Soban

Bong Joon Ho, ‘Parasite’ Cast Parties Until the Morning at LA’s Soban | Eater LA

"Tucked in Koreatown, the tiny 30-seat restaurant Soban turned into the best afterparty last night, packed with upwards of 50 cast and crew who celebrated from 2:45 a.m. until 5 a.m. Owner Jennifer Pak opened the restaurant for the momentous night, and because director Bong Joon-ho hadn’t eaten all day and was famished, the kitchen cooked up galbi jjim (braised short ribs), eundaegu jorim (braised spicy black cod), galbi (grilled short ribs), bibimbap, and seafood tofu pancakes for him and the cast. Lead actors Song Kang-ho and Cho Yeo-jeong even celebrated birthdays there with cakes. I note Soban’s tight menu features a rarity: ganjang gejang — raw marinated flower crab — which tastes like the pinnacle of Korean cuisine with its rich, slightly fermented umami and buttery sweetness (especially over warm rice); the incredible banchan, especially the kimchi, is frequently praised, and the spicy braised black cod and braised short ribs are soulful companions that complete the experience. Family-owned and beloved in the Korean community, Soban has been a regular stop for Bong Joon-ho in recent weeks and clearly holds a special place for its visitors." - Matthew Kang