L.A. Son

Synopsis

• Part of the acclaimed Anthony Bourdain Books series.
• Roy Choi was named Best New Chef by Food & Wine in 2010.
• He and his Kogi BBQ team received a Bon Apptit award in 2009 for 'being true innovators as guerrilla restaurantuers.'
• With three restaurants in Los Angeles, Choi is at the helm of a lucrative and expanding empire.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Getaway

* Summary: Sonny, a young man from Los Angeles, escapes to Mexico with his girlfriend, Luz, after a gang-related shooting. They flee to Rosarito, a resort town where they hope to start a new life.
* Real Example: One of Sonny's friends, Tino, was shot and killed by a rival gang. This traumatic event drives Sonny's decision to escape the violence of Los Angeles.

Chapter 2: The Sanctuary

* Summary: Sonny and Luz find temporary refuge at a hostel in Rosarito. They meet a diverse group of people, including a priest, a musician, and a struggling artist.
* Real Example: Sonny befriends a local musician named Guillermo, who introduces him to the vibrant music scene in Rosarito.

Chapter 3: The Unveiling

* Summary: Sonny begins to uncover the dark secrets hidden within the seemingly idyllic town. He learns of corruption, drug trafficking, and human exploitation.
* Real Example: Luz is approached by a local drug dealer who offers her a job smuggling cocaine. Sonny intervenes and confronts the dealer, exposing the town's sinister underbelly.

Chapter 4: The Encounter

* Summary: Sonny encounters his former gangbanger associate, Rico, who has also escaped to Rosarito. Rico attempts to draw Sonny back into a life of crime.
* Real Example: Sonny faces an internal struggle between his desire to escape his past and his loyalty to his former friends.

Chapter 5: The Revelation

* Summary: Sonny confronts his own inner demons and realizes that he cannot run from his past forever. He decides to return to Los Angeles and face his responsibilities.
* Real Example: Sonny has a transformative experience after witnessing the suffering of a young girl who has been abused by a local official. This incident forces him to realize that he cannot ignore the injustice and violence that he left behind.

Chapter 6: The Return

* Summary: Sonny returns to Los Angeles and seeks redemption. He works with a community organization to mentor troubled youth and prevent gang violence.
* Real Example: Sonny becomes a role model for at-risk youth, sharing his experiences and offering guidance to help them make better choices.