From the owners, chefs and mixologists behind the Lower East Side’s beloved Russian restaurant Tzarevna, comes Yo+Shoku, a brand-new dining experience that combines traditional Yoshoku cuisine with familiar Asian and Eastern European flavors from the owners’ childhoods. While the term “yoshoku” in Japanese literally translates to “western food,” it refers to a type of fusion cuisine that combines traditionally Western foods with Japanese influence. Following a significant loss of customers during the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war overseas, husband and wife duo Ricky and Mariia Dolinsky decided to completely transform the former Tzarevna restaurant space into this new and unique dining concept.
“I am Ukrainian and my wife, Mariia, is Russian,” said Ricky. “Our love for both countries runs deep, but it has come to a point where we are unable to do what we love most, which is connect with our customers over meals that we grew up eating. Despite our best efforts to remain as neutral as possible, customers chose to support politics over supporting a small business. Our new concept, Yo+Shoku, gives us the opportunity to shift the focus back to the food and reconnect with our customers over our take on an incredible and underrepresented cuisine in New York City while still paying homage to our roots.”
The inviting dining space showcases elevated Yoshoku fare that’s influenced by Ricky’s memories of traditional Asian cuisines and his and Mariia’s love for traditional Eastern European flavors. The pair has collaborated on a first-of-its-kind fusion food menu that includes a variety of delectable dishes you won’t want to miss. The menu offers a variety of flavors of Onigiri, including Roquefort, smoked trout, duck confit and pork belly. Yo+Shoku also has a selection of Wafu pasta dishes, including Udon Carbonara, Asari Pasta and Miso Bolognese. Small plates include Agedashi Tofu, Macha Wings, Wagyu Katsu Sando, Salmon Skin Salad Zensai and Borscht Curry Udon. Larger Plates include Omurice with Mole Negro, Curried Crab Gratin, Karaage Chicken and Mochi Waffles, Okonomiyaki “B.E.C.” (bacon, egg, and cheese), Duck Breast Katsu and Chapialin Steak. Last but not least, you won’t want to miss their house-made Honey Cake with mango-passion fruit sauce for dessert!
Yo+Shoku is also now offering a specially curated sake selection ranging from spicy to sweet, with an option for a tasting flight. Yo+Shoku also offers a selection of beer, wine, coffee and organic tea for customers to enjoy.
And, as if the unique and fun flavors found in the Yo+Shoku restaurant space weren’t reason enough to visit, the location also holds a special speakeasy secret. Paper Planes, an inviting speakeasy located in the back of Yo+Shoku, can be found by walking along a hallway adorned with handmade paper planes. Paper Planes opened this summer ahead of Yo+Shoku and features a rotating cocktail menu of playful takes on classics, signature creations and seasonal offerings. Some of the current cocktail creations on offer include “House of the Rising Sun” (Whiskey, single-malt scotch, orgeat, lime, orange blossom water, egg white and cherry), “The Room Where It Happened” (Cognac, creme de peche, cocchi vermouth di torino and colonial bitters), “I Must Be Dreaming” (Navy strength gin, dill & pepper vodka, bianco vermouth) and their titular creation, “Paper Plane” (Bourbon, aperol, lemon, amaro Montenegro).
Yo+Shoku is now open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 6pm to 10pm and Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 11pm. Paper Planes is open Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 6pm to 11pm and Friday and Saturday from 6pm to 12am. For more information, menu updates and reservations for Yo+Shoku, visit yoshoku.nyc. For more information, menu updates and reservations for Paper Planes, visit paperplanes.nyc.
