Update:
Returned back to try a few more items and someone was interested in checking out the festival as well.
Smorgasburg definitely feels like it’s picking up in terms of popularity. There were some insane lines today. At least the heat was less than the previous heat wave weeks.
Goa Taco
When we got in line, it was 25+ people deep. After about 10 minutes or so, it was up to 40+ people! 
Thankfully the lined moved relatively fast.
Their “marketing campaign” continues to work well:
@ipsedixit, you’ll be happy to know Chef-Owner Marneweck was there, manning the stoves, in from NY! 
I asked about if they could please bring over their Lamb Shoulder or Chicken Chorizo. The server smiled at us and asked how we knew about that. I mentioned a Smiling Blue Avatar telling us that this was a must-have item. She said she’d talk to Chef Marneweck about it, but said that even with just the current 2 offerings (Pork Belly and Tofu), it’s overwhelming the staff. I hope they bring it over!
Slow Roasted Pork Belly Taco (Pickled Red Cabbage, Chipotle Mayo):
This was still as tender as before. It tasted very fresh, succulent, savory, but not too salty, and the slices of crisped Pork Skin were crackling perfect. The flavors were the same as before: It’s good, but it’s not transcendent. It didn’t blow us away like Taco Maria’s Pork Belly square of perfection.
Goa Taco
Sundays at Smorgasburg L.A.
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Red Hook Lobster was offering authentic Maine or Connecticut style Lobster Rolls. We had to try one.
Lobster Roll, Connecticut Style (Warmed in Lemon and Butter):
The Lobster tasted pretty fresh and bright. They use Lobster Claw meat only, and while it’s generally tender, they overcooked a few chunks of the Lobster, resulting in slightly chewy pieces, but I’d say about 80% of it was cooked just fine.
It was pretty savory and delicious, almost as good as Lobsta Truck a few years ago (we haven’t had a chance to go back since). But overall, Connie & Ted’s remains our favorite. And Connie & Ted’s uses all of the Maine Lobster (Lobster Tail, Claw and Knuckle), cooked perfectly, with a delicious bun.
Still, if you’re at this food festival, this is a pretty solid offering.
Red Hook Lobster Pound
Sundays at Smorgasburg.
Porridge & Puffs
News alert: Today was Porridge and Puffs’ last day for the Summer at Smorgasburg LA! 
Looks like they’re doing pop-ups in Copenhagen and other cities (cool for them!), and they’re looking for a brick and mortar. Chef Minh mentioned she wasn’t sure which day they were returning to Smorgasburg, so check their Instagram.
Lychee Iced Tea:
Refreshing, non-sweetened, with a hint of Lychee. Perfect.
Pickles & Jam Porridge (Scallion Porridge, Spicy Makrut, Lemongrass Savory Jam, Seasonal Pickles, Herbs + Shiso Hibiscus Pickled Egg):
Like their Poultry Porridge last time, this was outstanding! The Lemongrass and Makrut Savory Jam lent a real surprising savoriness, slightly tart, perfect amount of salt, vegetal, Spring-like and just satisfying. The Heirloom Rice they used gave the Porridge a really satisfying texture (not too mushy, just the right amount of body). @MaladyNelson this is worth a try if you get a chance.
Note: Today was the last Sunday at Smorgasburg for the Summer. Check on their website for details on where they’re doing pop-ups.
Porridge & Puffs
Sundays at Smorgasburg L.A.
Rucker’s Pies
There were new seasonal pies from Pastry Chef Nicole Rucker.
July Flame Peach Pie:
This was a touch on the tart side, with a nice deep Peach punch of aroma. It was still sweet, but had a balance of tart and sweetness. Interesting.
Summer Apple Rose Pie:
Made with Dorsett Golden Apples, this was a pretty spectacular Apple Pie. I didn’t really notice the Rose accents, but perhaps it was in the background to grant just enough fragrance to make it standout from the standard Apple Pie you might be used to.
Rucker’s Pies
Sundays at Smorgasburg L.A.
Donut Friend
Donut Friend was one of the booths we didn’t get to try last time. Their display of Donuts looks amazing.
Green Teagan and Sara Donut (Raised Donut with Matcha Tea Glaze, Freeze Dried Raspberries, and Black Sesame Seeds):
This sounded better than it tasted. Sadly, the Green Tea glaze was just OK. The “Black Sesame” was literally just a tiny sprinkling of Black Sesame Seeds (very sparse).
Fritter Seems Forever (Raised Dough Smashed with Baked Apples):
This was the sweetest of the Donuts, with a crunchy exterior (fried a bit longer than their other offerings). It was rather straightforward.
Javabreaker (Coffee Infused Donut with Espresso Infused Glaze):
The Espresso Glaze was pretty impressive, really fragrant and deeply Coffee-ish. Sadly, the actual Donut tasted rather dry and bland, with almost no notes of being “Coffee-infused.”
Donut Friend
Sundays at Smorgasburg.
http://donutfriend.com/wp3/
Every Sunday:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Smorgasburg L.A.
(at the Alameda Produce Market)
S. Alameda Street & Bay Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
I really hope they come back to L.A. soon (either at Smorgasburg or their own store). Really enjoy their Porridge offerings.
