The Kogi Taco Truck made me miss being in my twenties. Especially over the last couple of months, since I started following their Twitter updates on my cell phone. Late at night I’d be in bed reading a book, and have to stop so I could see the incoming Twitter text: “10PM-2AM@The Brig – Abbot Kinney and Palm in Venice”. I couldn’t stop wondering, “Who ARE these people partying EVERY night of the week, chasing down the Kogi taco truck at 2AM?”
It was sort of depressing, because I wanted to be out there chasing the truck too, but then again, I didn’t want to be OUT THERE chasing the truck (or chasing anything for that matter). The Alibi Room in Culver City actually runs a Kogi kitchen (monday thru saturday), but still, I had no desire to fight rush-hour traffic and wait in a ridiculously long line, just for a TACO.
I admit it, at 45 years old, I’m definitely more of an OpenTable, “reservations a month in advance” sort of eater these days, but of course, that wasn’t always the case.
Shortly after I turned twenty-one, I moved to Pacific Beach in San Diego, then spent the next couple of years partying non-stop with my friends. Our days consisted mostly of working in retail during the day, sunning ourselves on our days off and planning “girls night out” EVERY single night of the week.
Most of us were on pretty tight budgets, but we knew which beach bars served free “happy hour” food (drinks bought by the fellas), and it usually consisted of nachos, taquitos or plates of bacon-topped potato skins. Remember when potato skins were the cool, new appetizers?
Our favorite drinking holes back then were places like the Beachcomber or the Pennant, and we never missed a Tuesday $1 Margarita night at Diego’s on Garnet Avenue. Quick trips to Mexico for cheap lobster and margaritas were followed by dancing all night at the local clubs.
These nightly adventures always ended with a trip to Roberto’s Taco Shop in Mission Beach, which was steps from the shore, next to the aging Big Dipper roller coaster. The giant, carne asada burrito was my favorite and I always ordered it with extra guacamole. I can’t recall ever eating there during the day, or going there sober for that matter, but back in the day, Roberto’s Taco Shop was MY Kogi.
If you’re not familiar with Kogi BBQ, then you probably don’t live in the Los Angeles area. The first time I read about Kogi was on an EaterLA/Lesley Balla post back in December (boy, do I miss her on Eater these days). Ever since then, Kogi has been the “it” taco truck in the city, offering the flavor of spicy Korean barbecue, conveniently wrapped in a fresh tortilla. Kogi gained even more followers when they started using Twitter to communicate upcoming locations with their customers. It was a simple (and brilliant) way for Kogi to keep in contact with hungry, usually late-night, eaters.
Last Thursday, I just happened to be reading the Kogi website, when I noticed a post titled, “What 20 Bucks Can Buy You”, and was thrilled to learn that it was for a fundraiser in nearby Burbank the same evening. The Gina Alexander Philanthropy Project partnered with Kogi to offer All-You-Can-Eat Kogi tacos for $20, with the proceeds benefiting the Center of Hope Village (for abused children) in the Philippines.
I called Peter and made sure he could make it home early so we could finally try the now-famous Kogi tacos together. Just last week the Kogi truck had been on the Fox lot where he works and he hoped to try it then, but the line was just too long for a my workaholic husband, who doesn’t like to break for lunch anyway.
We arrived at the event 30 minutes early, and after paying our $20 donation (each), we headed for the Kogi truck line, quite pleased to be very close to the front. It was another hour before the truck actually showed up, but there was plenty of entertainment to keep us occupied (photos below), and we didn’t mind because it was all for a good cause.
Peter and I both ordered two Korean Short Ribs and one Spicy Pork. The All-You-Can-Eat Kogi Taco offer, was limited to three at a time, which made sense because when I looked back at the line behind us, there must have been at least 150 hungry people waiting on the street.
The tacos were terrific (LOVED the spicy pork), and we were content with the three that we tried. Of course if we didn’t have to get back in line and wait again, we would have definitely made it a furious pig-out session, but mostly it felt good to make the donation (Peter later told me he slipped them another $20), and to FINALLY get a taste of the Kogi phenomenon!
Afterwards we headed home, took our pups for their evening walk, and then I fell asleep next to my husband reading my favorite, new book. And guess what? I was tickled pink, NOT to be in my twenties again.
Peter saving our spot in the Kogi line
DJ Derek Basco entertaining the kids (and us grown-ups too!)
Waiting for the wrestling event
The Kogi Taco Truck arrives!
Peter almost up to order… and check out the line behind him.
The Kogi Truck menu
Korean Short Ribs and Spicy Pork!
GAPP founder (Gina Alexander Philanthropy Project) Gina Alexander, with Kogi owners Caroline Shin-Manguera and Mark Manguera.
Upcoming All-You-Can-Eat Kogi Taco dates:
Thurs, June 25
Thurs, July 30
Thurs, August 27
You must rsvp for your name to be placed on the list.
Email/RSVP or Get more info by contacting
gapp@ginaalexander.com
Center of Hope Village in Philippines
All-You-Can-Eat Kogi Event Info
Eater L.A. – Lesley Balla on Kogi
Lesley Balla currently writes for Tasting Table
My current, favorite book (that I’m reading again)
Roberto’s Taco Photo Courtesy of David C.
Dining Date: 4/30/09
my last bite... 
Really cute post! I am still in my twenties, but have not tried Kogi yet. What does that make me?! 🙂
I would think that would make you very WELL RESTED!
And thank you.
awwww.. what CUTE pix! And no, still not eating Kogi’s.
For a truck it sure does have a large menu! And the food looks so yummy!
But my favorite is the pictures, Awesome!!
xo
Their tacos are awesome! I try to go when they’re in the Eagle Rock area. The line is super long. Last week a friend of mine waited 2 hours just to get his tacos. But the wait is worth it. That’s a neat that they catered for a charity event. Glad you finally got to taste the phenomenon. =)
LOVE the flashback photos! PB is indeed a rowdy scene. And I’m another twenty-somethin’ who hasn’t tried Kogi.
Yum, I wish there was a Kogi Truck in NY, but then again….I don’t do lines.
When I worked at (name removed to protect the innocent) no two words would literally stop production like “taco truck” would. Of course, there’s only one Kogi’s. The rest sell quick greasy food.
Never understood why anyone would stand in a line that long for truck food, but then again — it’s Kogi’s.
ok, went to college at usd and lived in mission beach around the same time you were in pb – loved Roberto’s! thanks for the memory – and, as always, great story.
and, for the record, still haven’t had the kogi – I too am ‘of a certain age’ and not wanting to run down a taco truck at 2 a.m.!
never had kogi at the truck, but i did try their tacos at the alibi room. it’s definitely the way to go – no lines, sit down, have a beer, and all the food is magically delivered to you 😉
Hmmm,just had same conversation with college age daughter. (Carnegie Mellon,Pittsburgh)I’ve seen the trucks on campus but didn’t venture near. I asked about the trucks and her description was confusing. I chalked it up to her recessive “foodie” gene.My child mentioned Asian fusion style food all slapped into a tortilla. Now I understand. Come Sept. I’ll be in line too.
You should take part in a contest for among the best blogs on the web. I’ll advocate this web site!
Thanks Ethan!