Budonoki: The Story Behind One of America's Best New Restaurants

The Genesis of Budonoki

• 💡 Budonoki, an acclaimed Japanese-style tavern in Los Angeles, has been recognized as one of the nation's best new restaurants by Esquire and Eater.
• 🤝 The restaurant is the collaborative vision of Josh Hartley, Eric Bedroussian, and Chef Dan Rabilwongse, who met in college and bonded over a shared passion.
• 🚀 The concept for Budonoki was initially tested through a successful popup trial run, which brought Chef Dan Rabilwongse into the fold.

Culinary Innovation and Heritage

• 🥢 Chef Dan Rabilwongse draws inspiration from his Thai heritage and Japanese culinary training, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques.
• 🌶️ Signature dishes include a spicy tuna hand roll, a nod to familiar Japanese fare, and a unique fermented pork sausage (nam) with crispy rice balls.
• 🍳 A playful menu item, the "Buddha," uses Korean rice cakes to mimic traditional pasta, stemming from a humorous Halloween idea.
• 🇫🇷 Rabilwongse's classical French training is evident in dishes like the Japanese sweet potato with miso butter and the classic yakitori skewers.

The Partnership and Early Days

• 🏙️ Hartley and Bedroussian, an Armenian American and Jewish American respectively, aimed to bring a taste of Tokyo to Los Angeles.
• 🏠 Their unconventional business journey began with an illegal supper club run out of their apartment during their senior year of college.
• 📈 Despite initial anxieties and a slow start, Budonoki eventually became a popular neighborhood hotspot, known for its hip vibe and killer drinks.

Chef Dan Rabilwongse's Journey

• 🧑‍🍳 Rabilwongse's culinary path was shaped by rigorous training at a two-star Michelin restaurant and a dream nurtured by watching cooking shows with his mother.
• ⛰️ He faced early challenges, like being tasked with peeling a large box of ginger with minimal instruction, highlighting a hands-on learning approach.
• 🌟 He aims to honor his mother's legacy through the dishes served at Budonoki, finding pride and bittersweet happiness in sharing her influence.

Unique Drinks and Dining Experience

• 🍻 The restaurant's drink menu is as creative as its food, featuring items like an "onion beer" and fruit-infused sake.
• 🥃 A "boiler maker" style drink is also offered, where a shot is dropped into a beer, emphasizing the playful and experimental nature of the bar program.
• ✨ The overall dining experience is characterized by a whimsical decor that balances serious culinary execution with a fun, unserious atmosphere.