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Pepperidge Farm Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

by Quincy Freeman 8 October 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Nothing to see here, just a picture of the most amazing Pumpkin Cheesecake cookies. It’s hard to walk by cookies like this and not want them!

I am not a big pastry eater…well, correction, I prefer pie over cookies and cakes. Despite that I can eat cookies and cakes when I have a taste for them, similar to the way I treat chocolate. Generally I say I don’t like it, but my friends know how to read between the lines and understand that I am sort of wishy-washy when it comes to such things. These cookies are the best pumpkin cookies I have ever had. The only thing that would have made them better is warming them up and possibly a tall glass of Southern Comfort Vanilla-spiced Eggnog.

A couple weeks ago, I tried the Apple Carmel Pie…really I am a sucker for things that say pie; those were amazing but not like these. These pumpkin cheesecake cookies are the best I have ever had. They are moist and flavorful. The best part is that they actually taste like pumpkin cheesecake. Hat’s off to Pepperidge Farm from creating a cookie that makes a pie lover love a cookie.

Pepperidge Farms Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies

Just amazing. Warm or just right out the package, these are amazing cookies!

8 October 2013 1 comment

Burger of The Month: Bulgogi BBQ Beef Burger

by Quincy Freeman 4 October 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Unpack your bags, this flight isn’t headed to Seoul.

Not everyone is familiar with Korean Barbecue, a troubling truth that pains my innermost being. I have been eating KBBQ for years and have fallen immensely in love with it. About 3 or 4 years ago, I indulged in the blissful taste of gogigui daily for 60 consecutive days. A friend and I would go to Furusato BBQ Restaurant in Gardena, CA If not there, we’d go to the heart of Los Angeles’ Koreatown where Road To Seoul is located. Whatever the case, Korean BBQ is one ethnic cuisine that has a permanent and valuable place in my life, taste-buds and cultural prowess. When I heard that Slater’s October 2013 burger of the month was going to be a Korean BBQ burger, my eyes widened in anticipation, my mouth watered at the thought and I yearned feverishly for a sweet-fire taste of grilled marinated beef and spicy kimchi.

The Bulgogi BBQ Beef Burger is an all-natural beef patty seasoned with red pepper flake and cucumber kimchi; topped with crispy wonton slivers, sauteed mushrooms, and beef Bulgogi drenched in Korean BBQ sauce; all piled high betwixt toasted brioche buns.

I love Slater’s 50/50 very much but I love Korean BBQ more. My mind and taste palettes expected something different, something more traditional. This burger’s sweetness caught me off-guard, leaving me baffled and confused yet pleased nonetheless. The taste was strikingly different from what my mind anticipated. My brain immediately thinks spicy-hot pickled vegetables, salty-sweet beef brisket and pork bellies when I hear Korean BBQ and kimchi. What I received could be best described as a teriyaki burger, a very good teriyaki burger, indubitably.

Understanding that many have yet to experience Korean BBQ, traditionally, I wish Slater’s 50/50 would have created a burger with more authenticity. Merely using spicy-hot cucumber kimchi would have made a world of a difference. An excellent attempt at a fusion burger, but no cigar.

Slater’s 50/50 Huntington Beach
8082 Adams Ave.
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 594-5730
Hours: Sun 9:30a.m. – 11:00p.m., Mon-Thurs 11:00a.m. – 11:00p.m.,
Fri & Sat 11:00a.m. – 12:00a.m.
Breakfast is back every Sunday, starting at 9:30a.m. during regular football season!

4 October 2013 0 comments

Burgers Pasadena Product Review

Burger of The Month: The ‘Roo

by Quincy Freeman 29 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

A Kangaroo hip-hop-hippity-hop-hopped into my mouth and I LIKED IT.

You might expect a kangaroo burger to be tough, lean, dry and very gamey. I suppose it may have been, had Slater’s 50/50 not mixed it’s patty with ground bacon and been the expert cooks that they are. The best way to describe the taste of the meat, other than absolutely incredible, is venison; it taste like wild venison but with the perfect amount of pork. It was wild with an interesting aftertaste, not overpowering but you certainly know right away that it’s not beef. The huckleberry ketchup tranquilizes joey a bit, yielding a sweet bouncy-like joy in my mouth. It was a sweet and astonishing, almost like taking your Great Aunt’s thanksgiving cranberry sauce and spreading it on a burger.

This trip to Slater’s was on the fly. I sat at home goofing around on facebook and noticed a status update in my newsfeed stating that tomorrow would be the last chance to try the burger. I anxiously desired it. Sadly, between school, running my eCommerce business and sleep, I had not found [or made] time to make it to Pasadena. I faced a decision, wait until tomorrow and try to make it after class or get up and go tonight. I chose the latter.

Knowing that I did not want to dine-in, I called ahead and placed my order. From the moment I received the ‘Roo Burger, my olfactory senses went into overdrive. The aroma intensified once in the car. It hit me with a sweet yet tart note and a hint of the glorious bacon. From taking the pictures in the restaurant to boxing it and heading home to eat, my mouth watered with excitement. My nose was dancing in the delight of the sweet smell of the huckleberry ketchup.

I arrive home, turn on the telly and begin munching on the beer cheese fries that accompanied my ‘roo. I finally take my first bite of the 2/3lb burger and I’m overloaded with flavors that work extremely well together. The sweetness of the huckleberry blends and tames the bouncy kangaroo, the salt and savor of the bacon compliment the sweetness of the ketchup. Though contrasting flavors, the melted brie and macadamia ricotta band in unison to bring everything together. You are able to taste the burger’s flavor profiles individually yet interpret and greatly appreciate their collective work in providing a finely crafted gastronomic sensation.

Slater’s 50/50 Pasadena
61 North Raymond Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 586-1047
Hours: Sun 9:30a.m. – 11:00p.m., Mon-Thurs 11:00a.m. – 11:00p.m.,
Fri & Sat 11:00a.m. – 12:00a.m.
Breakfast is back every Sunday, starting at 9:30a.m. during regular football season!

29 September 2013 1 comment

Event Coverage Los Angeles Mexican Street Food

Food Hound: L.A. Street Tacos

by Quincy Freeman 29 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

OH MY GAAWWD, I WANT TACOS!!!

You cannot call yourself a foodie if you’ve never hound dogged some food.

Hound dogged food? What pray tell is that? You get a crazy craving for something, you just have to have, no matter what it is, so you call up a friend or two, hop in the car and you all go out hunting for something to eat—that’s what food hounding is. This is exactly what happened to me last night, Saturday, September 28, 2013. I sat around for a few hours tinkering with WordPress, broke it a couple of times while trying to figure out if I was going to go to Fresh & Easy to get the items I needed to make a bacon & asparagus pizza. All of a sudden, it hit me; I get this out-of-thin-air craving for tacos. But not like restaurant tacos that you would get from a place like Ramona’s or fast food tacos from somewhere like Cinco de Mayo, Chronic, or Titos; I wanted street tacos, roach coach tacos; those tacos that most likely defy everything I learned in my ServSafe class.

A few years back I used to get these sort of tacos with a buddy of mine, who I’ve since, disowned. Sadly enough, I forget where in Downtown Los Angeles we used to go get these amazing $1 tacos. Struggling to remember and not being on speaking terms with this particular friend, a light bulb goes off in my head and I think “Redd would know where to get great tacos,” I pick up my iPhone and call my friend Redd, excitedly, I ask how he’s doing and go on to exclaim: “I want some roach coach tacos!!!” There is a pause in the conversation—he’s thinking. I’m chattering on about tacos and finally ask: “Are you in L.A.? What you doing tonight? Let’s food hound for some roach coaches!”

I dash over to Gardena, pick up Redd and we hop in the car and get to hounding. My intention was to go to a few places and try out their tacos; who knew my needs would be met with only one place, sort of like a happily married man. My buddy remembers a place but cannot recall the name. He says it is on 7th & Mateo, downtown. Driving aimlessly with only his memory to be our guide, I get on the 110 north towards downtown exiting at the 10 east. He tries to remember where to get off the 10 east, at San Pedro, Alameda or what. Finally getting off on Sante Fe and driving a short distance, we are at our destination. There is a short, yet growing line, and it’s rotating and turning, out carne asada tacos, burritos and, of course, al pastor. I order 5 carne asada tacos for myself [to start] and 3 for my lady friend; Redd had eaten already and only came along for the hound, that’s what real hardcore foodies do; we band together in the hunt.

I top my tacos and begin diving-in, eagerly. They are amazing!!! The meat is juicy and has that right amount of char that you expect from grilled carne asada. The red sauce is spicy but not overpowering, the onion & cilantro mixture is fresh with a mighty kick that compliments the crunch and the bitter bite of the pickled radishes. The lime juice adds that extra Mexican flavor that pushes everything over-the-top.

