It’s become synonmyous between myself and my colleagues that whenever we need to discuss something business related, we decide that food must be the mediator. Many of the people that read this site can relate, so here’s a quickie adventure we made to Red Lobster; interestingly enough, neither I, nor Geoff, nor Rudy had ever eaten there. We knew they had a nice new Wood-Fire Grill method that was top of our priority list, so we dove in, and littered our table with Grilled Shrimp, Wood-Fire Grilled Salmon, lobster baked potatoes, and approximately 32 refills of Diet Coke.

We’ve been reporting about Kogi for awhile now, but the truth remained that nobody in our direct crew had ever tried it personally. The social media savvy Korean BBQ + Taco Truck fusion mobile has become a southern California independent calling card. For me, there’s absolutely no food that warrants a wait longer than an hour and this factors into the reason why I have yet to try it. Earlier this morning though, Taylor shot me a text letting me know the truck was going to be in our backyard in the Orange/Santa Ana area, only for two hours. We decided to nut up and give it a shot, here’s what went down.

The truck was scheduled to be open from 2-4 pm, Tay snagged us a spot in line 20 minutes prior to 2 pm. To give you an idea of what went down, we didn’t get to eat until almost a quarter after 3 pm.

If you ever go out to eat with me, you’ll notice I always give the name “Tony” when I use cash and can get away with it. Why? Why not? As you can see, Taylor and I got absolutely ridiculous with our orders. Apparently there’s a $15 dollar per person limit on how much you can order, so I pulled in a Korean Chicken Burrito, a couple sliders and a short rib taco. Taylor put it down himself with a Korean short rib burrito, kimchi quesadilla and a spicy pork taco.

We finally got to the front of the truck and it was time for us to get our food. Last time I felt this hipster I matched my beanie to my skinny jeans, both of which contrasted my V-neck with the utmost of properness. That’s neither here nor there, we were there for work.

If this post was a roller coaster, we just took you up the hill. Now let’s get down and dirty….ughhhh:

While we try our best not to review any venues or products, we’ve been asked many a times what we thought about Kogi. Not that our opinion matters more than yours, food is extremely relative and personal. Kogi’s lines are always out-of-control, and not that the food was anything short of really good, I just won’t be waiting in hour long lines any time in the near future. If you’re up for it though, find out when the Kogi truck is near you because it definitely is rather unique and delicious. Of all the things we tried, I definitely would recommend the sliders and the tacos! Eat on!

Visuals: Taylor Corner

]]> http://foodbeast.com/content/2009/09/29/adventure-kogi-bbq-truck/feed/ 5 http://foodbeast.com/content/2009/09/28/airplane-food-photo-journal/ http://foodbeast.com/content/2009/09/28/airplane-food-photo-journal/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:03:35 +0000 Elie http://foodbeast.com/content/?p=10141

Not really much to talk about here, just wanted to get some photos off my chest. For the most part, over the four flights I’ve had the past couple weeks, the food wasn’t terrible. Oh yeah, it’s not called “coach” anymore. Apparently the newer, greener term is “economy”. Sheeesh, where have I been?!

It always amuses me when someone goes to a foreign country, the people showing you around always tend to try and treat you to food from your native land. For example, some of the first places I ate at while in Lebanon were American-inspired diners. Roadster diner was the first of my stops, and I enjoyed it so much, I had it again on the last day of my trip in a different mall. Most closely comparable to a Red Robin, Roadster has several locations throughout Lebanon and through the Middle East (I couldn’t find their website to confirm what countries it’s available in). I only documented my first visit, but both visits were equally enjoyable!

Each location carries with it the same aesthetic, but is always constructed slightly different depending on the location. This particular Roadster was located within one of the country’s high-end ABC department store malls and had a nice view of the beach.

My delicious Philly sandwich. The sandwiches I tried at their several locations were all unique, but maintained a similarly interesting sauce that was reminiscent of a spicy thousand island mixed with ranch. Absolutely delicious. Grilled onions, tomatoes, chicken, cheese and peppers on a toasty baguette.

The man, the myth, the legend himself. Next time you’re in the Middle East, or Lebanon specifically, ask around for a Roadster diner, you won’t be dissappointed!

So while I was out in Lebanon the past couple weeks, I definitely took note to the influx in American Fast Food chains that had become a mainstay in Middle Eastern countries. One product that kept catching my eye was a McArabia Chicken Sandwich from McDonald’s which carried with it a pretty hefty advertisement campaign throughout the city of Beirut and neighboring cities. This very tasty menu item comes with two grilled chicken patties, Arabic flat bread, lettuce, tomatoes, onions and garlic/yogurt sauce akin to the type available on gyro sandwiches. Though I was attempting to stay away from “Fast Food” during my trip, there was no way I could avoid my urge to try out this sandwich…

Please excuse the shitty pictures, by some weird chain of events, my normal camera had lost battery during this particular day and I had to rummage up a low-key camera with no focus control to handle this mini-adventure.

All the fast food stops in Lebanon are well decorated. There’s definitely a focus on experience and leisurely eating.

This sandwich is available throughout the middle east and in certain neighboring countries.

