In this episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Guy Fieri takes us to San Francisco, California, just three blocks from the iconic AT&T Park. Nestled in this bustling area is HRD Coffee Shop, a place that serves up more than just your typical diner fare. With an Asian fusion twist, this coffee shop has something truly unique: the Spicy Burrito.
A Unique Culinary Experience
HRD Coffee Shop is not your average West Coast diner. It’s a melting pot of flavors, owned by David Yeung and run alongside his business partner, Jojo Banks. Guy Fieri describes it as “a coffee shop spiked with Asian fusion,” and the menu reflects that eclectic mix.
David, who bought the coffee shop from his uncle, aimed to infuse the menu with all the flavors he loves, including Korean and Chinese influences. When people see items like the kimchi fried rice burrito on the menu, they might scratch their heads in confusion, but as Guy notes, they’re also quick to order it.
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The Making of the Spicy Burrito
The star of this episode is the Spicy Burrito, a dish that combines Korean and Mexican culinary elements. Here’s how it comes together:
- Kimchi Preparation:
- Cabbage: Napa cabbage is cut into quarters and salted overnight to pull out the moisture.
- Sauce: The kimchi sauce includes sweet rice flour, water, red crushed pepper, anchovy sauce, sugar, julienned leeks, sliced daikon, and carrots. This mixture is left to ferment for a day.
- Guy loves the pungent, aromatic notes of the kimchi, saying, “This is seriously some of the stuff I love more than anything.”
- Korean Spicy Pork:
- Spice Mix: The spicy pork marinade consists of chopped onions, ginger, garlic, kiwi, sugar, soy sauce, Korean bean paste, miso paste, Korean peanut butter, and red pepper flakes.
- Marination: Thinly sliced pork butt is marinated in this spice mix for at least a day.
- Guy tastes the marinade and exclaims, “That’s awesome!” appreciating the depth of flavors.
- Cooking:
- Searing: The marinated pork is seared to caramelize the outside.
- Sesame Oil and Kimchi: Added to the pan to mix with the pork, enriching it with a burst of flavors.
- Assembly:
- Rice: Jasmine rice is flavored with the sauce and mixed with scallions for added color.
- Tortilla: The mixture is placed on a heated tortilla, topped with mung beans, julienned cucumbers, hot sauce, sour cream, and nori (seaweed).
- Guy finds this combination intriguing, calling it “the oddest burrito I’ve ever seen.”
The burrito is wrapped in parchment paper and foil to keep it warm and ready for consumption.
The Taste Test
Guy takes a bite of the Spicy Burrito and is immediately impressed. “That’s out of bounds!” he exclaims, savoring the blend of sour, spicy kimchi, the flavorful pork, and the fresh crunch of mung beans and cucumbers. He emphasizes, “The kimchi, a little bit sour, a little bit spicy. The meat’s got tons of flavor, a real chew.”
An Unforgettable Flavor Fusion
HRD Coffee Shop has managed to create a dish that perfectly encapsulates the fusion of different culinary traditions. The Spicy Burrito is not just a meal; it’s an experience that combines the best of Korean and Mexican flavors. Guy sums it up best, saying, “Dude, that is seriously the bomb! Great job.”
For anyone visiting San Francisco or catching a game at AT&T Park, HRD Coffee Shop is a must-visit spot. The Spicy Burrito is not only a testament to the creativity of David Yeung and Jojo Banks but also a delicious representation of what can happen when different culinary worlds collide.
