Floored! recently caught up with Kogi BBQ’s Chef Roy Choi to find out what he’s cooking up in the Korean Pavilion at this year’s NRA Show.
F: Nice to meet you, Chef Roy! Thanks for letting us hop a ride with you on the Kogi Truck. We’re excited to have your crew at this year’s NRA Show. What would you say is the most popular item on your menu?
R: I’d have to say the Korean short rib taco is one of the most popular items.
F: How does Korean cuisine influence your cooking?
R: The spirit of Korea is translated through my cooking and captured through my personal experience as a Korean American living in L.A. The ingredients and soul are the most influential to me.
F: What are you plans in the near future?
R: To re-invent the taco stand in LA and NYC. Then expand the menu to highlight street food and underused proteins.
F: What do you usually cook at home when you’re not manning the Kogi Truck?
R: Honestly, I hardly ever cook at home. I’m lucky if I can boil a cup of ramen!
F: From working in the kitchens of top restaurants and hotels to cooking in the back of a truck serving tacos on the street, what is the major difference in catering to your customers?
R: The fundamentals are all the same: great service, quality ingredients, attention to detail, passion, cleanliness, and delicious food.
F: What are the biggest challenges you face?
R: The biggest challenge right now is the perception that this is a trend, when really it’s just great food at cheap prices.
F: How does your formal culinary training translate into street food?
R: My formal training has given me confidence in my cooking and has allowed me to cook in a simple way. I have nothing I need to prove to anyone. I can cook simple food without worrying about if I am as good as another chef.
F: OK, now for the final and most important question. What can we expect to sample at the Korean Pavilion in May?
R: We’ll be cooking up our signature chicken, short rib, and pork Korean BBQ Tacos.
F: Yum, we can’t wait! Thanks Roy, we look forward to seeing you in Chicago!
Are you curious to find out why so many loyal followers (and there are many, including Anthony Bourdain!) throughout LA keep an eye out for the Kogi Truck’s next stop? Check it out on Twitter today.
Get in on the action at the Korean Pavilion at NRA Show 2009.
Not yet registered for the NRA Show? What are you waiting for? Do it now! The Kogi Truck is on its way!
Photo credit: Eric Shin
what booth are you going to be at?
Posted by: sam eisenmann | April 24, 2009 at 12:11 PM