Andy Ricker Launching Two Pok Poks in Chinatown

Not one, but TWO Pok Poks are now slated to open in Chinatown, reports the LA Times. Though a source confirmed one location headed to the northern stretch of Chinatown in Mandarin Plaza, Andy Ricker will be neighbors with Roy Choi's Chego right in the heart of Chinatown. It's possibly the most unexpected and surprising restaurant debut of the year, with openings slated for Spring 2015.

The Mandarin Plaza locale will be a version of NYC's Pok Pok Phat Thai while this standard-issue Pok Pok at the Far East Plaza (next to Chego) will span two floors, bar, and main dining room. No word on whether Whiskey Soda Lounge will make an official debut, though Ricker tells the LA Times that many of the dishes will make the bar menu.

Ricker credits tireless Chinatown Business Improvement District executive director George Yu with facilitating the spaces. To show Ricker's commitment to the LA projects, he'll be living right in Chinatown, a full endorsement of the area's revitalization. Still, during weekday evenings it can be a bit of a ghost town, with most restaurants and shops closing in the early evening and only a smattering of bars and restaurants serving past 9 p.m. It'll be interesting to see if Ricker can boost up the late night traffic to the area.
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