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"In 2023, the newly opened Los Angeles izakaya Budonoki dressed up as an Italian trattoria for Halloween and accidentally created a signature: the Budo-gnocchi. Because nobody in the kitchen wanted to make potato gnocchi from scratch, they used chewy Korean rice cakes (tteok) instead—steaming them to soften, then searing for a crisp exterior—and finished them with sautéed mushrooms, a dashi-butter pan sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano. The Budo-gnocchi was so well received it became a permanent, comforting menu staple that pairs well with drinks; since then it has evolved into a loose template (sometimes finished with black truffle shavings or swapped for summer corn and tomatoes) and even appeared as a malai Budo-gnocchi in a collaboration with Pijja Palace, helping the restaurant earn an Eater Best New Restaurant nod in 2024." - Bettina Makalintal
Thai-Japanese izakaya with creative dishes, playful cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere