Thursday, February 05, 2009

Kogi BBQ: The Korean BBQ Taco Truck

If you live in the greater Los Angeles area, you must already know about this concept Korean "restaurant" which serves galbi (short ribs), spicy bulgogi (pork) and other Korean marinated meats (and non-meats: tofu!) on tortillas.... from a taco truck... To add to some character, the truck has been chased off lots by the police in the past because of permit issues.

David tried to check this spot out a week ago but the truck had run out of meat. He received a free taco coupon, but it left a bitter taste in his mouth. He gathered the troops at his house. David and Philly.


Attempt #2: He came strong with the entourage, did some research, and anticipated the next spot, The Golden Gopher. (Actually, they post where they will be a week in advance on their website.)


We got there 45 minutes ahead of the truck, so we had a few rounds inside.


Weird shit.


10 minutes before 9pm, and there's a line about 60 people deep! The line literally came outta nowhere and we had to wait in line.


And Kogi's here!


Old friends from UCSD (plus Naomi): Jimmy, me, Samir, Christine, David, Marian, Phil, Naomi. I'm down with my Korean blood.


The menu.


Christine looking epic with her hair whipping around in the air. Me looking like a giddy little kid.




After a 30-minute wait, we got our tacos!


And a kimchi quesadilla! Amazing.


With no outdoor seating offered by the truck, we posted up on Phil's trunk. Good times.


With the night young, we walk a few blocks down to the Library Bar for another round.


David always looks like he's thinking. That's because he is.


Phil and Marian. And some tongue flashing.


More tongue flashing?!


Being intellectual. This place was pretty chill.


Christine downing a tangerine flavored ale. Very nice.


Goodnight LA. Thank you for the memories.


So did this spot live up to the hype? Yes and no. The food was very good, but a bit on the salty side for my taste. I probably wouldn't wait 2 hours for this by myself. But on an empty stomach, a craving for Korean BBQ, waiting only 30 minutes, and being there with old friends definitely was a make for a great night out.

UCSD Wednesdays may be a reoccurring thing...

2 comments:

EagleEye2002 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
EagleEye2002 said...

Dude, I just went to both those bars the other weekend. Both are great places. I live nearby. Thanks for the invite, homey.