1st Annual Korean BBQ Cook-off Saturday

[Gohantabeyoka]

I usually find the offerings at these ethnic food fests to be sub-par, but this cook-off has 10 pretty solid restaurants competing for the barbecue bragging rights of Koreatown, so I think I'll brave the heat and head for KTown to check out this event.

Stop me if it's already been hyped here, but it's Saturday, Aug 8, from noon to 8 p.m. at the northwest corner of Vermont and Sixth St. in the heart of Koreatown. Details: http://bit.ly/KAC-BBQ

LA Weekly's Jonathan Gold, KCRW's Evan Kleiman and LAT's Russ Parson's will be the judges, so the 10 restaurants vying for the title of Best BBQ in KTown better bring their "A" game and their nastiest kimchi.

The flackage promo-ing this benefit for the Korean American Coalition smacks of Tofu Festival's of the recent past, and I'm a tad skeptical. But I LOVE KOREAN BBQ! so I will be there.

[ironchefwill]

Does anyone know the results of the Cook-off? Who walked away with bragging rights? Whose A-game was the best?

[Akitist]

Looks to be convenient to the Wilshire/Vermont subway station, too, for those who don't like the search for area parking. Red and Purple lines.

[hppzz]

I'm not worried about food running out---we're smack dab in the middle of Korea town! probably going to go just for the festivities..with the food $10-15 a plate, might sample some but i'll rather go to any number of numerous restaurants around there and eat for the same prices.

[Bjartmarr]

Yeah, that was my thought. The cool thing about these sorts of festivals is that you can wander up and down and buy $3-5 bites of food from three or four different vendors. If I'm going to spend $10-15 at just one place, I'd rather go to a restaurant.

[Phurstluv]

Exactly, and I intend to get there at NOON and try every vendor!! Can't wait!

[Jase]

Yeah, $10-15 seems rather excessive especially if there's going to be 10 vendors. $100-150?!? to try all 10? Even if I split everything with three other people, that's $25-35 each. Not to mention the logistics of juggling one plate and splitting it between all of us. For that much money, we'll head over to a good AYCE place.

I much prefer the $3-5 model and trying a few bites that are easily handled in an outdoor setting.

[groover808]

Please report back if you go, I'm not sure if I'm braving it since it's the first year. Maybe it won't be so popular, but Yelp is a sponsor and is definitely getting the word out there. I heard the plates vendors are selling will be btwn $10-$15, hopefully that comes with a lot and a ton of panchan?

[Phurstluv]

Thanks for the info ~ this is my latest obsession so I definitely want to go. Trying to rally some friends to accompany me.

Any suggestions on what to get, other than the galbi & bulgogi? I'm a little scared to try Kimchee, but I'll bet theirs is better than the bottled stuff in the stores, so I'll be brave!! TIA!

[Gohantabeyoka]

This isn't Kansas anymore, Phurstluver. This is post-whitebread Los Angeles, baby!
Keep your mind open and your palate will follow. Suggestions? Two words: Gop jang (seasoned pork entrails). Have fun! You've never tried kim chi? Hmm.

[Phurstluv]

I know, I know!! I'm a newbie and not proud of it, being I've lived here for 15 years!! Can't wait!

Pork entrails - are they crispy or soft?