Moono's interior offers an inviting design, with a bar, stairway to an upper level, and a first-floor dining room that promises further exploration. The meal began with a complimentary soup - tart and palate-awakening.

The Korean beef jerky arrived perfectly textured, elevated by a remarkable chopi mayo that transformed the dish. Seasoned acorn jelly emerged as an unexpected highlight, its pepper mix delivering added layer of flavor, especially impressive given its accessible price point. The much-lauded spicy fried chicken lived up to its reputation - impeccably fried to a golden perfection, with a clever side sauce design that keeps diners' hands clean. The complimentary kimchi banchan - keep them coming.

The true showstopper, however, was the galbi-jjim. Whispered about in reverent tones by those in the know (aka yelpers), this dish earns its near-perfect 9.8/10 rating. Tender meat nestled alongside vegetables - particularly the mushrooms - creates a symphony of flavors that demands repeated bites. A mushroom sotbap added further complexity, layering different fungal textures and tastes. The cocktail menu proved equally thoughtful, with the Gam offering a spirit-forward experience and the Oksusu delivering an intriguing, slightly creamy corn-forward profile.

A return visit for desserts and galbi-jjim is already marked on the calendar.