How Filipino Pitmaster Johneric Concordia Makes Some of the Best Barbecue in LA - Smoke Point

At The Park’s Finest in LA, the cuts of meat used in traditional American barbecue meet Filipino seasonings and sauces to make dishes like coconut beef, timuay beef tri-tip, and a smoked and seasoned meaty beef short rib.
Credits:
Producer/Director: Connor Reid
Camera: Connor Reid, Murilo Ferreira
Editor: Connor Reid
Executive Producer: Stephen Pelletteri
Development Producer: McGraw Wolfman
Supervising Producer: Stefania Orrù
Audience Engagement: Daniel Geneen, Terri Ciccone
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For more episodes of 'Smoke Point,' click here: trib.al/dItIYLj
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[@isay808]

At the beginning of the Pandemic, these guys came through and donated one of the best meals we ever had to our whole ER department. I will forever be thankful.

[@exudeku]

Filipinos have thing called "Bayanihan". It means we will always help our brothers and sisters in need of help.

[@user-vg7yc5pk6l]

Filipino nationals are Social and Generous

[@eissen8877]

@@exudeku yes indeed! proud to be a Filipino!

[@karytran3896]

The Park's Finest is such a gem in LA's Historic Filipinotown (HiFi)!! They were feeding frontline workers like me throughout the pandemic prior to re-opening their restaurant 🥺

[@mancerrss]

Damn even the acronym is stylized and high tech love it.

[@Chris-ro7mn]

"frontline workers" stop lying.

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

I've eaten there. The food is garbage. Only thing there that's good is the Pulled Pork. The beef short ribs you see on the presentation. They are "Market Price" (meaning they are EXPENSIVE). $45 A POP. Enjoy fellas 😉

[@Lost_isle]

@@user-lc8ip5wd2r garbage to you maybe, for some maybe not

[@virgil1901]

@@user-lc8ip5wd2r Copy and pasting huh

[@joshisikhagmail]

I grew up in Philippines, lived there for 9 years. Filipino people are probably the nicest people in the world. I miss Philippines dearly. Watching Johneric wearing a Barong just brought back so many good memories. Filipino food is underrated, it tastes so damn good. Love the Philippines and Filipino's. Great video.

[@MGD313]

I love a chef who wears his heart of his sleeve.

[@xero7077]

Eyyyy 🔥

[@rg20322]

This guy seems like the real deal and love his enthusiasm!! Please keep it up and hope I have a chance to taste this fantastic food, although I'm near Boston! Great job and the Filipino influence!

[@wilsonodek1068]

I see what you did there😂😂

[@lindadabup7950]

@@rg20322 àaaààaÀ as

[@byronco4917]

i was 7 mins in till i got what you wrote hahahha

[@marcocuenca698]

My man cooking in a barong. Respect.

[@kyleterry5190]

You know he's serious about filipino food when he brings out the barong

[@dinocinco6096]

that's the first thing I've noticed also...nakaka proud!

[@zabers5818]

Nah. He might have brought it out when filming took place or is a workplace uniform for the authentic filipino experience. Either way props for him for showing it on cam.

[@yokiskitchen2095]

Polo barong.

[@rhamlay8806]

What is barong?

[@rilkeanheart]

johneric gave a walking tour of filipinotown and i was lucky enough to be present. he has a tremendous knowledge of the area's history and culture, and his enthusiasm and love for his community are palpable. after the tour we stopped by park's finest and had some delicious food. really this place and johneric are a treat!

[@DEEYAREE]

This place is the real deal. Come hungry because you're gonna eat more than you planned to before you walked in. It's that good! Shout out to Johneric & Fam!!!

[@humbleservant1294]

Trust me it isn’t Texas BBQ

[@miah2011]

@@humbleservant1294 who said this was texas bbq?

[@DEEYAREE]

@@humbleservant1294 you are correct. It ain't Texas bbq. It's not Memphis or KC bbq either. It is however excellent LA bbq.

[@humbleservant1294]

@@DEEYAREE Everyone I’ve talked to says it’s horrible. When I had it was dry… not necessarily horrible just dry for me… Although the best bbq I’ve ever had was in the Caribbean… Fucking amazing…

[@DEEYAREE]

Awesome! Thanks for your opinion!

[@ryansotto6803]

Johneric Concordia is not just a chef, he's a food philosopher! As a Filipino American this piece resonated with me. Thanks for posting!

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

I've eaten there. The food is garbage. Only thing there that's good is the Pulled Pork. The beef short ribs you see on the presentation. They are "Market Price" (meaning they are EXPENSIVE). $45 A POP. Enjoy fellas 😉

[@jermainedecastro3612]

@@user-lc8ip5wd2r why don’t you go there and vent out. This platform is not the venue for your complaint. You’re even hiding your identity by using this greek name. Show up your real name and the real you. Attention seeker brat. I guess your childhood is sad. Hahaha

[@aizenfordpagulong264]

@@user-lc8ip5wd2r stop the cap

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

@@aizenfordpagulong264 Well hello there? A year has passed by and it seems like expressing myself and freedom of speech is nonexistent in this thread. I apologize if I offended you in any form or fashion. I moved on from this. Have a good day and take it easy.

[@R0gue0ne]

I really enjoy these types of stories. Meeting the staff, chefs and learning a bit about their day. Cheers!

[@RyanCoomer]

orange man bad tho

[@R0gue0ne]

@@RyanCoomer lol wot?

[@brandonsimpson3608]

Just his confidence alone makes me want to try his food.

[@RyanCoomer]

orange man bad

[@humbleservant1294]

🤮

[@goober776]

@@RyanCoomer what does that have to do with anything?

[@aarondonald1611]

@@RyanCoomer True he is

[@RealECM]

@@aarondonald1611 Orange man bad 🤖

[@backsidefifty]

the vibes in this restaurant must be amazing.

[@kingrobinho777]

True but if someone throws lettuce on me...

[@RyanCoomer]

orange man prolly bad

[@g.s.5110]

@@RyanCoomer emphasis on "prolly"

[@RyanCoomer]

@@g.s.5110 YALL PROLY STIL WARING A MASK I BET TO THAN HAHA TAKE THAT

[@OB-LA]

I love Parks Finest, I’ve never been disappointed with anything there. I’m happy to see they’ve pulled through the lockdowns!

[@brozors]

These dudes have been an LA institution for years. Glad to see them get the Eater limelight.

[@eduardochavacano]

the power of pinoy baiting videos.

[@catzor4795]

@@eduardochavacano I've never seen a self-hating Filipino before. That's new.

[@g.s.5110]

@@eduardochavacano Well if you fell for the bait, then it's not their fault. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@alas2210]

@@catzor4795 he's not filipino. That dude is for sure east asian, pretending to be filipino. I always see him commenting even in filipino history videos

[@JoShiestyy]

@@alas2210 I wouldn't be surprised if he really isn't a Filipino, putting coconut milk in pork adobo lol wildin'.

[@belialix]

I don't know much about cooking and stuff like that, but this Sir really explains well.

[@makeleletoulalan5604]

He's eloquent af

[@kathyerickson9402]

Perfect way to invite the good energy and remove the negative. The food looks delicious and really liked the overall energy. Especially loved the "heart on his sleeve".

[@y1521t21b5]

2:01 _"All we're tryna do is to kinda introduce you to Filipino food. Something that you LOVE, you just don't know yet!"_ :-D

[@Impopeye]

Im a Pinoy who is very passionate about cooking and sharing food and yes I smoked and bbq many cuts of meat this makes me feel warm and proud of this brother. Thank you po

[@Qub3rs]

The Park's Finest BBQ... I've seen this place featured so many times in so many KZbin videos... One day I will visit this magical place... one day... 🤤

[@ejs18]

You’ll be disappointed.

[@lf6878]

Can tell you, you won’t be disappointed. Don’t listen to that fool^

[@ejs18]

tried it twice to be sure. Disappointed both times. I like the concept but execution is horrible. Everyone i know who have been there say the same thing. But to each their own. Edit: desserts were good though.

[@humbleservant1294]

@@lf6878 Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah L.A. bbq 😂

[@boxonegaming7680]

@@ejs18 delusional

[@MsHugh1990]

Love this guy's energy and passion!

[@Itsadrianyay]

This is awesome! Glad to see more new content :)

[@theflyent7106]

Shouts to the Filipino community... All that look good as hell for sure, the food lover's love what y'all have done n brought to the food world. Much love from Michigan💯

[@allendalemontano151]

Let's Go Kababayan.

[@Krohmel]

I could listen to the Johneric talk about his food and his restaurant all day long.

[@angelopaolo]

It's my favorite adobo with coconut milk. The way we cook it in our family is we make it spicy by adding jalapeños. Bibingka is typically eaten during Christmas holidays, kind a like turkey for Thanksgiving.

[@Fantic1980]

What a fantastic epesode! I wish every one of them of them eternal health and wealth!

[@exodia1892]

Omg that beef short ribs looks so good ughh.

[@josephmarciano2584]

Wow! This entire team is a class act.

[@rnbnart]

Food looks amazing! Added to my bucket list!

[@JeromeReyez]

This restaurant is AMAZING. The food, the service and most importantly the culture of this restaurant is what makes it amazing. I am Filipino born in America. This place represents people like me and a generation of American born Filipinos. If you’re looking for traditional Filipino food there’s a hundred other restaurants in LA that do that. If you’re looking for FLAVORFUL & DELICIOUS modern takes on Filipino BBQ, you’ve come to the right place. & to all the “haters” that have never tried Park’s Finest & all the racists in these comments FVCK OFF! come to LA and say that to the owner’s face. He makes amazing food and has one hell of a right hook! God Bless.

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

I've eaten there. The food is garbage. Only thing there that's good is the Pulled Pork. The beef short ribs you see on the presentation. They are "Market Price" (meaning they are EXPENSIVE). $45 A POP. Enjoy fellas 😉

[@Seven7ails]

Braddah! Much respect to you and your crew A+++

[@dancarr8494]

Always awesome to see tri tip and Santa Maria get some love

[@obsidian00]

I love BBQ and I love Filipino food! My mouth watered the entire time…too bad so far away 😩

[@LVWerewolf]

My absolute favorite here is the coconut beef and the bibingka cornbread. AMAZING!!!

[@margaretburnham5683]

That all looks wonderful...I wish I was there

[@kingtut4537]

I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A lot of Filipinos here & tbh they’re so chill & got great food 🤪

[@mumihp]

The chef is literally wearing your heart on your sleeve. Great video 😃

[@Dalgri]

This man gives me such good vibes. Its great to see bueatifull people like him on this earth.

[@fokonoyt8061]

I'm an seventh day adventist, i'm glad that he put and honor his grandma recipe and her beliefs to his dish. Love from PH.

[@peterdresel2187]

Ang sarap ng mga ulam dito!! Ang gutom na ako dahil ang video ninyo!!

[@hanovergreen4091]

We're at our best together vs apart. I'm glad kids will know a more integrated society than what I grew up in....hopefully.

[@nraughlixiong3892]

6:03 Lmao the “DAYM this some good shit” got me dying laughing 🤣 🤚

[@JosephHernandez-yi6qp]

Nice feature! Love the food here! Awesome tritip and coco beef! Well recommended

[@MulYeungCooking]

Yummy food! Love seeing some fusion.

[@aaroncovington5529]

I'm gonna have to check that spot out next time I visit LA. Much love to my Filipino community!!!

[@MarloCustodio]

Man, I got all the feels watching this. Much love to y’all!

[@junji2515]

Thank you for bringing the Filipino goodness in the US.

[@eduardochavacano]

you probably know very little about Filipino food. The stuff they make in the US is not close to what 98% of Filipinos get to swallow.

