Zip is...

Description:
"Zip" means "Home" in Korean and it is the inspiration behind the second high-energy restaurant opened by Jason Ha, an engaging young Korean entrepreneur. The friendly staff greets customers by name, usually by the second visit.

Décor:
Zip Fusion’s vibrant double front restaurant space features a performance kitchen and front patio, packed well after midnight. The high-ceiling interior features organic sienna and deep blue walls with large, handsome abstract organic paintings in the front and side dining rooms, as well as the three intimate, state-of-the-art karaoke rooms tucked around one side that hold five to 15 guests.

Cuisine:
Described as “unique Asian-California Fusion with soul” cuisine, Owner-proprietor Jason Ha and Chef Sean take advantage of the “astonishing array of fresh produce and fish available in Los Angeles.” Ha brings inspiration from his former Korean home which he describes as the “Italy of Asia” since it is also a peninsula rich in fish, seafood and fresh produce. This is reflected in the healthy, artistic sushi and Pan-Asian meat, seafood and vegetable dishes created by Ha with Executive Chef Sean Ahn, which feature Korean ingredients in sushi and original dishes with Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian and American touches. Award-winners include the composed Seaweed Salad, the inspired, show stopper Albo-cata and the whimsical Whiskey Back and Soda, no-rice sushi roll.

Specialties of the Bar
The bar menu includes soju, the affordable, smooth but strong South Korean drink known as Asian vodka (approximately 20% alcohol) and Bekseju, a rich rice wine with medicinal characteristics ; an full array of sakes, western wine and Korean beers.

Available at the Westside location: Catering and delivery and Kiddie Birthday Party Menu

Bios...

Jason Ha is the high energy creator of Zip Fusion Restaurants. Both the Art District and Westside locations have been highly acclaimed by critics and the community for their affordable award-winning cuisine and lively hospitality since their openings in 2002 and 2005. Ha’s family owned and operated a number of highly successful eastern and western restaurants in Korea, and Jason researched dining fare throughout Asia before coming to the United States in 1988. Ha’s discovery in California of “the most amazing fresh ingredients available year-around play into my healthy Korean-based Asian fusion dishes.” Ha’s fun-loving enthusiasm as host and menu designer is boundless, proven by his honors as a “Mover and Shaker” by the downtown Los Angeles community, and the “best salad,” “best hot spot” and “best sushi” restaurant awards for Zip.

Executive Chef, Sean An

The son of one of Korean’s most well-respected architects, Kukan An, Captain An brings to the Zip kitchen his passion and artistic talent for originality and flavor balance, along with his meticulous sense of detail from his academic background as an engineer. Sean learned how to please the most discriminating palate while cooking for high officers in the Korean military during his tour of duty. Chef An plays a major role in creating the exquisite yet inexpensive Zip Fusion dishes with Ha to match the vibrant design concept of Zip.