So, I finally go the chance to check out Roy Choi's brick and mortar restaurant Chego in LA and let me tell you that is was so worth the wait! I arrived around 8:00pm and wouldn't you know it there was a line of folks outside trying to get in. So I decided to just walk in the front door as if I was with the "band" and it so worked!!! It's a really tiny spot with a long sit down communal table with benches to sit on and another communal bar top for standing only.
Because I was solo I was able to score the only seat on the sit down table. I ordered the 5 flavor kimchi sampler, the chubby pork belly bowl with this ooey gooey cotija cheese and for the finale the sriracha bar. WOW did I pick the winning dishes, I'm so kidding because everybody around me was oohing and aaaahhing as if we were watching fireworks on 4th Lake. Funny how communal tables get complete strangers to begin taking especially about great food. I'll start with the kimchi sampler was really good and the fennel and preserved garlic was the winner on this plate. THE PORK BELLY WAS REALLY OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! The caramelization on the pork was spot on and all of the little crispy bits sprinkled all over were like the crispy treats in the bottom of killer fish & chips. And the sunny side up egg with tons of Thai basil just gave the bowl that WINNING combo.
Last but not least was this sticky rice in the bottom that I will spend the weekend trying to duplicate. I was way too full to eat the Sriracha bar so I saved it for my flight back to the East Coast. So somewhere over Oklahoma, I know this because of that little fancy map on the seatback, I delicately rolled open the foil and begin to eat this incredible candy bar with this crunchy, spicy, nutty, gooey bit of culinary pleasure! CHEF CHOI thank you and nd I'll be back.
