This could possibly be the greatest event in the history of Los Angeles: the Korean American Coalition presents the first ever Korean BBQ Cook-Off, showcasng some of the best dishes by L.A.'s top Korean barbecue restaurants. It's happening this Saturday, August 8 in the parking lot of the Summit on Sixth Building.

Presented by the Korean American Coalition - Los Angeles, in partnership with Yelp, the Cook-off will be judged by distinguished judges -- including Pulitzer Prize-winning food critic Jonathan Gold and Los Angeles Times Food Editor Russ Parsons -- who will present the prize for the best barbecue dish.

Ten restaurants are participating in the competition, including Beverly Soon Tofu, Byul Dae Po, Ham Ji Park, Jinju Galbi, Mu Dae Po, Park's BBQ, So Hyang, and Soowon Galbi. Yum. Here are some event details:

The First Ever Korean BBQ Cookoff in LA

Saturday, August 8, 2009
12:00pm - 8:00pm
The Summit at 6th
3223 6th St.
Los Angeles, CA

Come eat Korean BBQ from the best BBQ restaurants of K-Town. Entrance is free so come one come all! The best part is, you don't have to come with your Korean co-worker/friends. There will be various parking lots near the summit, just make sure to use your ears/nose to find us. (Shouldn't be hard.) Hope to see you all there.

*Mystery eating contest starts at 2pm, you won't want to miss this...

*Cook-off starts at 5pm

*10 confirmed restaurants are participating in the competition including Byul Dae Po (Star BBQ), Ham Ji Park, Jinju Galbi, Mu Dae Po, Park's BBQ, So Hyang, and Soowon Galbi

*Pulitzer Prize winner Jonathan Gold has been confirmed as a judge for the cook-off.

The primal urge of grilled and smoked meats transcends cultures and continents. Los Angeles is home to some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in the nation, a blend of Korean technique and American ingredients. The First Annual Korean BBQ Cookoff will showcase the best Korean barbecue restaurants and dishes - hand-picked by a team of experts - in the largest social enclave for Koreans in America.

Do you need any more convincing? If you're in Los Angeles, head on down to Koreatown this Saturday for some good-ass food. Heck, I'm surprised no one thought of this sooner. For more information about the Koran BBQ Cook-Off, visit the Korean American Coalition website: The Korean BBQ Cook-Off is Almost Here...