The Roy Choi Express made a special stop at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in downtown Los Angeles earlier this week for a sneak peek of Transmission LA: A/V Club, a 17-day festival featuring the work of 16 contemporary artists, musicians, designers, filmmakers, and chefs curated by Mike D of the Beastie Boys.

“A/V Club,” which is free to the public and runs from now until May 6, seeks to illustrate how audio and visual art forms complement and influence each other through concerts, performances, and installations. In addition to its audio and visual components, the exhibit also includes an edible element designed by Chef Roy Choi and the Kogi Team.

A rainbow splashed “mess hall” in the spirit of A-Frame has been built just for the event. I loved how the colorful tables had built-in troughs fit for various sauces and condiments. I can’t wait to see how this baby lights up at night.

The Kogi Truck will be dishing up its famous tacos, burritos, and quesadillas for dinner on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as well as for lunch on Saturdays, throughout the exhibit’s run.

Additionally, Chef is going to dream up weekly specials based on what inspires him at the farmers market. As a nod to Mike D’s vegetarianism, the special will always be meat-free.

This week’s bounty included ramps, asparagus, herbs, eggs, and strawberries, which inspired Chef to make egg-, tofu-, and salsa-topped papusas accompanied by a spring salad of mint, asparagus, pickled ramps, and pickled strawberries.

Chef mentioned that he’s experimenting with finding a “new flavor” during this exhibit, so look out for innovative sauces with a ton of interesting ingredients. All food will be priced between $4 to $8.

The other special was a warm “PBJ” pupusa topped with peanut butter, salsa, and pickled strawberries. Mike D’s assistant stole this away before I could take a bite.

During our informal tasting of Chef’s new specials, Mike D came by with a Canadian camera crew. I learned a few things about the man from the interchange between him, the journalist, and Chef. In addition to being vegetarian, Mike D doesn’t do runny eggs and would prefer not to share food with strangers.

Santigold rocked the outdoor stage this past Thursday night, and more artists and DJs are expected to follow. The full schedule hasn’t been released yet, but see below for a tentative list of who’s playing when.

And of course, make time to walk through the exhibit. It’s a feast for the eyes and ears…

I hope to see you at the A/V Club.

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The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA
250 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-626-6222