Bella, Cindy and I meet Bella’s friend Amy in Koreatown for some Korean BBQ “street food” eating.  This is my first experience with the “street food” version of this cuisine.  Baek Jeong Korean BBQ (213-384-9678) is ranked in “Yelp’s Top 100 Restaurants in LA list”.

We’re just getting started…

Lunch Box Rice with Kimchi

I am not a big fan of kimchi (or cabbage in most forms) but this is tasty.

Bulgogi or Roast Beef…similar

I don’t love these thinner cuts that cook too quickly but these are nice tasting regardless.  The photo shows liquid egg on the RIGHT side and various veggies cooking on the LEFT side.  Delicious cheese corn is in the BACK.

Sprouts with Chili Sauce

Spicy Soup

Normally I must pass on spicy items due to health restrictions but this soup is so delectable I tossed back a couple of Tums chewables and called it a day.  Fortunately the spiciness was the building type so I stayed in the game for a little while before “tapping out”.

Short rib…

The meat quality here is un-be-liev-a-ble!  This is similar to Galbi but ultra-tender.

Spicy Kimchi Pancake…

The crispiness and flavors have me going for seconds…and…thirds.  “Suey!  Here little piggie.”

Pork Shoulder…

For me this is the “Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner” (in spite of it actually being swine) of the day.

Cheese Corn, Lettuce Greens and Short rib

Oh my, cheese corn.

Cheese Corn (close-up)

“A half a pound of this to go please!”  Big kernels of corn, creamy and cheesy.

Pork Shoulder

Tender, smoky, nice char, juicy and amazing.  So visually enticing.

Juicy Pork Shoulder

I could tell you how good this is but then I’d have to…

Pork Shoulder

I guess I made it clear that I am enjoying this dish.

Pork Shoulder

I promise this is the last photo of the exquisite pork shoulder.

Spicy Soup with Bulgogi, Squash and Tofu

A different bowl of soup has kimchi in it.  But this soup and I became very good friends.

Loving the Wall Art…

Man versus bull…

Tin Pan = Korean BBQ “Street Food”

My impression was confirmed that Korean BBQ “Street Food” is focused more on better quality meat with less side dishes offered.  However, the ones that are available are remarkable.

Tin Bowl of Dipping Sauce

If it resembles a retro tin dog food bowl it equals “street food”.  Wasabi is smeared on the inside edge of the bowl.

Industrial Interior

Each time I return to LA to dine I’m reminded that no matter how good Orange County gets in regards to cuisine, it will never, never ever, match LA’s culinary level.

Parking Lot Looks Like an Alley

Actually I believe it is an alley behind the restaurant, but a very pretty one.

Downtown LA

A combination of newer and old architecture.

The Girls Walk Towards Bottega Louie

Bottega Louie is an Italian restaurant which serves French pastries.  Cornfused?  Take a look at their website.

Bottega Louie: Signage

Bottega Louie: Pastry Case

Take a good gander at “stage LEFT” in the photo.  “I Love LA”.  🙂

Pistachio Cupcake, Budino and Panna Cotta

Bottega Louie (bottegalouie.com) is a fantastic place to indulge for desserts, java or lunch.

Macarons

I’ve never cared for macarons but the quality is so good I’m beginning to get it.  Flavors include (to name a few): Espresso, Dulce de Leche, Green Tea, Earl Grey, Coconut, Pistachio.

Espresso Macaron

Pistachio Cupcake

This is better than a Sprinkle’s cupcake.  I’ve always thought the cake portion of many Sprinkle’s cupcakes was simply “okay” whereas the buttercream frosting was their strong suit.  This cupcake is outstanding from point A to point Z.

Ornate Woodwork with Carrera Marble

Their counters are very fancy.

“The Mad Hatter”…

Chocolate Souffle with Condensed Milk

I’m not a big chocolate fan but it is worth the 30 minute wait.

Chocolate Souffle

Downtown LA

Thanks for “sniffing in”…

THE END!