Barbecue, Kimchi, & Donuts

Written by: Andrew Kao

There are many different types of barbecue in the states. Most would agree that barbecue is very regional in America. Whether it’s the traditional Texas style, barbecue from Memphis, or even barbecue from the Carolinas, there are many types of barbecue to satisfy all types of taste buds.

One man is out to push the boundaries. Traditional take on barbecue with a Korean–‐American twist to it, makes for a very interesting and satisfying combination. If you’re a lover of barbecue and Korean barbecue, or even if you’re not a lover of the two and just love food, there is bound to be a divine creation by Robert Cho made for you. Where might you find this delectable food you ask. Good question, just as his food is in demand, the man himself is in demand. Not having a set location (but hopefully soon) and always on the move, jumping from bar to bar or event to event around New York’s metropolitan area and New Jersey, makes him and his barbecue quite difficult to get a hold of. The first time I’ve ever heard of Kimchi Smoke was while I was looking for the best Korean barbecue around my area and one of the things that had come up was Kimchi Smoke.

Reading what Rob has to offer online would only makes your mouth water and interest grow. You have to taste and see for yourself. They are as good as they sound. The chohalen: Smoked pulled pork, bacon, cheese, smoked kimchi all on a glazed donut. If the smoked pulled pork doesn’t draw you in, I’m sure the combination along with the applewood smoked kimchi on the glazed donut will. The pork was smoked for about a day along with the kimchi. While hickory smoked pork is seen as the norm, smoked kimchi, not so much. What was nice and different about the smoked kimchi was that it brought out a sweeter taste and the glazed donut was the cherry on top (literally).

Next we have the infamous Ramen Fried Chicken: soju dipped wings wrapped with ramen noodles and fried again, topped with gochujang sauce. This plate of deliciousness is a real eye catcher. Taking a simple bar food and encrusting it with a Korean staple, ramen, and pasting a popular sauce in Korea on the chicken. Individually, the fried chicken and ramen alone are your standard comfort food. Mix them together and deep fry them in soju, you get a deliciousness that words cannot describe and you just have to try for yourself.

What is the one thing you can look forward to on a Tuesday after work besides going home? #TacoTuesday. Rob has come up with a taco so craveworthy that you will never think about going to a Taco Bell again. Smoked pulled pork with Rob’s own “Fatboy Bourbon Chipotle Sauce” topped with Korean slaw, served on a flour tortilla. What is so interesting about this taco is most barbecues have pulled pork with a side of coleslaw, but what is done here is the pulled pork is incorporated with the homemade Korean slaw which gives it a nice sweet taste along with the tangy sauce, which makes these tacos #TacoTuesday–‐worthy.

The flashy city of Gangnam was made known by Psy’s infamous catchy song “Gangnam Style.” But Robert is here to put the city on the map, with his “fat” sandwich. The “Fat Gangnam Boy” includes bulgogi, american cheese, grilled onions, smoked kimchi, Rob’s fatboy sauce, all on a toasted hero. We were lucky enough to have a fried egg added on top. For those who are unfamiliar with bulgogi, which directly translates to “fire meat,” it is a well–‐known Korean barbecue dish that consists of grilled marinated beef loaded with flavor. This loaded sandwich, similar to that of a Philly Cheesesteak, packs a punch with its sweet and tangy sauce along with the smoked kimchi which adds a little more sweetness and definitely a nice spicy kick to it, which is no wonder why this sandwich is what Robert calls a “fan favorite.”

The hotdog is usually seen as an underrated food found at barbecues, usually outshined by ribs, burgers, wings, macaroni salad, and others. But the “Big as K–‐Town Dog” is here to outdo everything. A 1/4 beef dog topped with the aforementioned “Fatboy Bourbon Chipotle sauce,” smoked kimchi, and shredded cheese, on a bun is deadly combination Nathan’s should be afraid of. You definitely do not want to miss out on this dog!

If you are fascinated by any or all of these masterpieces, Rob and his crew can be currently found at the Queens Smorgasburg (43–‐29 Crescent St, Long Island City, Queens, NY 11101) every Saturday 11:00 A.M.–‐ 6:00 P.M.

Also, popping up at Parkside Lounge (317 E. Houston St, New York, NY 10002) August 19th and 20th 6:00pm–‐11:00pm Rockaway Brewery (46–‐01 5th St, Queens, NY 11101) August 27th and 28th.

If you are in the area, definitely check out what he has to offer. Rob and his crew are great people and will answer any questions you may have. Get there early though, the lines get long and things sell out fast. If you want more info, updates and to see if he will be coming to a city near you check out his website, kimchismoke.com

Follow Chef Rob: Instagram: kimchismoke | Twitter: KimchiSmoke | Facebook: facebook.com/kimchismoke

kimchismoke.com | Email: info@kimchismoke.com

Tell us what your favorite food was on this list and comment us your thoughts below! For more local eats and Kimchismoke, check back with Sparx Entertainment daily for updates.