You know something’s up when a Korean tells you your kimchi is better than what her mom used to make at home. And when your fried chicken gives Kyochon a run for their money.
Friday, September 3 marked the final night of LudoBites 5.0. The must- have dinner spot for the summer ended its run with a fire-engine red food truck parked outside downtown LA’s Gram & Papa’s, where a line snaked all the way to the side of the block and a packed house filled the insides of the eatery. LudoBites 5.0 is a guerilla restaurant run by chef Ludovic Lefebvre, where he takes over the casual breakfast and lunch spot during dinnertime and transform it into a fine dining affair that is in no way stuffy.
Grilled octopus, oregano, burnt red bell pepper polenta, pineapple aioli, piment d' espellette gelee(left), and Ludo truck's fried chicken(right)
Lefebvre whips up about 16 appetizers, entrees and desserts that range from $4-$34. The cuisine has blends of Asian, French and Californian and has the ability to completely blow your taste buds away. There’s raw waygu beef but it’s combined with cold watermelon. Heirloom tomato salad is topped with mozzarella ice cream. The dishes are paired with wine that you bring yourself (and kept in paper bags because of LA’s drinking laws).
Will Chi (left), founder of Fooddigger and food bloggers Epicuryan and KevinEats (right)
I’m a total foodie but not a food blogger so I left this feat to more capable hands-namely my dinner companions. The only reason why I even scored a spot at this elusive dinner party was because the lovely folks at Fooddigger extended an invitation to Audrey. Fooddigger works like Yelp but has an added bonus of personalizing reviews that fit more in line with your taste buds. Their observances of the food, plus a couple other ones from bloggers Epicuryan and KevinEats will provide you with more insights on my night.
Love in the house
The last night at Ludobites 5.0 was filled with food bloggers and friends and I couldn’t help but notice the abundance all the love that was in the room. Amidst the candle-filled room, people would bounce from table to table, sharing wine, sharing hugs. The essential joy of eating is found here, the ability to enjoy an experience together. These people truly love food. Good food. From the sight to the aroma to the texture. And Ludo definitely gives them good food to enjoy.
“I don’t want to eat this last piece. I just want to put it in my pocket and save it.”
That’s Will, one of the founders of Fooddigger. Will continues to make comments like this throughout the night because Will truly loves food and wine. “I’m going to have a stroke,” another guest comments due to the richness of the dishes we were enjoying. “Yes, but you’re going to die happy.” Will says. Our four hour dinner whizzes by as each dish gets devoured.
Looking around at all the smiling faces around me, I can’t help but agree with him.
Empty plates equals full tummies
Photos thanks to Helen Wong.
Additional pictures from the evening below:
