El Jefe Pop-Up

If you’ve seen the new Jon Favreau film Chef (and if you haven’t, what’s wrong with you? It’s great.), then you know his character ditches the restaurant world and re-discovers his passion when he opens a food truck called El Jefe that serves killer Cubano sandwiches.

In a delicious way of life imitating art, Favreau and Chef Roy Choi (a producer on the film and food consultant) have been promoting the film by having El Jefe pop-ups and serving those mouthwatering sandwiches. Last Thursday, they did one at The Line Hotel in Koreatown (where Choi has his newest restaurant Pot) but I was unable to go.

However, this Memorial Day Weekend got even better when Choi and Favreau tweeted they were having another pop-up all weekend long at The Grove at the location of Gordon Ramsay’s recently closed Fat Cow (a name Ramsay’s probably called a lot of people). There was no way I was missing this one so Saturday night I got my ass down to the Grove. And, man, was I glad I did.

The Cubanos were just as delicious in my mouth as they looked onscreen. Boiled ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, yellow mustard, butter, and pickles served on a crispy baguette. This was one amazing sandwich. And why wouldn’t it be? It was from Choi’s own recipe. And to wash it all down? A refreshing cup of watermelon agua fresca.

The El Jefe Cubano. At first it was a superficial attraction...

....but then it was love at first bite.

In addition to all of this yum, Favreau and Choi were there as well chatting up the crowd. It was so cool to meet Jon Favreau. Of course, I love his Iron Man movies but this is the man who gave us the modern classic Swingers. That movie came out around the time I moved to L.A. and for me it captured a wonderful period of my life. Favreau was very cool and nice enough to sign a poster and pose for a picture.

Okay I am not stoned in this picture. There were
technically difficulties with the camera and
I wasn't ready when it finally went off.
I swear!

It was also a thrill to meet the Kogi master himself. If you read The Bite regularly, you know I admire the man’s mad culinary skills. I was just about to open my Cubano and chow down when he suddenly walked by and before I knew it I was shouting “Chef! Can I get a picture please?” and he happily obliged. I also told him “You fucking rule” before he left.

Now I must tell you ever since I moved to L.A., I have never gushed when meeting a celebrity. I have never even asked one for a picture and this includes Clooney. But when I saw Choi, I have to admit I gushed a little. It’s not my style and I’m not proud of it but it happened. I’ve made my peace with it.

Me and The Master

The whole thing was a pretty surreal experience. Friday night I’m watching a movie about a chef who finds his redemption in a Cuban sandwich and the next night I’m eating that sandwich. 

By the way, if you’re reading this on May 25^th or 26^th and live in L.A., good news: They’ll be doing the pop-up one last time at The Grove on Memorial Day from 7-11 pm. If you’re reading this after? Bummer, dude. You missed a kick ass sandwich.