October 29, 7:00 P.M. Dinner: Theodora x Joomak Banjum Collab

Modern Mediterranean Meets Korean-Chinese with Chefs Tomer Blechman and Jiho Kim

25 11th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Tomer Blechman, the executive chef and owner of the acclaimed Brooklyn restaurants Theodora and Miss Ada, has made a name for himself with his inventive approach to Mediterranean cuisine. The perpetually booked Theodora has guests clamoring for the dry-aged seafood and open-fire cooking that are the hallmarks of the menu. At Michelin-starred Joomak Banjum and the newly opened DDOBar, elegant and innovative Korean-Chinese dishes are executed with precision by chef Jiho Kim, a veteran of New York City fine-dining restaurants such as The Modern. Chef Blechman and Theodora's Chef De Cuisine Vitor Mendes, are collaborating with Chef Kim on an exclusive menu that explores where Korean-Chinese and Mediterranean flavors meet and mingle to create a singular dining experience.  

Dining Table $185 | Internal Chefs Counter $200 | External Chefs Counter $160                    

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MENU

Hors d’Oeuvre
Everything Bagel with Skuna Bay Salmon, Cream Cheese, and Ikura
Contains dairy and gluten
Hiramasa Yubu Tart with Caviar and Crème Fraîche
Contains dairy and gluten
Bluefin Tuna with Tapioca and Smoked Fish Mousse
Contains dairy
Dry-Aged Steelhead Trout with Basil–Dill Dressing and Arugula

Mezcamaica > Yola Mezcal, Hibiscus, Lime, Chile, and Salt

Dinner
Dry-Aged Wild Striped Sea Bass Ceviche with Lime Vinaigrette and Wood-Fired Pineapple
Contains dairy 

Vina Herzanovi Pet Nat Blanc 2021

Abalone with Koshihikari Rice, Pickled Ginger, and Dashi Espuma
Contains shellfish

Markus Altenburger Vom Kalk Chardonnay 

Smoked Black Cod with Miso Beurre Blanc
Contains dairy 

Soy-Braised Lamb with Pickled Fuji Apple, Truffle–Honey Butter Potato, Chile Crisp–Yu Choy Kimchi, and Pita
Contains gluten and soy

Domaine des 2 Ânes Riquita 

Pistachio Baklava with Honey Gastrique and Lemon Anglaise
Contains dairy and gluten

Wine generously donated by Jenny & François Selections 

Liquor generously donated by Yola Mezcal 

Salmon generously donated by Skuna Bay Salmon 

Lamb generously donated by American Lamb Board 

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About Tomer Blechman:
As the chef and owner of Theodora, Miss Ada, and Nili, Tomer Blechman has created a new wave of Mediterranean cuisine in New York City. Chef Blechman pulls inspiration from childhood memories cooking with his grandmother in Tel Aviv and experience working in New York hospitality. He earned his culinary chops at notable restaurants like Union Square Hospitality’s Maialino, Gramercy Tavern, Lupa, Cookshop as well as Bar Bolonat. Miss Ada’s menu continues to celebrate his Latvian heritage while layering Eastern European influence, and his newest restaurant Theodora, celebrates modern Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on wood-fire cooking and dry-aged fish.

About Jiho Kim:
Jiho Kim is the executive chef and partner of Joomak Banjum, a Michelin-Starred Korean-Chinese restaurant in Korea Town executed with French technique and expressed through New York culture. He is also the chef and owner of DDOBar, a unique Omakase restaurant featuring a Japanese and Korean inari sushi tasting menu. Previously, he was the executive pastry chef of the two-star Michelin restaurant, The Modern and has 20 years of fine-dining pastry chef experience.

About Vitor Mendes:
Vitor Mendes is the Chef de Cuisine at Theodora in Brooklyn, NY. Born in the south of Brazil, Vitor’s family emigrated to the U.S. when he was 14 years old. He enrolled at the International Culinary Center when he was just 17. He has worked at multiple Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants including The Modern, Chef’s Table at Brooklyn Fare, The Fulton by Jean Georges, and Frevo. In 2024, he opened Theodora alongside chef Tomer Blechman.

Tickets to events held at Platform at Pier 57 by the James Beard Foundation cover the cost of food, education and a unique dining experience. Meals are prepared by culinary masters from all regions of the United States and around the world. Unless otherwise stated, alcoholic beverages are provided on a complimentary basis and are not included in the ticket price.

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served.

Event Policy

Reservation Policy:

All reservations are non-refundable and must be made in advance. Should the event be cancelled due to any unforeseen circumstances, including COVID-19, JBF will offer a range of options, including ticket exchanges, the option to donate tickets, or a full refund. For more information, contact platformbyjbf@jamesbeard.org.

Alcohol Disclaimer:

James Beard Foundation events permit guests age 21 years and older to attend events where alcoholic beverages are served. 

Dietary/Food Restrictions Policy:

Events at Platform by JBF are special one-night-only menus and we do not offer a la carte menus. If you have serious food allergies, we will work with the visiting chef team to do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that alternate options will be available for every course.