Jonathan Gold interview Roy Choi on the Cooking Stage

We enjoyed the interview of Roy Choi, the Kogi Taco Truck guy, by the food writer Jonathan Gold.  I had seen Roy Choi interviewed before and again was taken by his brilliance, drive and honesty.  He lays himself out there and talks about a company, now with several hundred employees, based on fairness, relationships..."we care about each other," and "The Force." He again talked about growing up with the "homies" in the barrio. Eventually he found his desire to be a chef and went to the best school in the country (his mom said if you are going to be a chef, you have to go to the best school).  He got a job in a swanky restaurant and got released...so it was off to the hotels cooking for 1500 at a banquet.  He learned to make pot roast and "Chicken Ala King."  This caused him to get organized, discipline, and to get the rhythm of being a chef with many tasks.  He said you have to develop muscle memory.  He said he uses Latino chefs who are eager and hungry and motivated to succeed.

Although he now has three restaurants open with the newest in Korea Town called "POT," his loves are his Kogi trucks..."My Sweet Caroline" as he showed off his Kogi tattoo on his right arm.  He said all the people have become Ambassadors...it is their life.  He also talked about his give back program at a non profit cafe at 34th and Central to support the community.

"POT" is in the Lime Hotel at Wilshire and Normandy in "K Town."  It called it his "therapy restaurant," playing out his whole life in the Korean Culture.  He gets accused as not being Korean enough.  He was never trained in Korean food but gets advice from the "laser eyes" of the older Korean community.  He said being Asian means that nothing is ever good enough for your parents and elders. His dad will call him at 1:00 in the morning to complain and give advice.  As his business grows, he said he probably should just be the CEO but he is trying to hold on to the "Kogi Spirit."  He visits all his sights every day and works the line.  He said "Pot" is my soul food.

Roy and Jonathan

Children of all ages enjoyed the music and environment of the Book Fair