In 2023, Budonoki, a Los Angeles izakaya, transformed into an Italian trattoria for Halloween and created 'Budo-gnocchi' using Korean rice cakes instead of traditional pasta. The rice cakes were steamed for softness, seared for crispiness, and complemented by sautéed mushrooms and a dashi-butter sauce. The surprising success of the dish led to its addition on the permanent menu, where it has since evolved with seasonal ingredients, embodying a comforting and hearty option for patrons.
The team steamed the rice cakes to soften them, then seared them to create a crisp outer layer. Sauteed mushrooms, a dashi-butter pan sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano rounded out the pasta-like vibe.
Budo-gnocchi was "so incredibly well-received," that it had to become a part of the permanent menu. It hit the notes the restaurant was going for with every other dish.
The dish has since evolved into a loose template, changing with the whims of the kitchen. The restaurant might upgrade it by finishing with black truffle shavings, or bringing in corn.
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