Starry Kitchen of Downtown Los Angeles

1. Pick Your “Protein”
2. Pick Your “Vessel”
3. Pick Your “Side”
These are the rules as stipulated by Starry Kitchen. If you don’t follow the rules – you’ll get a verbal beating. Or at least some mild harassment or greetings from Nguyen, the owner. His wife, Thi, represents the softer side of the team in developing menu items.

Seemly a Hollywood story, Starry Kitchen started its humble beginnings out of a small kitchen apartment. They had weekly dining events jam packed with friends and family. Soon, more friends of friends enjoying their fusion Asian creations. Later, around fall of 2009, their patrons pressured them into making their home operation into a full blown business, so a larger space was needed. Now, in their permanent location in Downtown Los Angeles, their menu is influenced from Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai, Korean, and Japanese cuisines, which changes on a monthly basis,

The Taiwanese fried pork chop was popular selection for me and my cohorts, since we are fans of the pig and Taiwanese. I choose to have the Banh Mi sandwich vessel with the side of peanut cilantro dan-dan noodles. The fried pork chop, had remnants of the authentic fried batter, that we were used to from Taiwan. This boneless pork is tender with mild flavors. The battered breading, though not too heavy and thick, enhances the mild savory flavors. But then to have it in a sandwich with the fixings like Vietnamese sandwich brought it to the next level. The sandwich featuring with julienned pickled radishes and carrots, in a soft french roll, rounds up the taste to make a Vietnamese and Taiwanese combo. Dan dan noodles are probably my favorite style of noodles. Not a big fan of soup ones, these noodle are “dry”, but with bold spicy flavor.

The other sides, the hoisin meat balls, the soft sake tofu, and mango slaw were also items you won’t find anywhere. I was particularly happy about the mango slaw. I liked the crunchy hard texture of the crisp cabbage, carrots, and radishes. Though, the hoisin meat balls were a bit dry. The tofu was a big hit with my friends.

Not sure if the name derives from Don Mclean’s song and Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting – Starry Starry Night. But like the song, I know Nguyen hopes that everyone follows rules. . .

They would not listen, they’re not listening still.
Perhaps they never will…

What to Order: Taiwanese Pork Chop (though I fear it will be gone next month, if not already)
What not to Order: perhaps the hoisin meat balls (perhaps they were off just that day)

Rating
2 Pigs
Price Range 1 $/¥/NT

Starry Kitchen
350 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90071
(213) 617-3474
www.starrykitchen.com
www.twitter.com/starrykitchen

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