by Farm2Me NY Team

NYC’s Original BBQ Innovation WINS in 2019!

Robert a.k.a. Kimchi Smoke and Farm2Me met in 2014 when Robert, like most NY-area small batch producers, was launching a food popup concept at street fairs, LIC Flea.  We helped support his tribute TX-style BBQ and Korean accoutrement (you can find original posts in our Instagram if you don’t believe us).  I joked with Robert the night before the 2019 Brisket King, that he has been doing something magical – and Farm2Me doesn’t forget, nor are we going to let him forget how much progress he has made since the early years.  Well…

Another ‘NY Farm2Me: Class of the 2014’ has won yet another award for best in class.  This time, the crowd awarded Kimchi Smoke the Gold, and the judges have awarded Kimchi Smoke the Silver for Best Brisket at the 2019 Brisket King.  Say that 4x fast.  That’s the kind of food Kimchi Smoke is pumping out.  So when Robert invited me to come photograph his new menu the night before the competition, of course I accepted.  I met him at his new restaurant at the Northern NJ / Rockland County border not only to support an old friend, but to see what he was cooking in 2019.
Wow!  I was serenaded across the packed restaurant with words of Austin-style Texas Smoked BBQ Brisket, with new conversationsa  of Korean slaw, Korean Kimchi, and whispers of a secret formulation for Wednesday’s April 10th 2019 Brisket King.

First, they brought out the fried cauliflower with a Korean twist, and no no no – this ain’t some no frills Korean mockery like a sweet & sour fried shrimp or fried cauliflower or fried what have you that you’ll find at your generic Cheesecake Factory.  No, Robert and team concocted a flavor combination that will cradle you between notes of berries and international travel, wine, cheese, and earthiness from the cauliflower. Incredible start!  Second, they brought out their TX-style brisket, moist, moist, and moist.  I mean, this is TX BBQ.  There’s no fusion here folks.  Robert makes a point not to tamper with ages of TX tradition when making his meats.  Third, the korean slaw.  Actually, I opted for it.  Holy moly!  I was wrapping it in Brisket, sans taco or bread.  Throwing it on top of tortilla chips.  I couldn’t get enough, and there was a feeling of victory in the air before I left.  We both felt it!  I knew it, and can’t be any prouder to say: “Congratulations Kimchi Smoke!”

Anyway, if you live in NYC, you need to visit. If you live in NJ, congratulations – big win for the state!  And if you’re anywhere else, look out for a popup concept or franchise opportunity in the near future.  Enjoy!

Farm2Me is passionate about sustainably and seasonally sourced food and how it prevents disease. Follow us through our travels and read about our local food adventures around the world.