KOREATOWN EDITION

Jenna Flexner

Aug 3

5 min read

FOOD and FUN in Koreatown

Foodie Files Spotlight

WAKO DONKATSU

Japanese comfort food in the heart of Koreatown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4udCE6knIkU

There are few things more enjoyable than sharing a good meal with your child, and a recent daddy-daughter date with Tessa at Wako Donkatsu in Koreatown delivered on all fronts.

Wako Donkatsu has long been a family favorite for its Japanese-style crispy golden-fried pork cutlets. Our kids love it and it's easy to understand why it has developed such a loyal following. The atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable, and the food tastes like Japanese home cooking.

Tessa and I decided to try a hearty dish and a light dish and dubbed it our "summer" and "winter" dishes.

For our winter dish, Tessa got the Katsu Egg, often known in Japan as Katsudon when served over rice. The dish features a crispy fried pork cutlet simmered with onions and lightly cooked egg, creating a combination of textures that is both comforting and deeply flavorful. The contrast of textures was outstanding. The pork cutlet maintained its crunch while soaking up the savory broth, and the egg added a rich, silky quality that tied everything together. Every bite felt hearty and satisfying without being overly heavy. It's the kind of dish that makes you understand why it remains a staple of Japanese comfort food. YUM! Tessa was a very happy camper. :)

For our winter dish, I ordered the Zaru Soba, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer dining in Japan. Served chilled on a bamboo tray, the buckwheat noodles are accompanied by a light dipping sauce that is savory, refreshing, and delicately balanced. In Japan, Zaru Soba is especially popular during the hot and humid summer months because it is light, cooling, and easy to enjoy when heavier dishes feel overwhelming. The cold noodles provide a refreshing contrast to the summer heat, while the subtle flavors allow the quality of the soba to shine. At Wako, the Zaru Soba is simple yet satisfying, making it an ideal complement to the richer fried dishes on the menu.

Wako Donkatsu successfully combines the comforting flavors of Japanese home cooking with the generous hospitality that has made it a Koreatown institution for years. Definitely add it to your list of places to visit.

** Recommended Dishes: • Zaru Soba • Katsudon (Pork Cutlet and Egg Bowl) • Traditional Pork Donkatsu • Chicken Katsu • Curry Katsu

Wako Donkatsu

Address: 2904 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006

Phone: (213) 387-9256

Hours:

Monday–Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Website: www.wakodonkatsu.com

BONUS VIDEO

Daddy-son date at Wako with Luke 4 years ago

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/9F8dO2Svmw0

Flexner’s Family Fun Guide

Karaoke in K-town

Unleash your inner rockstar in a private karaoke room!

If you're looking for a fun family outing that's a little different from the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine, private karaoke rooms in Koreatown are worth checking out.

While karaoke has become popular throughout the United States, private-room karaoke—known as noraebang in Korea and often called karaoke boxes in Japan—has been a huge part of social culture in both countries for decades. The concept is simple: instead of singing in front of a room full of strangers, you and your group get your own private room where you can sing, laugh, and be as silly as you want.

My family and I have been going to private karaoke rooms for years, and it's become one of our favorite group activities. We've gone with friends, celebrated birthdays, and it's always a hit, whether they're natural performers or people who swear they can't sing a note.

One of the best things about private karaoke is that it works for just about any size group. Most venues offer rooms ranging from cozy spaces for a few friends to large party rooms that can accommodate 20 or more people. Whether you're planning a family night out, a teen birthday party, or a get-together with a big group of friends, there's usually a room that fits.

And it's not just about the singing. Many karaoke venues serve food and drinks, so it's easy to make an entire evening out of it. Order some snacks, pick your favorite songs, and watch as even the shyest person in the group eventually grabs a microphone.

Pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the venue. Budget-friendly spots may start around $30 to $60 per hour for a smaller room, while mid-range locations are often in the $60 to $120 per hour range. High-end karaoke lounges can cost more, especially on weekends or when food and beverage packages are included. The nice thing is that when you split the cost among a group, it can be surprisingly affordable.

One of our favorite spots is Blah Blah Karaoke in the heart of Koreatown. It hits that sweet spot between budget and luxury, offering a relaxed atmosphere, great sound quality, and comfortable rooms. The song selection is extensive, so everyone from grandparents to kids can usually find something they know and love. The best part? Nobody is judging. Some of our most memorable nights have involved completely off-key performances, dramatic duets, and group sing-alongs that turned into uncontrollable laughter. That's really what private karaoke is all about—having fun together and going for it. Be sure to ask for a tambourine! Somehow a tambourine makes everything more fun. :)

Blah Blah Karaoke at a Glance

Location: 300 S. Hobart Blvd., Suite B100, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hours: Daily, 6:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.
Phone: (213) 375-7210
Website: www.blahblahkaraoke.com
Pricing: Mid-range; rates vary by room size, day, and time, with food and drink packages available.
Room Sizes: Accommodates everything from small gatherings to large parties.
Food & Drinks: Available for purchase.
Family Friendly: Great for birthdays, celebrations, and group outings.

Erik and Jenna’s

Entertainment Picks

Pachinko

A richly layered saga of a Korean family through the years

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1r5XXJOYNA

If you haven’t watched Pachinko yet, consider this your sign to start. We couldn't turn it off...binged all the way through.

Based on the bestselling novel by Min Jin Lee, the Apple TV+ drama follows four generations of a Korean family whose lives are shaped by love, loss, migration, and resilience across Korea, Japan, and the United States.

What makes Pachinko so remarkable is its scope. The series moves effortlessly between decades, tracing the story of Sunja, a young Korean woman whose choices reverberate through her family for generations. Along the way, the show explores themes that remain deeply relevant today: immigration, identity, discrimination, family obligation, and the search for belonging. And despite its historical scope, it feels remarkably intimate. It captures the tension between honoring where you come from and building a future somewhere new—a theme that resonates far beyond the specific experiences depicted on screen. And if you ever wondered why Japan and Korea still have tensions, Pachinko answers that definitively.

The series is also a reminder of how far Korean storytelling has come in global popular culture. Following the success of works such as Squid Games and Parasite, Pachinko stands out not because of shock or spectacle, but because of its depth, humanity, and grace.

In an era of endless streaming options, Pachinko is one of the most thoughtful and beautifully made shows we have watched in a very long time. It’s moving without being sentimental, ambitious without losing sight of its characters, and visually gorgeous from start to finish.

Simply put: Pachinko is the kind of television that reminds you what the medium can do at its best.

We love hearing from past clients, and meeting new ones! We are happy to be a resource for any real estate needs, so don't hesitate to reach out.

Until the next adventure,

- Erik & Jenna

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