I had never been, so my chili alliance remained fully in the camp of Encino's Chili My Soul (which we also reviewed back in 2003).
But with the weather still a bit nippy (save today),I've been craving some good chili. It was time.
Returning from the pediatrician on Friday (poor Evan got his first immunization shot -- and was not pleased), we stopped by Chili John's for takeout, and I got my first taste of the Valley institution.
I was pleased.
Maria ordered the medium spicy beef chili over spaghetti, while I went a tad healthier with a medium spicy chicken chili with spaghetti and beans. Just the right consistency: the meat is chopped fine but still thick; the medium spice borders on burn, but not quite there -- so you can still enjoy the flavor. The chicken chili is good, but if you're looking to indulge, the beef chili is so greasy you'll be licking the bowl for every last morsel.
Chili John's itself is an experience: Patrons -- most of whom are on a first-name basis with the chili slingers -- sometimes have to wait quite a while for a coveted seat around the lunch counter. The restaurant also closes for at least a month over the summer, so phone ahead.
Chili My Soul couldn't be more different. The Encino joint specializes in 40 different homemade varieties of gourmet, healthier chili -- but don't let that stop you. This is powerful stuff, and it takes a strong stomach to eat much of Chili My Soul's Habanero Mango Chicken chili or, even more dangerous, its Demon chili (ranked 10 out of 10 on their spiciness scale). The restaurant's strip mall location, however, doesn't offer much by way of ambience -- and it's actually kind of depressing to eat there. Bring it home (and serve the spicier stuff over rice).
The verdict? For a lunchtime fix, Chili John's is your best bet (just invest in some powerful mints), while Chili My Soul makes a solid dinner choice. Other L.A. chili picks?
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