L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food

I found out about this book watching The Chef Show, which Chef Roy co-presented with Jon Favreau. I'm so glad I saw the show because this book spoke to my heart (and my stomach). The book is about 70% gripping memoir and 30% recipes (some classical, some fusion) and I found it extremely hard to put down. To quote Iron Man, there is "language" in this book, so if you have sensitive sensibilities, you may want to cover your eyes. That said, he's had an amazing life. Personal favorite chapter was about cooking for Rokusaburo Michiba. I watched every episode of the original Iron Chef and hearing about apprenticing in the Iron Chef's kitchen was awesome. For the recipes, I immediately felt at home. As a kid who grew up on Oahu, you know you're in good hands when one of the ingredients listed for the dishes in the book is SPAM (defined as "SPAM. Gotta have SPAM"). Now I finally have real recipe for SPAM banh mi, French onion soup, and abalone porridge. Some of the ingredients aren't in your corner store, but I know I'll have fun trying to find them. If you're interested in the twists and turns, the drive and persistence, and the craft and skill that created the Kogi food trucks, you don't want to miss this one. Someday I will get to have a real Kogi taco... Looking forward. Until then, I'll reread this and do my best on the recipes.

I bought this book ostensibly for my husband, after he recommended I listen to Mr. Choi's NPR interview. The interview he gave on Fresh Air was smart and funny and engaging, and even though I don't live in a town with a bustling food truck population, I have read my fair share about them. This book is has great recipes, wonderful and at time heartbreaking stories from Mr. Choi's own life, and these great, color saturated photos. This is one book that I'd recommend the hardcover over the Kindle version, just so you can lay it out and pore over it. The recipes are varied, interesting, and for the novice as well as the pro. You may not want to buy it for your mom if she is offended by pot smoking and f-bombs, but everyone else will adore it. (Your mom will probably like it, too.) I love a cookbook that's as great to cook from as to read!

Chef Choi is a well established figure in the LA food scene. What he dishes out here is an autobiography with recipes. There is something compelling about smart bad boys finding themselves in the CIA (Culinary Institute of America, the "Harvard of culinary schools" per Chef Choi) as a means of changing their life's path. Tony Bourdain came from upper middle class roots in northern New Jersey. Roy Choi is from the quintessential Korean entrepreneurial family. I lost count of the number of degrees, positions held, and businesses created by his parents. Roy's youth is an interesting tale of excess and hubris. The ups and downs of the culinary world of modern Los Angeles are a fascinating read. But: Roy's Korean standards and his innovative Latin, Korean, SOCAL mashups are incredible. Now I know why certain foods are stocked by H-Mart and how they are used in Korean cuisine (those inexpensive roasted chestnuts that I've been using for Classic French pastry belong in a stew!). The world of cooking is being changed by the Internet, however cookbooks like this one will always find a place in my library.

I like the way the book mixes recipes with anecdotes about life and Los Angeles. Entertaining style and we'll definitely try some of his suggestions. Roy Choi comes off as a high energy author and chef with a different take on both life and cooking. Good he had some talented associates to put this book together. The mix of subjects is difficult though, not quite a cook book, not quite a guide, not really impressive philosophically, and not something that belongs entirely in a kitchen (at least ours). In a way, it would have been nice to separate "fact from fiction" so to speak, keeping seemingly random thoughts and ideas for various meals indexed on colored or marked pages, perhaps as a paperback similar to other cookbooks. Or maybe it's not really intended to be a cookbook...something to keep in mind.

Amazing story, amazing life. Roy shows that no matter how many blows life throws him (both figuratively and literally) he always gets back up, and finishes the fight under his terms. I can really relate to his story and upbringing being both Korean and Mexican, and growing up in So Cali...Roy's story epitomizes the Cali Chicano saying "Smile Now, Cry Later".. Also, being a true fan of his Kogi Tacos, he is a genius....sure taco trucks have been around L.A. for ages, but what he did, he is the OG Godfather of the modern food truck movement that has exploded over the past few years...anyone who disagrees does not know the streets or food scene...and besides the food truck scene, the "fusion" that is everywhere is also a result of his crazy mind.... A very fast read, I started reading it last night for about 3 hours, and another couple of hours today, and its all over! I wish I could read it again for the first time; the truest indication of good book. I could even say that this may be the best book I have read in quite some time, and I typically read at least 3-4 books a month. If you want to read another very similar story and life, pick up Eddie Huang's Fresh Off the Boat. I think these 2 books should be sold together in a package. Now if I can only meet Roy to sign my copy.

I am a native Angelino and Chef displaced in New England. that said Roy made my heart flutter with his thoughts, realities and experiences that only happen in L.A.. This is more of a memoir than a cook book . A good read but the recipes might be tough if you havent eaten much street food. I read it all in one day and was surprised that there was such a small nod to his classical training, I have eaten his food. He is very talented no question. These recipes are the tacos, dirty dogs and messed up hybrids of food that many of us grew up on , and that is awesome! I would kill for some Korean BBQ off of Olympic Blvd but in Ma that aint happenin. Roy can guide you to some good Korean soul food and a good feel for the food of L.A..I would recommend this to L.A. expats as you will smile every 3 minutes of reading. As well as those who want to experience that small but important region of the country. FYI if you are offended by expletives especially the F word this is not for you. No matter where you are find a moment of sun make a pork belly taco and smile cause your doin it Cali style.

One of the best chefs around that I’ll always support as a foodie who loves innovative cooking.

This book is a great read as well as it has cookable recipes. He brings you on a tour of LA and Korean culture. I have loved watching him on the The Chef show but his book gave me a greater understanding of his work, style and background. He is humble and gifted. He also shares a story of finding ones person through challenge and hard work. As well as the trauma and trials of cultural immigration that affect a person of color. He is doing amazing work for others and has been an inspiration throughout the pandemic! .