Kogi Taqueria — Restaurant in Los Angeles

Trying times call for drastic action and being the Autobot Leader that Chef Roy Choi is he has transformed his physical location, which resided at this address prior. My thanks to Barrio Tacos; it seems to be a symbiotic relationship of the Venom Suit after Peter Parker reached peaceful equlibrium with it variety. (see Amazing SpiderMan #800). In essence they feed each other business because feeling quite disheartened that Kogi seemingly vanished from the Overland and Palms intersection I ordered traditional mexican food which had bold flavors that took me back to my Grandmother's kitchen table as a child. While eating outside I wondered to myself "Just how many more restaurants and lives would fall to this invisible villain?"

I thanked the owner and began mentioning how much I missed Kogi Taqueria, she instantly smiled and pointed across the street saying "What you seek is just up the way, it's transformed back into a food truck!" I thanked her again so fast my words ran together into one loud run-on exclamation as I nearly bolted across a busy intersection in a state of sheer euphoria.

The Korean Taco Justice League had once again Rolled Out in Food Truck Form. I felt as if I was rediscovering a hidden Jedi Temple of deliciousness for my quest rebounded from failure to success as I blissfully marched through a semi-opaque cloud that drifted over the entire street. Beckoning the curious and breaking necks like a fresh pair of Black Cement Jordan 3's. They passed by on foot, and in their vehicles stopping well before the traffic light to gawk wide-eyed at the scene straight out of Jon Favreau's Chef based on and inspired by Chef Roy Choi. It all came full circle.

POW! A nostalgic wave of freshly cut cilantro, onion, and peppers juxtaposed with the caramelizing of Korean Short Rib, my own personal siren song calling to me. Those wondrous smells pervaded the air and all at once I was transported back to 2009, 18 years old standing in a busy parking lot filled with people in excited conversations of what they'd choose off the menu like over zealous children trying to decided which ride at Disneyland should be first. That memory combined with the elation I felt tonight brought tears of joy to my eyes.

The line shockingly seemed to have no beginning nor end winding like an overgrown burmese python composed of people from down the street, to others who happily took a road trip from miles away just to buy one of everything to take back to their latest Netflix binge; even a few groups of tourists moved in unison like tightly formed schools of fish swimming through the open air of The Getty all the while chattering in hangry whispered debate about which food was/is better. After all was said and done they agree that Everything at Kogi is Stellar and if not then it's Perfect.

Time sped up around me and the crowd dwindled until I was next in line and before I knew it I was jubilantly asking but really shouting "Una BlackJack Quesadilla y Cinco Tacos Por Favor!"

Since the lock down Los Angeles was/still is devastated, and I could only ever imagine Jonathan Gold would've been as well... Hope is Alive; It's the food, but more than that it's the restaurant teams, their family's, the sharing of recipes, histories, philosophies, their cultures fusing by living, working side by side that make up the life blood of Los Angeles. On that night in 2009 I didn't truly realize the significance what I was a part of yet I felt I was a part of something larger than myself. So now eleven years later while witnessing a similar scene, however, now with a true sense of appreciation. A Microcosm if you will of our Los Angeles uniting; it made me love my city more to see how hard we're fighting to survive, recover, and thrive.

Thank You Chef Roy...

The Kogi Taqueria is the brick and mortar version of the Kogi food trucks that started the gourmet food explosion in California and nationwide. Their food is a fusion of Mexican and Korean. This stand-alone taqueria occupies the corner unit of an "L" shaped mini mall located on the southeast corner of Palms and Overland in West Los Angeles. Blink and you'll miss it. The unlit sign over the entrance has only 5 inch high letters. The name "kogi" on the painted window facing Overland is so small you'll drive right by it. Easier way to find it is to locate the 7Eleven on the northeast corner, look south across Palms and there it is. To say it is casual is an understatement. Its like eating at the food truck, except there are some communal tables and some counter height bar tables that line the windows with the stools facing outward. Sometimes the line to order extends to the front door. It always seems like there are alot of questions about various menu items so it does take a bit longer than you probably thought it would. The same can be said about the wait for your order too. Everything is fresh made to order. The menu expands upon the Kogi Truck offerings with lots of additional specialty items worth exploring like the Kogi Chicken Wings or the Spicy Korean Fries. The main stay tacos and burritos are there and the meat choices have expanded. For those that don't know Kogi is known for the Korean and Mexican infused tacos and burritos. I am partial to the chicken burrito. It has just enough spice to create some fire on the lips and as it goes down, but it's not going to make your head explode. You can get it mild or extra spicy if you like. You order at the register. Pay. Wait for your number to be called when your order's ready. Grab it from the raised kitchen counter. Sit down or take out and enjoy. Seating is a bit cramped. Mostly counter height no-back metal stools. People waiting for open tables and/or their orders are sometimes pushed up against those on stools or in line to order. The parking lot is very small and has an entrance on both Overland and Palms. It's a tight turn as are the turns into the few spaces in their lot. It is free parking. Is it worth it? Absolutely. Pricing is very affordable and the food is gourmet quality. It's also a fun change of pace to sit in close proximity to others, meet some new people, talk about your first Kogi experience, and whatever else you feel like sharing. Its a very eclectic mix of every demographic. They are open Tuesday through Sunday from 11am until late (check website). It's nice to not be beholdin to the truck schedule if and when it comes close to your neighborhood or workplace. I'vd been back several times and the food is always consistently great!...

Hubby and I learned about this truck thanks to Anthony Bourdain. We thought they looked fun and knew we needed to look them up on our next LA trip. Well, here we are! Oddly enough, we didn't really think about it until we were putting our kiddo to sleep. I checked out their page and learned that they were 15 minutes away for only 30 more minutes. Thank goodness our little one went down easy and my mom was game to stay at the hotel with him. We raced away and made it just in time! In fact, they closed their window right after we placed our order.

We decided to get a spread of food and really go all out. Here's what we had.

Chilaquiles (current special) - Chips loaded with two different salsas, egg and chicken. I was totally in love with the way the chips absorbed the salsas. They were perfectly soggy in just the right way and I absolutely can't describe. Both salsas complimented each other so well and the Chicken was very tender. This was definitely my favorite of what we had.

Tacos - One calamari and one short Rib. The calamari was for hubby. He said it was it's so so. But we both enjoyed the short Rib, especially my husband!

Chili Chicken Quesadilla - You can't really go wrong with a quesadilla. But made this one extra awesome with a the sweet and hot chili sesame sauce they drizzle on top. So good!

Pacman Burger - There's no actual patty for this burger. It's more Ike a pile of shredded meat. It also had some seasoned mayo on top that helped to make the bun nice and soggy. This was hubby's favorite for sure!

Sriracha Bar - I really wanted the Chocolate Tres Leches Cake, but it had already sold out. This was clearly the second choice and not as exciting. The base of it (I.e. 90% of it) were these little crispy balls that didn't want to hold the shape of the bar and crumbled the second I picked it up. I mostly just ate the layer of caramel and chocolate on top.

This was a very fun adventure and we totally enjoyed trying...