I didn’t stop there, I ordered 5 more tacos, but this time al pastor. Whew, boy let me tell you! Right off the grill onto my tacos. As before I top them, this time using the green sauce. Amazing. That’s all I can say, such a simple and amazing food pleasure.

So when the craving hits you, don’t ever hesitate to call up a few great foodie pals to go on a proper food hounding hunt. You never know what kind of diamond culinary gems are out hiding in the rough.

La Reyna
2000 East 7th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 624-9879

29 September 2013 0 comments

Product Review

McDonald’s Mighty Wangs

by Quincy Freeman 24 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

I will never eat fast food again! Exclaimed the Food Snob. You Liar! Say Mickey Dee’s!

In the last few years I have become a big food snob. However, in high school during Academic Decathlon practice I was the biggest fan of McDonald’s chicken nuggets. I would eat these things by the box loads. It was insane. My fellow decathlete and coach would think I had a chicken nuggets addiction (I would steal other kid’s nuggets and everything) very similar to a cocaine addiction or some other kind. Even during my career in the United States Navy, I would lust after and have an unshakable relationship with the McGriddle. It really wasn’t until 2006 or so that I became the food prude that I am today. I take you on this journey down memory lane because McDonald’s has captured my heart again. It has been two days in a row now that I’ve grubbed on the Mighty Wings as I head to school. They are amazing. I decided to try them after seeing the review Daym Drops did.

I look at these wings and think to myself…what is this? How are they so huge? Is McDonald’s growing their own chickens in the parking lot? What is going on here? The drummettes are extremely meaty as are the wing portion. It’s insane. Have you ever been to WingStop? Those are some pretty good sized wings, yea? They pale in comparison to the MIGHTY WING.

The spice blend is spot on. The unsauced wings have a flavor and a kick like Jean Claude Van Dam in Blood Sport. My sauce of choice was the Sweet & Sour and the Honey Mustard. Oh Em GEE!!!! The sweetness of the sweet & sour sauce mixed with the strong spice of the wing, whew! The tangy honey mustard is a fine compliment as well.

McDonald’s Mighty Wings. Spicy, Bold, Delicious!

24 September 2013 0 comments

Burgers Event Coverage Gardena

Oh My! Burger? – The 6lb Burger Challenge

by Quincy Freeman 22 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Oh My Goodness, Oh My DAYUM! He’s going H.A.M. DAYUM, DAYUM, DAYUM!!!

My 29th Birthday celebration, last September, had to be the most anticipated and exciting event for me and the small group of friends I selected to be apart of it. I was excited to eat a hell of a burger and they were excited to watch me attempt suicide; no really, they wished me a happy death [at least the males which came did.] Just days prior to the event, I stumbled upon a small burger joint, Oh My Burger L.A., which is located in Gardena, CA. I became intrigued by their selective menu and surprised by the fact that their original intentions were to be a gourmet burger place with high quality and healthy selections [veggie burgers and such]; by some twisted turn of events they became renown for the burger monstrosity you see here and things like the Luther [a hamburger which uses Krispy Kreme donuts for buns, allegedly made famous by Luther Vandross.] I can described them as some sort of inbred baby born of The Counter, Umami, Slater’s 50/50 and In-N-Out, but with the small hometown feel of Fred’s or Fresh and Meaty.

Oh My Burger L.A. is a great restaurant owned & operated by an even greater couple, Brandyn and Danielle. They are foodies with a passion for hamburgers and a concern for healthy eating. Danielle is a health nut and Brandyn could be best described as the quintessential man, seeing that this 6lb Burger creation was his sole idea. I remember my first visit, where I asked Danielle what was the biggest burger they had and she told me the OhMyBurger Jr., which I ordered and polished off in ease. During this visit, I learned about the OMB 6lb Burger Challenge and like any food challenge, I had to attempt it. My birthday was coming in a couple days and they had an event planned as well, so it was a perfect match.

On the evening of 4 September 2012 around 6:30p.m., a group of friends gathered at OMB to watch me attempt the 6lb Burger Challenge. The challenge gives its opponent 50-minutes to complete a 6lb burger, 1lb of assorted french fries and a 32oz shake of choice. Yes, that is 9lbs of food and drink, not including the dozen glasses of water it takes to even attempt such a thing.

The Burger

Oh My Burger's 6lb Burger Challenge

Oversized Onion Bun
Enough Pickle chips for 5 Big Macs
(5) 8oz All-beef Burger Patties
(10) strips of Maple-cured Bacon
(2) 1/4lb hot dogs (split into four quarters)
(5) slices of Cheddar Cheese
4oz of Pastrami
Several strips of Bacon
A man’s hand full of hand-battered onion rings

The Man

I would like to think of myself as just a regular guy. Which I am, generally, what separates me from normal humans, I suppose, is my willingness to eat or attempt to eat just about anything. This challenge was very enticing when I learned of it, so there really was no option other than to attempt it. I attempt everything else: this blog, my eCommerce business, www.qg3peed.com, going back to school at 30 and so on. I’m really just one of those type of people who will try just about anything. The worst thing that can happen is failure, which really isn’t that bad because there is always a valuable lesson learned; which more or less evens things out.

Who won?

I won’t lie, this burger kicked my ass. I couldn’t do anything for about 3-4 days. We won’t discuss the passing of all that beef, either. :-/

Sidenote: I ate more than anyone else who attempted up to that point (That’s my story and I am sticking to it.)

Oh My Burger
2142 El Segundo Blvd
Gardena, CA 90249
(310) 756-6522

22 September 2013 0 comments

Personal Essay

Part 1: The Journey of a Food Writer

by Quincy Freeman 6 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Life is kind of funny, at times. There are moments when we are uncertain as to where things are going or even where we want them to go. A couple days ago I wrote a blog about my experience at M’dears and it was on my 30th birthday.

About two years ago, my career path changed, I come from an IT background and had provided end-user IT support to home users, small and medium businesses throughout the Southern California area. The passion and love I had for that field of work began dying in earlier 2012 and is just about dead now, at least in a tech support sense. I do run an eCommerce business and now this food blog business, yes, this blog is a business; I am not writing for mere enjoyment or pleasure. Before I go on too long with this rant, I want to let you, my audience, know that you can dream. You can attain the dreams you imagine in your mind when you are alone. Whilst dreaming, understand that there is a road and you have to find it and take the first step.

The image above is a picture of the cover of my textbook for a class I am taking and going to ace at Long Beach City College. The course, Food Service – Sanitation In Hotel/Restaurant Management, is the very first step anyone interested in being in the culinary or hospitality industry, must take. At the end of this course I will not only have attained the needed coursework to continue on towards an education in food science or culinary arts, but also a certificate from the National Restaurant Association stating that I can manage and handle food properly. This may not mean much to many, but it is important to me because I made a decision when I started this blog that I am going to see this experience through til the end. I do not just want to share the food I eat but also to understand the process and the industry so I can convey that information over to my readers and become an authority on the subject, not just a glutton.

Dream are only dreams until you take action. Follow my lead, take action; whatever it may be to strive and progressively move forward towards attaining your dreams.

6 September 2013 5 comments

Sit-Down Review Soul Food South Los Angeles

M’dears Bakery & Bistro: A Family Jewel

by Quincy Freeman 4 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Fine Southern Cuisine with a California Twist

Just about anyone native to Los Angeles has been to Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, but the real question is have you experienced M’dears Bakery & Bistro? If you haven’t, you need to. Considering their history and longevity in food culture, M’dears is fairly new to me, I’ve been eating there for 2-3 years, maybe, which is not very long taking into account that they opened in 2003 and I grew up less than 7 blocks away. The location is quaint and is a nestled storefront between several buildings on a major street in South Los Angeles, Western Ave.—if you blink twice you’ll miss it.

Having a Louisiana background of Grandma’s (or M’dear for you southerners) fine pastry baking, M’dears comes from a humble beginning. They began as a hotdog cart in what is now known as The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach. After 10 years of successful baking, they opened a coffee-shop style bistro in the heart of South Los Angeles in 2003. This small cafe has family and southern feel to it. As you walk in the door you get a homely feeling; similar to what you’d imagine walking into a diner in Mayberry would be like. Soon after opening they decided to become a full-service restaurant—serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. I’ve always gone for breakfast or brunch and generally get the same thing. Sweet Potato Waffles or Pancakes.

