Coming Saturday: A Taste of Koreatown

Formerly known as the Korean BBQ Cook-Off, a Taste of Koreatown has turned into a multicultural event showcasing a gamut of the best restaurants in Koreatown. It’s part of the Korean American Coalition’s efforts to promote the cultural richness of Koreatown, and it includes BCD Tofu House, a chain known for its spice tofu stew; Mexican restaurant El Cholo; Hamji Park and its Korean-style pork ribs; Palsaik Samgyupsal, purveyor of pork belly barbecue; Greek favorite Papa Cristos; Korean barbecue icon Park’s BBQ; and Seoul Sausage Co.

Saturday’s festival will also feature a beer garden with Firestone craft beers, soju cocktails, Kooksoondang makali (unfiltered soju), bokbunja (Korean red wine) plus nonalcoholic drinks. There also will be a roll-your-own-kimbap station, BCD Tofu House’s Spicy Tofu Eating Challenge, El Cholo’s guacamole-making demo (including a recipe for kimchi guacamole), the 4th Annual Orion Choco Pie Eating Contest and Los Angeles’ largest bowl of bibimbap.

Noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $2, which includes a raffle ticket for prizes. Tickets can be purchased at the event. Food is cash only and beverage tickets can be purchased at the event.

Hobart Street between Wilshire Boulevard and 7th Street. For more information, visit www.atasteofkoreatown.com or www.facebook.com/TasteofKoreatown/.