Roy Choi Spaghetti And Meatballs Chef Show
If you're a food lover and a fan of cooking shows, then you must have heard of the hit Netflix series, The Chef Show. The show features actor and director Jon Favreau teaming up with chef Roy Choi to explore different cuisines and cooking techniques. One of the standout episodes of the show is the one where Roy Choi prepares his famous spaghetti and meatballs. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Roy Choi, his signature dish, and the amazing episode that brought it to life.
Who is Roy Choi?
Roy Choi is a Korean-American chef, restaurateur, and author. He gained fame in the culinary world when he founded the Kogi BBQ food truck in Los Angeles in 2008. The food truck served Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine and quickly became a sensation, attracting long lines of customers and earning Choi a reputation as a trailblazer in the food truck movement. Since then, Choi has opened several restaurants in LA, including Chego!, A-Frame, and LocoL. He's also written a memoir, L.A. Son: My Life, My City, My Food, and hosted several food shows, including The Chef Show.
The Spaghetti and Meatballs Episode
The Spaghetti and Meatballs episode of The Chef Show is a masterclass in Italian-American cooking. It starts with Roy Choi sharing his recipe for the perfect meatball mixture, which includes ground beef, pork, and veal, as well as eggs, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a secret ingredient: gochujang, a Korean chili paste that adds a sweet and savory kick to the meatballs.
Choi then shows Favreau how to make the marinara sauce from scratch, using San Marzano tomatoes, garlic, onion, and fresh basil. He also shares his pro tips on how to cook the spaghetti al dente, how to shape the meatballs, and how to brown them evenly in the pan.
The episode is not just about the recipe, though. It's also a glimpse into the friendship and chemistry between Favreau and Choi, who share a love for food and a passion for cooking. They joke around, reminisce about their previous collaborations (including the movie Chef, which inspired The Chef Show), and even break into a spontaneous rendition of "That's Amore" as they cook.
The Signature Dish
Roy Choi's spaghetti and meatballs is not just any pasta dish. It's a reflection of his eclectic background and his innovative approach to cooking. The dish combines Italian-American staples with Korean flavors, creating a unique and delicious fusion. The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, with a hint of heat from the gochujang. The marinara sauce is bright and fresh, with a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. And the spaghetti is perfectly cooked, with just the right amount of chewiness.
What's more, the dish is a testament to Choi's philosophy of "food as social activism". He believes that food can bring people together, break down barriers, and promote social justice. His restaurants and food projects are often located in underserved communities, and he's committed to using his platform to empower and inspire others.
The Bottom Line
The Spaghetti and Meatballs episode of The Chef Show is a must-watch for anyone who loves food, cooking, and good company. It's a delightful and informative journey into the world of Italian-American cuisine, with a Korean twist. Roy Choi's signature dish is a testament to his creativity, his passion, and his vision for a better world through food. So, grab a bowl of spaghetti and meatballs, and enjoy the show!