David Bae’s Kolture Group has swung open the doors to its latest venue Astro at The Streets of Barangaroo precinct in Sydney.
Located in the former Soot space, Astro’s offering is inspired by Tokyo izakayas and the Korean barbeque venues of Seoul.
“I wanted to create a venue where you can unwind at lunch or after work eating incredible Izakaya-style dishes, combining the communal atmosphere that Yakiniku or Korean BBQ brings, while knocking down some refreshing highballs and just having a damn good time,” says Bae.
Kolture Group Executive Chef Jacob Lee has curated Astro’s lunch menu of donburi bowls with the choice of Guytan (BBQ beef tongue with Japanese green onion sauce); miso salmon; gochujang pork; wagyu brisket; pork katsu; unagi (eel); wagyu tsukune (meatballs); and vegetarian options.
Heading into dinner, guests can expect izakaya-inspired small plates alongside yakiniku, rice, and noodle dishes.
Dishes on the debut dinner menu include Ora king salmon with yuja wasabi and cucmber sobagi; wagyu hanger steak clay pot with garlic butter rice; and kingfish collar with yuzu pepper ponzu and mizuna.
Drinks-wise, there’s a collection of creative cocktails for guests to choose from including the Soju Wanna Drink (soju, Toki whiskey, vanilla, apricot, plum) and the Full Moon (gin, lychee, shichimi, green tea).
Astro also serves a range of highballs, mocktails, soju, sake, beer, wine and spirits.
The venue’s name is inspired by Japanese manga and anime series Astro Boy – a favourite of Bae’s growing up.
Astro is now open Tuesday through to Sunday at 100 Barangaroo Avenue, Barangaroo, Sydney.