastronomically satisfied as well as Hangawi.
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| argonut's Full Review: Hangawi |
Having found myself on a yearlong sabbatical from the craziness of NYC here in Jerusalem, I have recently begun to feel a little homesick. Yes, it’s only been two weeks, but there’s something about NYC that gets under your skin (besides the grit and grime, of course) that is hard to shake. So I have started to let my mind drift back for a few moments to a louder, more obnoxious time when I actually enjoyed spending quality time face-to-face with fifty-eight of my favorite ‘friends’ on the ‘F’ train. My mind spins and reels at the memory of choking smoke and loud noises at all hours of the night. My vagabond shoes, are longing to stray to…
An oasis of time and space in the middle of chaos unleashed named Hangawi. The funny part about being in Jerusalem is that thanks to the constant construction occurring out the window of my apartment here, I am quite often reminded of the level of noise in New York City. In NYC when the noise would get too much and I would need to get away from it all for a moment to clear my head and return to sanity, I would go to the Hamptons. (What self-respecting New Yorker wouldn’t.) But assuming that the Hamptons were occupied or that I didn’t have a couple thou to toss down on a cozy beach bungalow, Hangawi makes a reasonable respite.
Entering Hangawi through the massive doors that protect it from the bustle, hustle and muscle of midtown Manhattan, you suddenly find yourself surrounded by a peaceful calm not unlike that seems distant and ethereal. As you enter the main room, cheerful greeters take your coat, umbrella, backpack & shoes which requires a bit of work as most New Yorkers will fight to the death over any article of clothing on their body. But once you give in and slip into the sunken benches and soak in the warm, cozy surroundings you seem to magically drift away on the soothing sounds of the quietly, lulling music. Not even a cell phone ring can be heard, as for some blessed reason, they do not work inside the confines of Hangawi.
Were Hangawi just a tea house or a dessert place, I could leave the description as such, but Hangawi maintains itself as (and has won accolades for) a Korean restaurant. I would be unfair if I did not tell you that the food is on par with the wonderful atmosphere. The porridges and appetizers are mouthwatering and nourishing, the entrees are creative and satisfying and the desserts are cleansing and refreshing. If you feel like celebrating the Emperor’s meal is outstanding as it allows you to sample bits of everything on the menu. The prix fixe meal is a bit expensive, but there are plenty of great options on the ala carte menu as well. The staff is helpful and attentive and will help guide those not used to entirely vegetarian menus through the unique items that are contained in many of the dishes.
Hangawi is the perfect place for when you get fed up with all of the excitement that makes New York such a popular tourist destination. In NYC, most trips into another world require the use of mind-altering substances or long rides in large busses. This tiny jewel in the midst of the chaotic and frenetic brings you into another dimension with much fewer side effects.
Recommended:
Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Best Suited For: Romantic Evening
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Epinions.com ID:
argonut
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Member: Jason Epstein
Location: Jerusalem, ISRAEL
Reviews written: 54
Trusted by: 42 members
About Me:
Now with Irony!
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