JACKSON HEIGHTS — A chef who used to make sushi out of his apartment for his local Thai community has opened a sushi and sake bar in the basement of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Palm Tangjantuk, 30, has worked at Thai and Japanese restaurants in New York and Chicago for five years, most recently at Sea in Williamsburg.
But in his off hours he'd make sushi and other Japanese food out of his apartment for members of his tight-knit Thai community in Queens.
His boss at Sea suggested he open his own place, based on the popularity of his side gig.
Within a few months Tangjantuk was renovating the restaurant space below Zabb Elee at 71-28 Roosevelt Ave., which was given a Michelin star last year.
He started experimenting with the menu, with a focus on presentation, and Zabb Sake Bar opened Fourth of July weekend.
While the two restaurants are not affiliated — Zabb means tasty in Thai — Tangjantuk said they're a "brotherhood" of like-minded restaurateurs.
"We imagined and created," he said. "We tried everything again and again and again. It's a fun take on Japanese food."
He built the 12-table restaurant like a popular izakaya, akin to a Japanese gastropub.
It's decorated with old photos and ephemera from Japan, with a full bar that includes $12 pitchers of Sapporo, as well as Asahi and sake.
The grill menu features beef tongue, octopus, chicken gizzards and lots of seafood.
And another chef, Thanontuch "Up" Lajamnuay, 23, plates creative sushi rolls in martini glasses and shelves.
"People come to hang out and talk," Tangjantuk said. "We play good music, it's relaxing."
The restaurant is open late, from 6 p.m. until 4 a.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. the rest of the week.
A grand opening is planned for later in July.
