Rate-A-Restaurant #210: The Kati Roll Co.

I may have to put my Dunkin' Donuts pursuit in order to lobby for something even more pressing: We need to introduce the Kati Roll Co. to Los Angeles.



After all, we gave them Pinkberry (for better or for worse; I don't mind the stuff, even though it's horribly overpriced), so it's time for a return gesture.

The Kati Roll is a street food that is simple to produce, but is quite elaborate in taste. According to the New York-based chain, a Kati Roll is "a spicy mixture of meat and vegetables rolled in Indian flat-bread." It's great for a quick snack or a meal. And the locations are open late.



Our friends Hank and Lisa turned us on to The Kati Roll Co. while in New York last month; we were immediately sold. The partha flat-bread was nice and thin, and the fillings had a nice, flavorful kick. Most fillings could come with or without egg; although the egg added more flavor and heft to the fillings, i was actually fine without.

Varieties we chose included the Aloo Masala roll (spicy potato mix), $4.25 (or two for $7.50); the Achari Paneer roll (Indian cottage cheese marinated in spicy pickle), $5.25 (or two for $9.50); the Chicken roll ($4.75, or two for $8.50).



The Kati Roll Co. has been around since 2002, so I'm embarrassed I'm only learning about it now. Coming back to Los Angeles, I checked all over the Internet to find a similar joint. Pasadena's Akbar Cuisine claims to a Chicken Kati Roll... but we haven't investigated to see if it's similar just yet.



So far the chain has just three locations: Two in New York and one in London. C'mon, folks, let's speed it up. Los Angeles is waiting!

Rate-A-Restaurant #209: New York Hot Dog & Coffee (a.k.a. Korean Hot Dogs)

Restaurant: New York Hot Dog & Coffee

Location: 245 Bleecker Street (New York)

Type of restaurant: Korean hot dogs



We stipulated: In New York, we were telling our friend Michelle about the magic of Kogi's Korean tacos. "Well," she asked us, "have you heard about the Korean hot dogs?" Nope. We were intrigued. A bulgogi hot dog? Tell us more! Luckily, on our final day in NYC, Michelle was free for lunch. And she worked close to New York Hot Dog & Coffee. Good enough for us.

They stipulated: There are more than just Korean hot dogs at New York Hot Dog & Coffee; and, strangely, their other specialty is Belgian Waffles. Seriously. Also, for $2 more, the meal deal includes a small soda and either spicy fries, chips or a frozen yogurt. Yikes. Too much food.



What we ordered: Kimchi-Bulgogi Hot Dog ($6.50) for me; Bulgogi hot dog ($5.99) for Maria; Bulgogi wrap with rice ($6.50) for Michelle; and a plain hot dog ($3.25) for Evan.



High point: I'm not a big meat-on-meat fan. But I make an exception when there's a big draw or something unusual. And I was so intrigued by the idea of bulgogi and kimchi on a hot dog, I was sold. And you know what? It was good. But possibly the highest point was afterward: I had no regrets. (That time I ate at Oki-Dog in L.A.? Big regrets. Here? Not at all.)

Low point: The temperature of the bulgogi and the hot dog just wasn't hot or steamy enough. That probably would have led to a more flavorful experience.




Overall impression: I say "no regrets," but I don't think I'd rush back and get a Bulgogi hot dog too soon again. It still seems like a bit too much. But I do like that they offer up chicken items and a variety of sausages for non-bulgogi fans.

Most importantly, though, I gotta take issue with the name of the joint. Apparently New York Hot Dog & Coffee actually originated in South Korea, where the name makes sense -- they're trying to add a little New York hot dog culture to a society that doesn't see that every day. Of course, moving it to the actual New York, it just sounds kinda generic. The name doesn't do it justice, but I guess visiting Koreans will be familiar with the name and logo..

Chance we'll go back: Once you've tried it, you've tried it. We'd probably hit a different unique NY eatery next time.

Rate-A-Restaurant #208: Barbrix

Restaurant: Barbrix

Location: 2442 Hyperion Ave. (Silver Lake)

Type of restaurant: Tapas/wine bar



We stipulated: Continuing our monthly "date night" trend of trying new restaurants in the neighborhood, we excitedly booked an early evening dinner at Silver Lake's Barbrix. We'd been reading a lot about the spot -- including the owners' struggles in getting the proper permits to open in the first place -- and wanted to check it out ourselves.



They stipulated: It's tapa-style small plates -- so share quite a few. As for parking, Barbrix has a deal with Baller Hardware to use their lot across the street. But park on the street to avoid valet charges.



What we ordered: Hamachi crudo (ginger creme fraiche, avocado and paprika oil; $9); shrimp & chickpea flour tortillas (with cilantro tzatziki; $6); "barely buzzed" cheese (espresso & lavender rubbed cows milk; $4); soppressata (coarsely ground pork, sweetly spiced; $5); crispy grilled polenta (oyster & shiitake mushrooms and creamy gorgonzola fonduta; $5); monkfish (with chickpeas and chorizo; $9).





High point: I really enjoyed those shrimp/chickpea tortillas. And the espresso cheese was quite interesting, in a very good way.



Low point: Didn't think much of the polenta, to tell you the truth.




Overall impression: Quite a nice addition to the Silver Lake/Los Feliz dining scene. Prices are right, wine pairings are strong, the menu selections are fantastic.



Chance we'll go back: Absolutely, we will return.

Rate-A-Restaurant #207: Momofuku Ssam

<


Restaurant: Momofuku Ssam

Location: 207 2nd Ave. (New York)

Type of restaurant: Asian fusion



We stipulated: In New York, we wanted to splurge at least once. We'd been hearing about Momofuku for years, obviously, but never had been. Several people recommended it to us.. although most, I think, were referring to the Momofuku noodle bar. In researching the three different Momofuku restaurants, I kept reading that most foodies preferred the Ssam bar above the others. Most importantly, the signature Momofuku pork bun was available here too -- so at the very least, we would still get a taste of Momofuku's most notable dish.



They stipulated: Momofuku Ssam doesn't take reservations. It's also connected to the Momofuku milk bar, which is a fine place to wait for a table (make sure you get a free sample of soft serve).

What we ordered: Steamed pork buns – hoisin, cucumbers, scallions (2 orders, $9 each); Angus hanger steak – tarragon, manchego, potatoes ($26); Roasted diver sea scallops – sea beans, gremolata, anchovy ($24)




High point: The pork buns -- just as hyped, with fall-off-the-bone pork. The pork is nice and fatty, and meshes nicely with the pickles and cucumber, as well as the hoison sauce. There was also a decent sour cream tang to the potatoes and an interesting seasoning on the chips.

Low point: There was nothing all that special about the hangar steak (except for the crust), especially given the price.




Overall impression: Overpriced, yes, but still worth a trip. Those pork buns are fantastic, although you need to order at least two servings. By the way, I was perhaps more impressed with the Momofuku Milk Bar. Soft-serve flavors included several candies, such as Red Hots, Gummi Worm and more -- interesting stuff.

Chance we'll go back: If we were in New York, probably -- especially if we were with a group. Otherwise, we'd try the other Momofukus next.