[@g.s.5110]

@@eduardochavacano Obviously because they mix filipino food with what they have in the US. They're doing with the best of what they have, and it works. 👍

[@YourOG]

@@eduardochavacano it be your own people hating but okay…

[@avakiin6614]

@@eduardochavacano Parang hindi nakinig, no? Sinabi nga yung spices at blends nila ang rason kung bakit tawag pa rin Pinoy food niluluto nila. Bibingka di ka kumakain? Baka sa parte ng Pilipinas kung saan ka galing. Ang dami-daming kultura at tao sa Pilipinas, sa tingnan mo lahat magkakaparehos ng style? Ignorante na nga, bingi pa. Amp. Edit: I replied in Tagalog cus that's what I am. If you're from another part of the country and you don't understand what they're cooking, it doesn't mean it's not Filipino.

[@ronilsalazar9955]

i never knew this place existed. thanks for the upload, will be visiting this place for sure

[@sethsoderman2731]

All the shows get better and better about barbecuing all your shows are good on here

[@JigglePhysicsX]

Sincerely, this is a place and its people that I'm proud of. Mabuhay kayo, mga kababayan!

[@e.sledge2132]

Filipinos have an amazing bbq flavor. Must try!!!!

[@redmango7852]

the smoked meats looks so good 🔥🔥🔥

[@mattbrewbaker]

This place closing to the public was one of my least favorite parts of 2020. So much to love about their BBQ. My mouth is watering just thinking about them.

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

I've eaten there. The food is garbage. Only thing there that's good is the Pulled Pork. The beef short ribs you see on the presentation. They are "Market Price" (meaning they are EXPENSIVE). $45 A POP. Enjoy fellas 😉

[@mattbrewbaker]

@@user-lc8ip5wd2r Nooo! So sad hearing you say that. I gotta disagree obvs. I've found their meat to be exceptionally moist and flavorful. Also, BBQ is always expensive I've found so I usually don't consider price or "value" when ordering it. It's a treat-yo-self kind of meal.

[@paologoitia3513]

@@mattbrewbaker hes copy pasted this statment. Seems like troll behaviour.

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

@@paologoitia3513 Nope not troll behavior. Just releasing the objective facts to prevent the guilable and delusional from wasting time and money there. Yes I'm copying and pasting but at least the truth comes out of mouth and keyboard. Your just hating on me and simping then. *truth comes out of my mouth *simping them ☆Please excuse any grammatical errors, still learning my English. It's my 4th language. So excuse me if you can't understand nor comprehend my texts.

[@user-lc8ip5wd2r]

@@mattbrewbaker when I went the Tri-Tip was terrible. They thick cut it and I don't know if it was either a noob or the cooks don't know but they didn't even cut it "Against The Grain". Came out overly salty, dry, & chewy.

[@cookiesncream25]

The chef's enthusiasm made me hungry for his food. 🍻

[@jaypseven993]

I saw him before in diners, drive- ins and dive with Guy in Food Network. I love that he is wearing a Barong!

[@eajayy8969]

I definitely gotta hit this next time I go to LA. This food looks too good bro.

[@nyareyes8618]

My parents are first generation Filipino-Americans. Always special when the family has authentic menus

[@4bernales1]

Love it! Keep doing it!!!

[@briantxcattleskull2752]

Oh man, I need to fly back to LA. I have a feeling that Jo Koy will be making a visit soon

[@CarterWHern]

to express emotional honesty and openness

[@motupatlugamesworld5768]

BEST OF THE BEST EPISODE

[@TalkToMeInTagalog]

This makes my mouth water. 😋😋😋😊💕🇵🇭

[@namu5583]

Love how the dude speaks.

[@pocholo.21]

11:21 that spread looks dope! what a sumptuous delight!

[@junelicudinerosales8086]

Love this place!!!

[@cedrickcaidic7931]

awesome! more power to your business

[@angelwings3242]

Damn that looks good. Gotta try them out!

[@povtravelsadventures9281]

Cool… another food joint I’m gonna check out when I’m in LA

[@Jaz31day]

This guy needs a medal 🏅

[@dahokamot5386]

I want to go to your restaurant on Thanksgiving day, so flavory and very appetizing foods.

