Roy Choi Reveals Koreatown-Inspired Dishes Coming to Best Friend in Las Vegas at Park MGM
Slippery Shrimp, Hot Pots and BBQ Spicy Pork Provide a Sneak Peek into Roy Choi’s Vision into What He’s Cooking Up for His Las Vegas Debut
Through a Facebook Live event, Los Angeles culinary icon Roy Choi revealed the first dishes that will be served at Best Friend, debuting at Park MGM in Las Vegas on December 19. The world got its first glimpse at Chef Choi’s vision and inspiration for a restaurant that is a remixed and remastered evolution of LA’s Koreatown.
From evolved cult classics to fresh ideas, Chef Choi provided a sneak peek at the food he has in store for Best Friend.
“When you see Best Friend, I want you to have a little bit of a chuckle or a little bit of a smile with yourself – ‘cause this is place you come to have fun.” – Chef Roy Choi on Facebook Live
Dishes Revealed Include:
- Tamarind Cod Hot Pot: Combining inspirations from both Vietnamese and Korean cuisine, this dish features tamarind spiced broth, cod and Korean vermicelli noodles. As the simmering pot is brought to diners, the cod breaks into succulent, bite-sized pieces.
- BBQ Spicy Pork: Chef Choi brings a reimagined version of his BBQ pork to The Strip. Thinly sliced pork belly and shoulder is marinated in a sweet and spicy kochujang sauce, then charred on the plancha with onions.
- Slippery Shrimp: Chef Choi does his own cover of classic Honey Walnut Shrimp with his own crispy rendition coating the shrimp in a creamy, spicy sauce mixed with cilantro, walnuts and sesame seeds.
- Soon DuBu Hot Pot: Brought to American popularity through LA’s Koreatown, Best Friend will feature its own take on the spicy stew from Chef Choi’s neighborhood. The vegan dish filled with umami serves a mixture of soft and firm tofu in a spicy broth within a clay pot.
- Fritto Misto Rogers: Best Friend’s tempura medley features an assortment of fried vegetables, such as shishito peppers and cauliflower, served with a ponzu dipping sauce.
- Fried Bologna Sandwich: Blurring the lines of what guests expect from a Las Vegas restaurant, and a callback to his original snack food, Chef Choi has created the same Fried Bologna sandwich he used to make for himself at home. The simple and addictive combination of fried bologna and swiss cheese will make for the perfect late-night bite.
ABOUT PARK MGM
Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas are the newest luxury destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, offering an intimate resort experience on a grand scale. A partnership between MGM Resorts International and New York-based Sydell Group, Park MGM features 2,700 guest rooms and suites; and the Las Vegas extension of Sydell’s NoMad features 293 well-appointed guest rooms and suites. The resort’s remarkable culinary program features NoMad Restaurant and NoMad Bar from Will Guidara and Daniel Humm; Hogsalt Hospitality’s renowned Bavette’s Steakhouse; and the December 2018 debuts of L.A. legend Roy Choi’s Korean BBQ concept, Best Friend; and the 40,000-square-foot vibrant Italian marketplace, Eataly, among other dining and cocktail experiences. Park Theater, the resort’s entertainment destination, is a 5,200-seat venue home to special engagements by Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Britney Spears and other top entertainers. Park MGM will also become home to a unique nightlife concept from LA-based Houston Hospitality, On The Record. Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas are located in the heart of The Strip, next to the entertainment and dining neighborhood created by The Park and the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena. Park MGM is owned by MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM). For more information and reservations, visit ParkMGM.com, call toll-free at 888-529-4828 or follow on Facebook or Twitter.