Sweet Potato Pancakes (Jumbo Pancakes)

Today’s my 30th birthday. My lady friend wishes me well and invites me out for brunch. “M’dears?” I exclaim. She excitedly replies “YES!” Struck with surprise I question whether that was what she was thinking or did my eager suggestion yield her response—great minds think alike. We get to M’dears and having been there several times without venturing into their selective menu, I begin questioning Marissa, my waitress of choice, as to what I should eat for my special day. We go back and forth and she entertains my silliness yet leaving me to decide on my own meal, because creating new menu items out of existing ones was not happening today. I finally decide that I do not want a waffle but I do want pancakes, a short stack. I order the Sweet Potato Pancakes—light and fluffy—and 5 Wings with a side of 2 eggs, over-medium.

Eagerly awaiting my breakfast, I sip my Arnold Palmer whilst chatting about. My pancakes arrive first and I nearly inhale them. Not before taking the jaw-dropping picture you see above. The sprinkled confectioners’ sugar, dashes of cinnamon and melted butter combined with sweet maple syrup and tiny bits of Sweet Potato in the batter yield heavenly goodness only known to those who have experienced all levels of pancake nirvana. My friend, as well as, Marissa & Carolee, the young ladies who alternate and sometimes work together as a waitstaff team, look on in amazement as the plate empties within seconds. The wings and eggs arrive while I am breathing pancake oxygen. I carefully cut the eggs as not to break the yolk—I think to myself, I need toast. Fortunately, for the first time in life, I cut and fork the eggs into my mouth without causing a yellow mess and no bread to sop it up. Yes I am one of those weird people who don’t like one food touching the other, especially egg yolk.

M'dears Bakery & Bistro in Los Angeles, CA

M’dears Bakery & Bistro
7717 South Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 759-2020
Monday – Thursday: 7:30a.m. til 7:30p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7:30a.m. til 8:00p.m.
Sunday: 8:00a.m. til 8:00p.m.

Arnold Palmer at M'dears Bakery & Bistro

Arnold Palmer is a great golfer but an even better drink. I have had several APs in my day but this one is one of the best. It is not too sweet nor too bitter. There is the right blend of real tea and lemonade flavor without being masked by sugar.

Sweet Potato Pancakes at M'dears Bakery & Bistro

I devoured these in a manner of, at least, 45 seconds. I usually prefer waffles over pancakes because places like IHOP make very dry and hard to eat pancakes. These Sweet Potato Hotcakes [as I would like to call them], are moist and easy to eat. They soak up the syrup and dissolve in your mouth overpowering your tongue with sweet and buttery excellence.

Chicken WIngs & Over-medium Eggs at M'dears Bakery & Bistro

Breakfast has never tasted so good. I love chicken wings. I always eat them last whether it is at M’dears, Roscoe’s or my own kitchen. Chicken wings, Hot Cakes and eggs for breakfast is always a sure bet. The only thing better is bacon, of course.

Gold Brown Chicken Wing close up at M'dears Bakery & Bistro

This crispy golden brown skin looks as good as it tastes. There is no extra grease or fat coming from it, just crisp skin covered delicious pieces of chicken meat.

Meet the Staff

During my visit, after goofing off with the girls and trying to create extra large waffles or pancakes, Chef Norman introduced himself to me. He is a true down-home Louisiana man with a taste for good food and innovation. He mentioned his M’dears exclusive creation, The Po’ Burrito, a Po’ Boy Sandwich with a Mexican twist. I haven’t had the opportunity to try it, but I think I will on my next visit and certainly give it my opinion.

[From left to right]
Marissa, Chef Norman and Carolee

M’dears Bakery & Bistro
7717 South Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90047
(323) 759-2020

Hours: Monday – Thursday: 7:30a.m. til 7:30p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 7:30a.m. til 8:00p.m.
Sunday: 8:00a.m. til 8:00p.m.

4 September 2013 3 comments

Pacific Palisades Sit-Down Review

I Love Taste

by Quincy Freeman 3 September 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Love is patience. Love is kind. Love is divine and ever-present in our mind. Love is the emotion that creates the memories that reach beyond the realm of time.

Relationships come and go, yet the memories created while in them last a lifetime. The place where we become most fond of our loves inscribe a permanent impression with its pen upon our hearts. For me, that place is Taste at The Palisades.