[@HowToCuisine]

I wish I could try it! 😍

[@officialbrandonlampkin]

That’s a fire grand opening!

[@marlonroxas7107]

Great feature!

[@victeano4442]

props to that bambu (de pistola) stickers, man!

[@tonybehaviour9945]

One of everything please !

[@TurboLongi]

I think this guy wears his heart on his sleeve

[@aloysuisarqueza4852]

That's another good Filipino Content! ❤

[@jamesjiwonpark7154]

Thank you for your love

[@jeromebustamante7532]

This place is off the hook, I also went to Virgil Jr high, back in 1990 and went King Jr High

[@avancons1]

Dude wearing a barong during the interview. I love it

[@VideoInformation]

Watching from Philippines. Yay for pinoy food.

[@mauricebattle978]

Love it!

[@mrchubbles]

I've tried ginataang carabao, I've also tried adobong carabao, but I've never tried carabao as ginataan and adobo together. Might just order me some carabeef and try cooking it as ginataang adobong carabao.

[@mamarkg]

*smoked ginataang adobong carabao hehe

[@tongtv1709]

May sebo lang ang Carabao meat pero ok parin

[@jastinep.3659]

@@tongtv1709 kaya nga sabi sa vid e smoked ung meat para mabawasan ung mantika.

[@tongtv1709]

@@jastinep.3659 Ah ok, dito kasi sa amin pag may pista may nagkakatay ng kalabaw tapos Simple lang ang luto kaya may sebo talaga lalo dumi dikit sa labi

[@redmunkee]

I've had adobo sa gata in a few carinderias here in Manila with chicken or pork, apparently it's a Bicolano specialty.

[@myegotisticaura3778]

I’m not a cornbread eater but I wanna taste that… looks so soft 😩😩😩

[@anthonyruleslol]

Bro it’s I hate to say it but it’s crunchy bro

[@Mikejguevarra]

This is amazing

[@legacy8711]

I love this place. It hasnt opened in over a year. Like please. Open so i can enjoy it again.

[@keithgoh123]

Now this place has a very homely feel to it.

[@andrewv.9142]

any place with dancing lions and fireworks gets a huge thumbs up in my book!

[@bg147]

That grub looked good, especially the corn bread.

[@jazzdufourt6374]

Solid neto! Nadala ako tapos Samba pala yung tugtog sa Background! Hahahaha. Galeng!

[@Beeman2892]

I am a proud pinoy born and raised in the Philippines. Seeing a fellow pinoy succeed brings happiness to me. #PinoyCan #goPinoy!👊😤 💜💛💯🔥

[@bethroskilly5476]

My mum and I visited there on holiday and still talk about how great their food was! The cornbread was amazing

[@jap0nes]

The samba playing in the background reminded me of Brazilian movies from the 70s/80s

[@motupatlugamesworld5768]

WELCOME BACK

[@stinec5394]

I love how he wore a traditional Filipino barong 🇵🇭 🤍

[@tebonginc]

i think theres a lot to be learned from the fil-ams featured in this video. clearly a lot of effort went into achieving their goals. too often we see our kababayans fall short and get easily discouraged or be complacent and quickly be comfortable with the pwede na attitude. we should strive to push forward at all times. we cannot continue to to be content with age old standards that dont do anyone any good. Congratulations to the Parks Finest crew

[@clydeeconcepcion486]

This is really. A creative Filipino Dish

[@moonrun2]

That cornbread is genius. The BBQ is inspired.

[@jasonturner1045]

awesome! love me some Filipino food. very surprised that L.A. hasn't shut you down for the fireworks though

[@albertgallanosa8600]

English speaking Fil-Ams are always explaining why Filipino Filipinos might say they are not cooking authentic traditional Filipino cuisine. Yet my cousin in the Philippines cooked me an Adobo with Pineapples in it LOL shout out to my Pare from Cooking school. From the Santa Ana Satanas.

[@backupaccount5332]

You can adobo virtually anything

[@Wheueiororldfb]

Looks delicious!

[@richardfernandez106]

Legendary..