This has been one hell of a summer, filled with so many good times. And what better to do when it’s perfect out then to BBQ. Well new FoodBeast writer, Matt Maine .aka. The Dubai Chef (since Matt is moving to Dubai in a few weeks to pursue a job in Hotel and Restaurant management) and myself decided one afternoon that we would make the Best Burgers All Time. In all seriousness, I’ve eaten burgers at probably hundreds of different places and these were quite possibly one of the best I’ve ever had. Don’t take my word for it, check out the pics after the jump.

Straight up, it was beautiful out.

Went great with one of the hundreds of plumeria plants in Matt’s yard.

And here’s to the preperation.

Garlic corn.

The grilling begins.

The spread.

Matt doing what he does best.

Bacon potato salad!

I don’t know what else to say, the pictures speak for themselves. Matt knows whats up. Make sure you pay attention to his coverage from Dubai as it shows up on the site.

A while back we posted a Craving for a delicious looking burger custom built at The Counter, a gourmet, build-your-own burger restaurant. I found out today that the Culver City-based restaurant is now opening a second location in Orange County. The chain is known for its Angus-based, all beef, custom burgers which from which you decide your toppings using a clipboard as your menu. The second burger joint should be opening in Westcliff Plaza in Newport Beach and should be a big hit because it will be a lot closer to most Orange County residents. If you haven’t stopped by yet, please do. Check out my visit and the burger I created after the jump. (Thx The Counter & FFM)

I visited the Irvine location not too long ago with my friend Melissa. She and I were craving burgers and I suggested that we hit up The Counter because I had heard it was awesome. After we got there, we were blown away by how nice the location was. It was a sit down restaurant with a nice relaxed feeling. The menus looked like the one above and then we proceeded to make our fabulous creations. This is what mine came out like.

I couldn’t go with anything less than that. 2/3 pound Angus beef with fresh baby leaf lettuce, fresh tomatoes, red onions, grilled onions, fresh avocado slices, Tillamook cheddar, hickory smoked bacon, and a horseradish mayonnaise all on a white bun.

So thick and juicy and very delicious (…that’s what she said!) and with all those toppings, I would have thought it’d be a mash of one flavor but I could totally taste each and every ingredient. Amazing food and the prices are very fair. I’m really looking forward to hitting up the new one once it’s open.

It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a burger from McDonald’s. I’ve been pretty stuck on a quick Iced Coffee and a  Snack Wrap to tide me over the past couple years. With the drop of their new Angus Third Pounders, Taylor told me that the hype was real. So we made a late night trip out of it and hit up the drive thru to order one of each.

Thanks McDonald’s! Visit you is the least we could do!

Driving with food, and not eating it…one of the hardest tasks in the world!

Taylor went the bacon and cheese route. All of these burgers had a significant weight to them, but the meat was still rather delicate. I’m definitely a fan of that!

I had to go the mushroom and swiss route. The fungus was mixed just right with the swiss cheese and the entire burger worked really well. The size of it definitely reminded me a bit of a restaurant burger.

Andrew went the classic route. Notice his tongue action. Sign of a good burger. Kudos McDonald’s on your latest menu addition, hopefully see more of you in the future!

]]> http://foodbeast.com/content/2009/08/13/mcdonalds-angus-third-pounders-2/feed/ 0 http://foodbeast.com/content/2009/08/10/oki-dog-los-angeles/ http://foodbeast.com/content/2009/08/10/oki-dog-los-angeles/#comments Tue, 11 Aug 2009 05:05:12 +0000 Taylor Corner http://foodbeast.com/content/?p=8914

Weeks ago I was up in L.A. moving some stuff for a friend of mine with the help of my friend Frankie. He had been to this hot dog spot that apperently was just as good as Pink’s hot dogs but less known, so we decided to check it out. Oki Dog is very unique, it’s two hot dogs rolled up in a tortilla like a burrito, filled with chili, cheese, pastrami, and onions. Cheap, and the quality is excellent. These pictures, although taken with my phone will speak for themselves.

‘The World Famous Oki Dog’ menu is written on a piece of paper. haha.

One dude making it all happen.

They had Jeopardy on the t.v. which made the experience that much better because I’m all about knowing as many pointless random facts as possible.

At night or when it’s really hot out they have the side window open for takeout orders.

Like I said these pictures speak for themselves, seriously so good.

Chili cheese fries!

Bums were chillin’, watching Jeopardy and playing video games. The dudes looked like they had been in there everyday for like 15 years.

Hey mouth, meet Mr. Oki Dog.

Handled!

For two Oki Dog’s, the chili cheese fries and two large drinks I think the total was like $12.50 which is seriously amazing considering how incredibly full I was. And I can eat, trust me..no seriously trust me.

Check out Oki Dog:

860 N Fairfax Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 655-4166

A few weeks back I made a trip up to northern California to visit my uncle and cousins, for one of their high school graduations. Sebastopol is a small little hippy town full of long beards and indians, and clearly some amazing places to eat. Hopmonk is a tavern, bar, beer garden, and a dance club and after a long day it was the perfect place to eat and drink. Check the pictures after the jump:

So many choices.

Pulled pork sandwich and garlic fries.

I totally got that beer for free from the cute bartender, word!

Calamari!

Sweet potato fries!

Honey butter coleslaw.

Bacon cheese burger.

What a spread, seriously everything was so good.

Hope this made you hungry, because even though I just ate I am now starving again.