CHEGO.

When did I become such a food nerd? I'm not too sure. I just know food and me, we like that son! ((crosses fingers)).

Chef Roys new concept: CHEGO: Peasant food for the soul.

Ian and myself roll up to nothing but smiling faces. We meet the staff, get a tour, grab some drinks, and hit table. Roy: " I'm just gonna start bringing out food. Cool?" - Uhm, YEAH!.

First up: 3pm meatballs and order of pickled vegetables. If your a fan of the Mexican style of carrots and cauliflower, this is your jam- Radishes, fennel, cucumber, garlic, chillies. Mmmmmm! The meatballs were light and packed with tons of flavor. Korean-fried, shaved green onions, sesame, served on a polenta patty. 3 meatballs, gone in 3 seconds.

Second up: Charred Asparagus. I'm not kidding when I say, this is the best Asparagus I've ever had! Even my son who's not a fan ate 3/4 of our serving. Blueberry jalapeño salsa, garlic, chillies, parmesan, lemon? DANG!!

We split both rice bowls. The 1st one was Tiny’s Prime Rib Rice Bowl. Chili-rubbed, with fried egg, water spinach, creamed horseradish, fried shallots…… The prime rib was cooked perfectly. And the creamed horseradish sauce was the kicker! The 2nd was One Chubby Pork Belly Bowl. Kochujang-lacquered and lovingly glazed over 12 times, with fried egg, water spinach. OMG! Pork Belly and an oozing egg? HOLLA'

Last but not least: "It’s Been A Rocky Road". Chocolate ice cream, smoked almonds, caramel, brownies, melting marshmallow fluff. Take everything out of the traditional Rocky Road and use it to top a big bowl of chocolate ice-cream. It was pure delight.

So Ian and myself are grinning from ear to ear like we just got away with Bank robbery and I hear Chef Roy yell from the kitchen: "HEK! come here. Did you notice who was sitting next to you?" I shake my head. "It's FRODO dude!" We were so consumed with our meal that we didn't even notice Elijah Wood had pulled up the table next to us. Ha! Great ending to a great night.

www.eatchego.com