Every Thursday, between 5:30p.m. and 7:00p.m., my love and I had a standing reservation—table 33—the furthest table aft and opposite of the wine cabinet. It was less of a routine and more of a defining and enjoyable moment she and I shared. We love the food, we love the people, we love the atmosphere and the calm yet warm-welcoming brown and ivory decor. The dim lighting in the dining area sets a romantic mood perfect for a first date, anniversary or routine night on the town with the misses. This hometown gem is truly something the neighborhood of Pacific Palisades should cherish and be honored to have.

When love fades and people go their separate ways, somethings remain the same—in this case my love for Taste at The Palisades and pork chops. According to my OpenTable account I have eaten at Taste 65 times [that’s not counting the times I’ve gone without a reservation.] The location is small and cozy. It’s tucked away in the Palisades Highlands Plaza. Taste gives such romantic feeling that it forces your mind to forget [or not even acknowledge] that you are in a strip mall.

To say the food is good and prepared well would not be the best way to describe the experience; It truly is phenomenal. My favorite dish is the Caramelized Cumin Spice Pork Chop (pictured above). I remember the first time having it. The first bite is reminiscence of the first—accidental—kiss you share with a new love interest, magically blissful and unexpected. The sweetness from the cumin leaves your mouth in wonder as the salt and savor from meat brings it back into focus. A pork chop with a flavor profile so divine and interesting, it’s like no other I’ve had in the western region of the United States. It is thick, juicy, seasoned well and bone-in; 10 ounces of pork beatification. The side dishes are complimentary. The snap peas gives a healthy crunch and somewhat bitter bite to the sweetness of the cumin. The white truffle oil and mushroom mac & cheese add a depth to the meal. It gives it a hearty and fulfilling element; leaving you pretty full and satisfied in the end.

All of us, at one time or another, has had a relationship fade into the dark recesses of our mind but few know the culinary prowess that allows us to truly say I love Taste.

White Mushroom Risotto w/ Black Tiger Shrimp at Taste at the Palisades

I have only tasted this dish. On one of my visits, my date ordered it and I had some. It’s very good. The shrimp are amazing. This is the White Mushroom Risotto w/ Black Tiger Shrimp. It’s good.

Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding at Taste at the Palisades

The Chocolate Brioche Bread Pudding at Taste is amazing. This is my dessert of choice on just about every visit to the restaurant.

Taste at The Palisades
538 Palisades Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90272
(310) 459-9808

3 September 2013 0 comments

Gardena Sit-Down Review

El Pollo Inka Gardena [Video]

by Quincy Freeman 9 August 2013

written by Quincy Freeman

Make Local Habit

Growing up in Los Angeles gives you an opportunity to experience food from many different cultures. One of the most cherish moments of my youth was visiting my friend who lived in Lawndale, CA, on 154th Street and Larch Ave. This period in my life was different than it is now, to the effect of that I was a foodie, then, but did not really know what a foodie was; I just ate for the sake of eating. There were many times when I would leave my friend’s house and stop at a small restaurant tucked away in the midst of a local strip mall. The flame blazing in the display window is what first attracted me to this place. It is attractive and mystifying, El Pollo Inka Lawndale. Over the flame turned a rotisserie chicken seasoned with El Pollo Inka’s signature flavor profile. The El Pollo Inka chain of restaurants really knows how to cook open-fire rotisserie chicken amongst other things like their Saltado de Pollo, my favorite dish.

El Pollo Inka Gardena

El Pollo Inka has four locations in California: Lawndale, Torrance, Hermosa Beach and Gardena and one in Miami, FL. Additionally there is an express location, duly named, Pollo Inka Express in Hawthorne, CA and another restaurant named Inka Wasi in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. This local chain has really expanded its reach to serve the community of Peruvians [and others] in the United States.

The Gardena location is special in its own unique way. In my opinion, the experience you have here bonds you to the restaurant. It is not just a place to have a great lunch or dinner meeting with friends, but you can enjoy yourself on the weekend, as well. Whether you are interested in watching others learn Salsa dancing or you’d like to get out on the dance floor and display your own talents; you can freely and excitedly do so here.

On 31 May 2013, a group of The Tom Leykis Show P1 Listeners gathered at El Pollo Inka Gardena to celebrate Foco Liz’s Birthday. This video is from that event, where I was present and decided to recorded some amazing dancing! If you are looking for a good time on a Friday or Saturday night, El Pollo Inka Gardena is the place to go!

