The Backstory

I’ve learned a lot about K-towners this year, namely the fact that peeps living in this part of town (Korean or other) are SOOOOO proud of their hood. I mean what’s not to love: Downtown LA just a few miles south, Silver Lake right under the 101 to the east, Weho and Bev Hills just a short drive north, and SoCal beaches just yonder out west. Choi’s come a long way from his infamous Kogifood truck developing further food concepts with Chego!, Sunny Spot, A-Frame, and now back to his Ktown roots with Pot restaurant, café, and bar/lounge (named after Korean hot-pot soup).

The Vibe

The newspaper-style menu is broken up into various sub-categories of hot pot soups, street fare, sides, and noodles. Our group of four opted for something from each category and since we were seated at the bar/expedition kitchen, we missed out on the communal hot pot dining (served at regular table-tops) but took advantage of the sights and scene from our cozy little corner hobnobbing with the staff, prep cooks, and even Mr. Choi himself.

On the Menu

Freebie combo very indicative of what every other Ktown establishment offers. Except that they charge $1-$3 for kimchi, unheard of in these parts but hey, someone’s gotta pay the overhead to keep this place up and running, right?

Our least favorite dish of the night. The texture was a mix between a chunk of tuna and coagulated corn meal, tough and chewy, and not chopstick friendly to say the least. You’re forced to spoon chunks away from the meat as it didn’t break easily to the touch. Fishy flavors complemented this dish, so if you’re not into chicken from the sea, I would definitely not recommend this.

LOVE this little side dish, the anchovies were chewy and crunchy with a slightly salted flavor that works wonders with some beer.

The chopped scallions were a simple, but bright touch to these street fare staples, elevating it from Mom and Pop shop to fancy hotel dining. Two must orders!

For those of you who like your galbi jjim sweet and saucy, this one’s NOT for you. Almost like a cross between an herb-flavored Mongolian hotpot and Vietnamese Bo Kho (beef stew) I really loved the bold, almost Chinese medicinal-like flavors of this soup. Simple, savory, and best of all clears your sinuses with just one spoonful, how many of your beef stews can attest to that quality?

The way it was meant to be served. Piping hot, crisped and charred, with 2 over easy eggs to scramble with. AHMAZINGGGGGGG! My only gripe is that the stone pot didn’t stay hot long enough to scorch the rice after the first helping. If there was a way Choi can devise this sucker with a temporary burner underneath, you’d get the crunchy layer at the bottom with every bite. Order 2 small ones instead of one large serving; it’ll save you the trouble of talking shit between scoops ;D

Every Korean joint serves up some variation of this fried fish staple, yet somehow, some way, Choi has managed to out-smoke/out-fry/ out-season his competitors in this department. The mackerel was beautifully charred with a crunchy and light texture, with no signs of any oil whatsoever from the first to the last drop. Us SoCal gals sure do LOVE our fried foods but without all the greasy fat! ACES in my book, a definite MUST order!

Know Before You Go

The Line hotel’s grand opening was at the beginning of this year with Pot Cafe and Pot bar not far behind and Pot Restaurant opening just a couple of weeks ago on March 25. Expect a large crowd and long lines as the restaurant does NOT accept reservations. But don’t fret my pets, there’s plenty of people watching to do as the open floor plan of the lobby allows you to see and be seen from every geometric angle of the modern spatial design. Grab an uni cocktail (yes, uni!) at the circular Pot Bar or a super-yummy Asian childhood staple of sugar-buttered ginger toast at the Pot Café while waiting for your table. Waitresses clad in striped spandex 80’s gear complete with fanny packs serve the communal bar lounge while a mix of Tony Rich Project and Mary J.Blige filter the air with 90’s flashback beats. All-in-all a raucously good time in Ktown where if you’re from these parts of LA, everyone (seemingly) knows your name! Good food, good drinks, good company, sounds like the perfect night out to me!*

Bon Appétit mes amis!