5901 G Westheimer Road: Oh My GOGI!
Claw Game, and Kimchi Quesadilla, and Loaded Fries…Oh My! Or in this case, Oh My GOGI!
The sights and sounds of a Claw Game are a powerful reminder of simpler times when games of skill and chance required a steady hand and a bit of patience. There is satisfying joy in maneuvering the claw over your desired prize, picking the exact spot for the grab, pushing the button to release the claw to grasp your item in hopes it stays caught while it travels to the shoot. Certainty is not guaranteed until the prize is in your hands. Having supporters cheering you along only amplifies the highs and lows of this retro game.
This roller coaster of emotions is the perfect appetizer for your meal at Oh My GOGI! Yup, that’s right. The creative minds that brought you Mexican Korean BBQ fusion from a food truck are now serving up the option to play Claw Games while you hang out in their restaurant on Westheimer. I chose 11 tokens for $10 and played a couple different machines. I was not successful in my quest for a cute stuffed panda, but the tune from the machine is now stuck in my head and I will return soon to try again.
If that is a lot to take in, we are just getting started.
I walked into the restaurant on a Thursday afternoon and met Jervis. He’s worked with Oh My GOGI! for over 4 years in both the restaurant and the food trucks. He guided me through my food choices while sharing a bit about the restaurant, food trucks and the Karaoke bar next store (Spotlight Karaoke) under the same ownership. The evolution from 4 food trucks to a brick and mortar restaurant, led to a reduction to 2 food trucks and expanded catering services. And now the addition of the Claw Game Arcade which adds authenticity to the Korean roots and attracts customers with the bright lights and throwback prizes. It was clear from my conversation with Jervis that the team behind Oh My GOGI! is innovative in their approach to food and customer engagement.
As Jervis and I discussed my order, the team in the kitchen, which is visible from the counter, were happily preparing food for others while listening in to get a jump on my food. I got the sense this team works well together to keep the food flowing and the customers happy.
My order:
Dumplings: deep fried chicken gyoza with sweet chili dipping sauce. They were crispy on the outside but very tender inside. The flavor was ginger forward, with a nice chicken flavor and texture, and the dough remained soft despite the crispy outside. The dipping sauce was spicy with the right amount of sweet to compliment the ginger in the filling of the dumpling.
Kimchi Quesadillas: flour tortilla, colby jack, cilantro, spicy mayo, kimchi, beef. The quesadilla was warm and gooey with a lovely crunch on the outside. The kimchi played the role of a sweet element similar to a grilled bell pepper in texture that balanced well with the cheese and spicy mayo. The beef was tender and flavorful. A yummy evolution of the quesadilla and an explosion of flavors and texture.
OMG! Fries: fries, colby jack cheese, spicy mayo, onions, cilantro, grilled onions, chilled kimchi, fried egg, cilantro and beef. Fries were crispy with a natural potato flavor and fluffy texture inside. The crispiness held up to all the gooey stuff on top. The beef was very tender without any gristle or chewy parts, and perfectly seasoned to compliment the other items. The fried egg pulled everything together and served as a binding agent to the rest of the toppings. Imagine a Bibimbap bowl over fries instead of rice. It all worked together in an unexpected way.
The food is not for show but for substance. If you need to fill up quickly, build a base for a night out, or coat your stomach at the end of the evening, Oh My GOGI! Is an excellent choice.
After filling up on these lovely flavors, it was time for me to head out. I noticed that all the tables were filled and one couple was sitting on the bench eating their food. It felt like a food truck park but inside, which was another nice communal element to the space. I offered the couple my table and took my food tray to the counter to pack up my leftovers. Jervis was busy helping another customer with their order, so one of the men from the kitchen quickly grabbed a few to-go containers and boxed up my food for me. I appreciated the attention to detail and the teamwork of the staff to ensure I was well cared for.
Upon my return home, my son quickly dove into the to-go containers. Although the fries were cold, they remained firm, not soggy or wet. He crushed all of the leftovers and was happy to report that this is the food you need after a fun night on the town. Good news is the restaurant is open really late!
Sunday - 12PM-12AM
Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 11AM-12AM
Wednesday - 11AM-12AM
Thursday - 11AM-2AM
Friday - 11AM-3AM
Saturday - 12PM-3AM
Oh My GOGI! food is special because once you understand the magical mixture of flavors and textures, you keep going back for more, just like the Claw Game.
I look forward to my next visit - I need to win that little panda. I’ve heard the burger is really good and who knows what the creative minds of OH MY GOGI! will think of next. I am certain they will continue to bring a bit of their culture to mix with a bit of Houston’s culture and then turn it up a notch.
West on Westheimer is an exploration of the restaurants and the people who create them along one of Houston's most diverse culinary corridors. Join me as I eat my way west, discovering food from around the world and the stories behind each establishment.