Kichin’s Bryan Moon – Exploring the Neighborhood

New York can look very raw from the outside, but the various nuances that each block has creates an interesting harmony. It’s all-encompassing with so many different cultures, people, and places to see, which is forever at our disposal, there’s always something new to be discovered if you step out that door. We recently sat down with Bryan Moon, owner of a new Korean restaurant, Kichin NYC, to talk about his perspective on his neighborhood and go visit some of his go-to spots. As an entrepreneur, Bryan spends a lot of time near his restaurant and he sheds light on how having relationships with the people and community play a huge role on how the neighborhood grows.

Bryan is wearing: Mariner Packable Parka (coming soon), Aleks Linen Shirt, Niles Trouser

What are some of your Favorite Spots in your 12 block radius?

In no particular order, I’d say Mood Ring, Henry’s Wine Shop and Gnostic Tattoo are my go-to spots in my neighborhood. Mood ring is my go-to club if I ever feel the need to party. I love the maximal decor, and that so many people I know play there regularly. Sometimes DJ’s will stop in at Kichin for some food before their gigs and whenever they do, I feel privileged to work alongside such a great venue. Henry’s Wine Shop is my favorite place to buy wine around here because they’re inventory is vast and their staff is always so helpful and knowledgeable. I always leave with a great bottle. And Gnostic Tattoo is my go-to for tattoos. Their team is super talented but usually I just go there to kick it. I was introduced to the shop by good friend/artist Jae Kim (@bogusluck) and met the owner Leaf (@reverendleaf) who has supported Kichin since we started years ago. The majority of my tattoos were done by one of their very own, John Starr (@johnstarr) who has also become a close friend through the years he’s been tattooing me. I’ve got about a dozen from John now and definitely plan on getting more.

Do you have hobbies/habits that are now instinctual that you integrate into your day to day activities?

If the weather allows, I always try to get in a little bit of riding on my motorcycle. It’s perfect for me because I often have errands to run, and it’s actually the best way to get around efficiently, especially with the current bike I own. Right now I’ve got a ’99 Honda xr400r, it’s super compact, zippy and I’ve got the plate hidden underneath the back of it so it can’t really be seen by traffic cameras. If I need to go to Manhattan, I can get to Chinatown in about 15 minutes from the restaurant. I love riding out to Flushing whenever I can too because riding on Jackie Robinson is always super fun and with the bike, I can always skip the traffic.

Is there something that you wish your neighborhood has?

I wish the neighborhood had better access to Queens! I used to run a bunch of errands up and down Northern Boulevard and there you have access to just so much good food. Food is generally cheaper in Queens too, I love to go with friends when I can to eat a bunch of food and pig out. It would be nice if there were more direct methods of getting to different neighborhoods in Queens so that I could explore some more with friends, drink there, and not have to call a cab back home.

What influences does your neighborhood have on you?

Bushwick and other parts of Brooklyn have influenced me to remain informed about its history and how it’s gotten to what it is now. Part of owning a business in NYC is occasionally attending community board meetings. At these meetings, you can observe or participate in important discussions between community board members and entities that interact with the neighborhood. Bushwick specifically has a very outspoken community board and is extremely attentive to any changes that might be proposed to the locale. It’s amazing to see such a tight-knit community board that prioritizes the preservation of culture, and ownership over capitalistic gain, taking Williamsburg as an example of what happens when you let developers dictate how the neighborhood should be zoned. There is a rich history here that I think every transplant should at least be aware of.

Bryan is wearing: Vance Stripe Linen Shirt, Village Crew Neck Long Sleeve Tee, Astor Puckered Trouser

As a business owner, what does it mean to you on how you want to impact your neighbors?

I just want the restaurant to function as a reputable place of business where anyone can come to enjoy a great meal or glass of wine. I want the neighborhood to know that everyone is welcome and that we offer something for everyone.