L.A. Son: My Life and Food for the City

"L.A. Son" is both a memoir and a cookbook by Roy Choi, the mastermind behind the popular Korean-Mexican taco truck Kogi. He is also recognized as a star of Netflix's "The Chef Show" and has served as a culinary advisor for Jon Favreau’s film "Chef." Renowned chef Anthony Bourdain noted that "Roy Choi sits at the crossroads of just about every important issue involving food in the twenty-first century. As he goes, many will follow."

From Choi, often likened to “The David Chang of L.A.” by The New Yorker, comes a cookbook that embodies the spirit of Los Angeles—an innovative, creative city characterized by its diverse cultural intersections. Los Angeles is more than just a megalopolis; it is a tapestry woven from the intricate threads of various cultural influences that profoundly shaped Roy Choi. In a bold departure from traditional fine dining, he chose to embrace street food and uplift the community he cherished, famously reinventing it through the creation of the Korean taco.

In "L.A. Son," readers will discover the vibrant stories and authentic recipes that inspired Choi's exceptional culinary journey. The narrative leads us through neighborhoods often overlooked by tourists—from hidden casinos, where patrons savor bowls of fragrant pho, to Downtown's Jewelry District, where a young Choi enjoyed Jewish deli favorites in between diamond deliveries.

The book reflects on Choi’s lifelong connection to food, which began in his parents' Korean restaurant where the aroma of his mother's kimchi filled the air. It traverses through the streets of East L.A. and the quintessential taquerias that define the city’s food scene. Ultimately, it culminates in the thrilling scene at one of his iconic Kogi taco trucks, where people from all walks of life gather to experience a meal that is nothing short of revolutionary.

"L.A. Son" features over 85 inspired recipes that beautifully marry the distinct flavors and traditions of Los Angeles. Among the highlighted dishes are Korean fried chicken, tempura potato pancakes, homemade chorizo, and Kimchi and Pork Belly Stuffed Pupusas. Each recipe embodies the improvisational spirit and hybrid identity that typify the city itself, illustrating how Choi—a Korean American boy who once cruised the streets of L.A.—transformed into a celebrated culinary figure.

This book is more than just a collection of recipes; it is a heartfelt homage to a city that has shaped a unique culinary landscape and to the personal experiences that shaped Choi. Through his engaging storytelling and vibrant recipes, readers will not only learn how to create these dishes but also understand the cultural rhythms and rich tapestry of Los Angeles that inspired them. In "L.A. Son," Roy Choi invites us to join him on a journey through food, culture, and identity, urging us to appreciate the beautiful complexity of life in this sprawling city.

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