The owners of nationally recognized The Webster plan to open a ramen shop and cocktail lounge
Sam Gelman has long wanted to open a ramen shop in Iowa City. His background at chef David Chang’s Momofuku Restaurant Group based in New York City working at and then opening restaurants in the United States and Canada introduced him to the umami flavors of Korean and Japanese cuisines.
Now Gelman, along with his wife, Riene, are on the brink a second restaurant in Iowa City. The owners of The Webster plan to debut Paper Crane Ramen Shop & Cocktail Lounge at 121 N. Linn St. in October. The ramen shop takes over the former Bashu Chinese restaurant space.
The couple partnered with Edwin Lee, who worked at The Webster since it opened in 2021. At Paper Crane, Lee not only heads up the kitchen but introduces Iowa City to his style of ramen.
“Lee’s menu will bring a dynamic range of ramen offerings, including both traditional and seasonal selections, to a city where this style of cuisine has been underrepresented,” according to a news release. Lee has been showcasing his work at The Webster during pop-up events.
“I’m incredibly excited to share Paper Crane with the Iowa City community,” Lee said in a news release. “We’ve created something truly special that brings a new energy to the dining scene — there’s nothing quite like it here, and I believe it will set a new standard for the type of experiences people can expect downtown.”
What’s on the menu at Paper Crane?
Sam Gelman described the menu as “casual, approachable, yet expertly crafted.” Diners can expect an elevated yet inviting dining experience. “Ed’s expertise and creativity in the kitchen will be the driving force behind the menu, and we’re thrilled to share his vision with Iowa City.”
What will Paper Crane look like?
Expect a full-service dining area on one side serving fast-casual ramen dishes, with a cocktail lounge catering to the “adult crowd with refined tastes” on the other, more intimate side. The Gelmans describe the look of the lounge as sophisticated and moody, serving small plates and bar appetizers to pair with craft cocktails.
The ramen side plans to be casual, and open for lunch and dinner. Takeout and delivery options will be available.
How is The Webster related?
The Gelmans opened The Webster in 2021 at 202 N. Linn St. It's since gone on to accolades from the New York Times and USA TODAY, where it was named one of the best restaurants in America. The Iowa City Press Citizen named Sam Gelman a Person to Watch in 2024.
The menu changes frequently as produce and ingredients move in and out of season. Do go with a diner who likes to share dishes.
More: Iowa City favorite named one of the best restaurants in US. What to know before you go.
Who are Sam and Riene Gelman?
Sam Gelman worked at television personality and chef David Chang’s restaurants, including Momofuku in New York and elsewhere, for 12 years. Riene had worked at Eleven Madison Park, the three Michelin-starred vegetarian restaurant from chef Daniel Humm, in New York City.
Sam grew up in Iowa City and chose to open The Webster in the former home to Pearson Drug Store, where he dined as a kid with his father and grandfather, who worked at Mercy Hospital as an orthopedic surgeon two blocks away.
More: Meet the upscale Iowa restaurant that the New York Times called 'compelling'
Where to find Paper Crane
Location: 121 N. Linn St. Iowa City
Contact: papercraneic.com
Susan Stapleton is the entertainment editor and dining reporter at The Des Moines Register. You can reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or drop her a line at sstapleton@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Sam Gelman of The Webster in Iowa City opens Paper Crane with ramen
