Ahgassi Gopchang, one of Koreatown’s most popular Korean barbecue restaurants specializing in offal (gopchang refers to intestines) and other primal cuts like galbi, will be relocating to a new space on Eighth Street in spring of 2024. The current location on Sixth Street will continue operating until the move. The striking new look comes from Sang Kim of South Korean design firm Sun Creative with sleek lines, wood-paneled dining areas recalling traditional Korean artwork, and segmented rooms.
Once the restaurant goes into full gear by the end of 2024, the new Ahgassi Gopchang will have a full bar, private dining rooms, and a VIP entrance for celebrities. Over the years, Ahgassi Gopchang has been a popular landing spot for K-Pop stars and Korean celebrities visiting Los Angeles. Ahgassi Gopchang is part of Kijung Hospitality group, which operates the popular Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong Korean barbecue restaurants in Southern California.
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A big-name Japanese chef comes to LA
On January 5, 2024, the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center will host a one-night pop-up with chef Yosuke Suga of Tokyo’s Sugalabo in collaboration with the center’s resident chef Chris Ono. Suga was a notable Joël Robuchon protege whose Sugalabo was previously on the top of La Liste, a global ranking of top restaurants, and was number 47 on World’s 50 Best Restaurants in Asia in 2019. Sugalabo’s seats in Tokyo are booked all the way through 2025, making it one of the most difficult tables to obtain in the world. Tickets for Suga exclusive French Japanese pop-up in LA will cost $500 per person. Look for the remainder of the seats in Little Tokyo here.
Why LA restaurants are closing
SF Gate investigates some of the reasons why so many LA restaurants have been closing lately, blaming the Hollywood strikes, increased labor and food costs, and the loss of catering to offices and studios. The article also reports that the Anchor has closed on Main Street in Venice after nine years of business, though operator Kristen Ciccolella will continue operating her Little Anchor food truck.
A new expansion in West Hollywood
Main Street Venice restaurant Coucou from Hayley and Jesse Feldman will be opening a new restaurant in West Hollywood at 9045 Santa Monica Boulevard within walking distance to places like Craig’s, Olivetta, and Great White. With plenty of indoor and outdoor space, retractable glass walls, and French-inspired food from chef Jacob Wetherington, the unnamed restaurant should be a solid addition in WeHo come spring 2024.
A shutter in West Hollywood
Longtime West Hollywood restaurant Marco’s, located at 8200 Santa Monica Boulevard, will be closing on Christmas Eve after 30 years in the neighborhood, reports Weho Online. Owner Mark “Marco” Capanni announced the sad news in an email to longtime patrons, offering a discount in the restaurant’s final days. Capanni cited staff shortages, increased costs, and operational constraints as some of the reasons for closing.
Plant-based favorites from Matthew Kenney
Famous plant-based chef Matthew Kenney, who recently moved his restaurant Plant + Food to the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, told Los Angeles Magazine some of his favorite things to eat around town. Dishes include the maitake mushroom at N/Soto, fat pita sandwich from Lodge Bread, and hummus from Bavel.