The Chef mastermind behind Kogi BBQ food truck, Roy Choi, converted an old IHOP into the communal-picnic-table-meets-mixologist-bar setting that is today's A-Frame. Located in Culver City, just down from Waterloo & City, the appropriately named restaurant stands out like a Hansel & Gretel House in the woods with treats inside that are equally mysterious.
The menu is a combination of grown-up snacks like assorted Heirloom Pickles and Hawaiian style Popcorn, plus some Asian-inspired entrees like Green Curry Clam Chowder and Korean Baby Back Ribs.
A good friend of mine took me for my birthday a few months back, and while I enjoyed bits and pieces of the main dishes, nothing stood out more than A-Frame's unforgettably creative & larger-than-life Desserts – or as Choi likes to call them, "Cavities".
The Grubdown:
- thick-cut, "more of the same" flavors, incredible dip that stole the show, Heirloom Pickles with Radishes, Fennel, Pears, Carrots, Cucumber and a Dijon Ranch Aioli-like Extra Virgin Olive Oil-spiked Dip with Chopped Chives & Sesame Seeds $8
- tastes like you could've made it yourself, Kitchen Purple Okinawan Sweet Potato & Yam Fries with Kimchi Sour Cream & Chives $6
- lincoln log stacked, air-dried so they're not greasy, but honestly could have used more fat, Baby Back Ribs with Hoison Chili Glaze, bias cut Scallions & Sesame Seeds $11
- spicy 'n fresh, I wanted more broth, Grilled Bodega Prawns with Avocado Smash, Cilantro & Salsa Rioja $14
- my two favorite desserts combined into one, yet so sinful somehow I couldn't even finish it, Coconut Cheesecake with Whipped Coconut, Carrot Cake, Praline Pecans, Strawberries, Roasted Pineapple & Mango $7
- a unique flavor combination that sticks with you all night, smokey spicy sweet, Thick Ass Black Pepper Szechauan Ice Cream on a Salted Chocolate Cookie Sandwich $6
As mentioned above, the Desserts and the Dipping Sauces were my favorite things. I can't wait to return to try the crazy Popcorn and Beer Can Chicken.
12565 Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066. 310-398-7700. @therealroychoi
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