Will Neighbors Tell Good Dog ‘Down Boy’?
Down, boy.Photo: Daniel Maurer
When we first spotted the plaster puppy being built inside of the mysterious Good Dog, we knew we were in for a treat. But in an entirely unexpected twist, last night we found the canine perched above the future hot-dog stand’s awning. Even if the beast is hilariously chained to the fire escape above (hey, it’s St. Marks — of course he’s wearing a choker), it’s clear that this sign is even more menacing than the controversial cupcake. That said, if the psychedelic pimp cup outside of neighbor Gama has lasted this long, maybe the dog can rest easy.
Openings
Japanese-Happy St. Marks Place Gets a Korean ComerLast week, Chang Han, the bearded, ponytailed bon vivant behind Emo’s uptown, brought his longtime chef Won Choi’s Korean home cooking to his new spot, Gama, on St. Marks Place. He’s given the former home of San Marcos a Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance makeover with decorations that include a suspended ‘75 Kawasaki, his mother’s ceremonial Korean dresses, lotus etchings donated by a monk, his wife’s pottery, and his kids’ drawings. (Chang lives across the street and also owns the St. Marks Market.) The standouts on the bargain-priced 76-item menu are Choi’s signature simmered cod in soy-and-garlic sauce and a light, spicy casserole that overflows with seastuffs (the meat version offers ham, pork belly, and hot dogs). In the front room, bargoers can enjoy Japanese sakes and Korean sojus as well as an herbal wine that promises 100 years of life to whoever imbibes it.
Gama, 12 St. Marks Pl., nr. Third Ave.; 212-475-7101.— Daniel Maurer
