TightWind is written by Kyle Baxter. Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish.

Roy Choi started a trend across the U.S. with Kogi:

The dish may have honest folk roots, but many Korean taco makers across the country recognize Roy Choi, a Kogi founder, as the pioneering force.

“Chef Roy was the alpha,” said Bo Kwon, who has been serving Korean Oregon Infusion BBQ from his Koi Fusion trucks in Portland, Ore., since May 2009.

“We just Portlandize what he did in L.A.,” said Mr. Kwon, whose menu borrowed from Mr. Choi’s in the manner that 50 Cent sampled Biggie Smalls.

Roy Choi is, absolutely, a genius. There may be a number of Korean BBQ taco places opening across the country, but the original is Kogi here in Los Angeles, and they’re incredible. Why else would I routinely drive to a random location at 10:30pm for a taco truck?

Choi’s newest place, Chego, is equally as amazing. He’s taken rice bowls, something tame and calm, into something completely new yet also familiar. The prime rib bowl with a side of ooey-gooey fries is an experience.

If you live around Los Angeles, and haven’t tried Kogi or Chego, you need to fix that now. You’re missing out on something special.