Earlier this week, Bon Appetit released their Top 10 Restaurants in America for 2011, and on the list at No.5 was Chicago’s Ruxbin, owned by Edward, Viki and Jenny Kim.

Ruxbin has a vintage decor with sepia undertones that creates a warm and welcoming environment. Owner/Chef Edward “Teddy” Kim, who studied at Le Courdon Bleu, creates unique fusion dishes which utilizes his French technique and Korean heritage.

The menu is not incredibly big, but they incorporate many unexpected flavors and ingredients that make each dish unique. One of their most famous dishes is the calamari. Ruxbin creates a delicious twist to the commonly ordered appetizer by stuffing it with chicken and pork forcemeat, and serving it with potato confit, peanuts, pickled fennel, pea tendrils, and Korean chili. Another popular dish with a Korean flare is the halibut, which is poached in olive oil, and served with basmati wild rice, summer vegetables, tarragon, and a kimchi-bacon broth.

With such eclectic dishes and BYOB, Ruxbin is always busy with satisfied customers. They even have fantastic desserts like their panna cotta made with lychee and toasted coconut to end a delightful meal. Ruxbin only has 32 seats and a no-reservation policy, so grab a few friends and check it out!

Ruxbin
851 N Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 624- 8509
http://www.ruxbinchicago.com

On a side note, another Korean American chef-backed restaurant made it on BA‘s Top 10 list at No.2: Danny Bowien‘s Mission Street Food.

[Photos: Antoinette Bruno/Star Chefs and Ruxbin]