Food

“Saltado de Pollo with Cilantro Rice and the fries extra crispy, please,” I request. It is important to me that the fries are cooked to a crisp; I believe it blends better with the rest of the meal; it gives your pleasure sensors a roller-coaster ride of adventure. The different textures, spices and sweetness gives your mouth an unbelievable foodgasm; leaving you intrigued, baffled and yearning for more. The flavor and taste combination changes with every forkful, but if you’re lucky enough to get everything together in one scoop, you will be overloaded with crunchy French fries, moist and savory bites of chicken, a juicy tomato burst, sweet onions, chewable grains of seasoned rice and a kick in the head from the green sauce that I can only describe as some type of Peruvian horseradish.

I don’t always get the Saltado de Pollo; sometimes I feel carnivorous and will order the famed Pollo a la Brasas, whole, of course. This chicken is prepared over an open flame which is showcased at the front of the restaurant, near the entrance. I am not sure what seasonings they use, but it gives the meat a great taste. The mildly charred and crispy skin leads on to moist, fully cooked bites of chicken. Whether you like dark meat or white meat, it all prepared well and retains a juicy flavor throughout. I hate dry and overly cooked chicken; I believe El Pollo Inka does as well, because I’ve never had a bad Pollo a la Brasas prepared by them.

Ambiance/Setting

El Pollo Inka Gardena is a fun place to be. There are things to do there; you can dance, you can entertain guest, you can drink, you can watch sports and much more. You can truly have a good time and eat exceptional and well prepared food. The environment is good for a family dinner with the wife and kids, a first date with a new interest, a business meeting, a quick stop-in on your lunch break, a girls’ happy hour get-together and more. I believe they have karaoke sometimes, or regularly. It is one of the most versatile restaurants I have been to in Los Angeles.

During the lunch hour, in my experience, it can be peaceful and calming. Around supper time and early evening on a Friday night is a different story, however, music is playing, people are dancing and everyone is having a good time. El Pollo Inka Gardena is not only a place to have a good meal, but a versatile venue suitable for any occasion.

Overall

I grew up with the Lawndale location and it will always be my El Pollo Inka home, however, Gardena has found a space in my life and heart. I enjoy visiting. Recently I have attended two events which were held there, one was a birthday party and the other was a gathering of internet friends who hadn’t met in person yet. Both events were phenomenal, as is, El Pollo Inka Gardena.

Whether you are trying El Pollo Inka for the first time or you are a regular, one important thing to remember is to support your favorite local small business. El Pollo Inka has been around since 1987; that is 26 years of established history spread over seven restaurants. Give it a try and remember to always Make Local Habit by patronizing your local small businesses. That is the only way they’ll know you appreciate them.

Complimentary all-you-can-eat Cilantro Chicken & Rice Soup. This soup is served with every menu item, along with a basket of rolls. It is amazing, but make sure that you do not fill up on it. I usually have at least 3 servings.

A closer and more personal view of the Saltado de Pollo at El Pollo Inka Gardena

Pollo a la Brasas – The season is amazing, the skin is crispy without being dry and the chicken meat on every area is moist and delicious.

ON Tequila – There is no other tequila on the planet as smooth as this.

Peruvian Bread Pudding – Some say it has too many raisins, I love it. It’s moist, sweet and tangy.

Alfajores is a Peruvian shortbread cookie filled with Manjar Blanco (Dulce de Leche) covered with Powdered Sugar. Be warned, this is very good, but very dry. I would eat it with milk.

Another shot of the Alfajores

On a visit the restaurant gave me a bottle of Pisco. This is imported Peruvian White Brandy. You can mix it with just about any juice and it’s very good.

Pisco Sour

This is called Chica Morada, it is basically Purple Corn Juice. It is very good and moderately sweet. I love it and it helps bring Peru a little closer to home.

We would like to say Thank you

El Pollo Inka Gardena has been generous enough to extend an offer to those who read and support my blog.

As a way of saying thank you for reading, El Pollo Inka Gardena and I, would like to offer you a coupon for 20% off your bill at El Pollo Inka Gardena. This offer is valid from 14 September 2013 through 31 October 2013.

To redeem offer, please LIKE the Cue the Critic Facebook Fanpage and Click here to Print Coupon. This offer is only valid at:

El Pollo Inka Gardena
1425 West Artesia Blvd.
Gardena, CA 90248
(310) 516-7378
Hours: Sun – Weds: 11:00a.m. – 11:00p.m., Thurs – Fri: 11:00a.m. – Midnight

9 August 2013 7 comments

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