On January 24, the renowned James Beard Foundation revealed its 2024 award semifinalists, and among them is JŪN, the brainchild of talented chefs Evelyn Garcia and Henry Lu. Situated in the Heights, JŪN, labeled as a “New Asian American” restaurant, is in the running for the prestigious title of Best New Restaurant, an acknowledgment that coincides perfectly with the establishment’s first birthday celebration on February 7.

From Top Chef to JŪN: Garcia’s Culinary Journey

Before JŪN’s inception, Evelyn Garcia made her mark on Houston’s culinary scene by securing the second spot in Bravo’s Top Chef: Houston Season 19. Her participation in pop-up events and the development of KIN HTX, a product line created in collaboration with Henry Lu, heightened anticipation for JŪN among Houston diners.

JŪN’s Rise to Acclaim

Since opening its doors a year ago, JŪN has garnered widespread acclaim, earning a spot on the list of Best New Restaurants of 2023, both locally and nationally. The restaurant’s success is a testament to its unique culinary identity and the duo’s commitment to creating a distinctive dining experience.

JŪN’s Second-Year Celebrations

As JŪN embarks on its second year, Garcia and Lu have curated a series of special events and celebrations throughout February. The festivities kick off with JŪN’s 1st Birthday Bash on February 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. This celebration will see guest chefs taking over the menu, including Top Chef alum Sasha Kate Grumman, MasterChef: Legends runner-up Suu Khin, and Gabriel Medina of Click Virtual Food Hall.

The birthday bash promises a vibrant atmosphere with a live mariachi band, a DJ set by Stephen Chavez, and performances by drag artists Hannah Santana and Petty Brooks. Ticket prices for the event are set at $45, and interested individuals can purchase them on OpenTable.

Following the birthday bash, JŪN is set to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a one-day à la carte dim sum menu on Saturday, February 10, from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Reservations are highly recommended for this special occasion.

JŪN’s Super Bowl Offerings

JŪN is making Super Bowl party planning convenient by offering to-go packs of essential snacks. Options include sweet and spicy glazed wings, a charcuterie board, crudité boxes, and Buffalo wing chicken dip. To complement the snacks, JŪN is offering a six-pack of Modelo beer, a 16-ounce container of JŪN michelada mix, and chili for the rim at $66. Pre-orders are currently being accepted on the KIN HTX website.

Valentine’s Day Delight at JŪN

Culminating the month’s events is a special Valentine’s Day four-course dinner menu curated by Garcia and Lu, with an optional wine pairing. The dinner, with two seating times at 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., offers a delightful culinary experience. Reservations are required and can be made on OpenTable.

Reflecting on a Year of Culinary Excellence

Henry Lu reflects on the past year, expressing excitement and disbelief at reaching this milestone. He emphasizes their commitment to authenticity and creating a unique experience that resonates with their culinary identity. JŪN remains open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

As JŪN continues to thrive and celebrate its successes, it stands as a testament to the dynamic culinary landscape of Houston.

(Note: Statistics and additional information on JŪN’s achievements could be included based on available data.)