Rate-A-Restaurant #408: Cluck & Blaze (Glendale)

 

Restaurant: Cluck & Blaze

Location: 4000 San Fernando Rd. (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Hot chicken sandwiches

We stipulated: Time to resume new food Sunday! There are no shortage of hot chicken joints, but I had read good things about their Long Beach location -- from people excited to see them open in Glendale. Time to check it out!

They stipulated: Something called "comeback sauce" is their signature condiment. Heat levels range: Chicken (No Heat); You Can Do Better (Mild); Better (Medium); Feel it Twice (Hot); Call Mom (Extra Hot) and Call The Morgue (Death).

What we ordered: The Main Chick -- Hot (Breast Fillet, Coleslaw, Pickles and our signature Comeback Sauce; $11); The Main Chick Combo - Medium (The Main Chick + 1 Side + 1 Beverage; $13.99); Cluckin' Mac - Medium (Chicken tender, bed of fries, creamy cheesy Mac N' Cheese, and spice; $7).

 
High point: Nice spice and HUGE sandwich!

Low point: None that comes to mind.

 

Overall impression: Add it to the list of solid hot chicken slingers in the area.

Will we return:  Sure, although I may try the smaller "side chick" sandwich, at $6, next time.

Rate-A-Restaurant #405: Tokyo Hot Chicken (Glendale)

Restaurant: Tokyo Hot Chicken

Location: 237 S Brand Blvd, inside Bourbon Steak (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Japanese/Chicken

We stipulated: Maria and I continue "New Food Sundays," inspired by the Los Angeles Times' latest 101 Restaurants special issue. And we've also been on a spicy fried chicken kick, as has the rest of the world, apparently. Tokyo Hot Chicken was a quick, nearby choice.

They stipulated: Speaking of trends, this is a pop up, available only to go at Michael Mina's Boubon Steak restaurant in Glendale. "Tokyo Hot Chicken is a pop-up from the culinary minds of Chef Michael Mina and MINA Group. Hot Chicken meets Japanese Karaage, Tokyo Hot Chicken is the best of two worlds, combining the Nashville Classic with Japanese flavors and ingredients. This unique concept delivers food that has bold flavors, and that is satisfying and crave worthy."

What we ordered: CRUNCHY CHICKEN SNACKER kimchi slaw, spicy kewpie, pickle ($6.99); CHICKEN & WAFFLES Leg, thigh, mochi-matcha waffle, yuzu honey ($13.99); KARAAGE MAC Chicken nuggets on our classic cheddar mac and cheese with 1 sauce ($11.99); WASABI MASHED POTATOES ($5.99); KIMCHI SLAW ($3.99)

High point: The mochi-matcha waffle came and the yuzu honey sauce were unexpected delights next to the fried chicken. Plus, the portions were large enough that I even enjoyed leftover waffles as breakfast the next day.

Low point: That kimchi slaw portion was way too small.

 

Overall impression: I think the biggest win might have been the crunchy chicken snacker -- it's perfect for lunch, and priced right at $6.99. Well worth the carryout.

Will we return:  We're still making our way through all the hot chicken offerings in our area, but I would like more of those waffles, wasabi mashed potatoes and kimichi slaw — so yes, likely..

Rate-A-Restaurant #399: Holdaak Far East Chicken Shop (Highland Park)

Restaurant: Holdaak Far East Chicken Shop

Location: 5054 York Blvd. (Highland Park)

Type of restaurant: Chicken/Korean

We stipulated: Maria and I continue "New Food Sundays," inspired by the Los Angeles Times' latest 101 Restaurants special issue. Holdaak is near by, and we continue our tour of hot chicken sandwich shops across the Southland.

 

They stipulated: "Holdaak [홀딱] actually means 'Madly in Love!' in Korean."

 

What we ordered: Spicy chicken sandwich ($7 + 1.75 for fries); original chicken sandwich ($6 + $1.75 for fries); 3 piece spicy chicken strips (comes with fries, $7); 6 original wings ($8); Daikon slaw (50 cents); Comeback sauce (35 cents)

High point: These sandwiches were HUGE. You get a lot for your money. 

Low point: I wish they had explained that Comeback sauce already comes with your meal; I didn't need to buy yet another sauce!

Overall impression: As far as chicken sandwiches go, it could probably use a bit more spice. But the Daikon slaw is a nice touch, and the size of the sandwich means you can spread it out among two meals.

Will we return:  Perhaps, although there are many other hot chicken shops to try first!

Rate-A-Restaurant #393: Rockbird (Glendale)

Restaurant: Rockbird

Location: 1147 E. Colorado (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Chicken

We stipulated: I was in the mood for a chicken sandwich, but Dave's Hot Chicken had a 30 minute wait. I've been curious about Rockbird for several years, and it was time to check it out.

They stipulated: "Rockbird is a concept project that brings old school backyard BBQ inspiration to life with a feature on fried and grilled chicken sandwiches accompanied by comfort Cali fresh sides. Brothers Daniel and Chris Skaf come from a family who carry tradition through food and hospitality which are arguably the highlights of Lebanese culture. They hope to continue this tradition with a new and youthful project. They are enthusiastic to team up with Chef Javier Crespo to bring food that is simple, real and good to eat with a commitment to great service to the Glendale community." Once upon a time, Rockbird mostly served cornish hens and Southern-style meals, but now the restaurant focuses on chicken sandwiches.

What we ordered: The "Nitro Bird": Habanero buffalo sauce, spicy slaw, fresh tomatoes, ranch sauce. Side: Fried brussel sprouts ($13)

High point:  Those brussel sprouts were fantastic. And loved the right amount of spice on that nitro chicken sandwich.

Low point:  Granted, it comes with a side, but $13 is a little steep for a take-home sandwich.

Overall impression: I wimped out and did the grilled chicken, which was great (but was it really that much more healthy?). Love the sandwich options.

Will we return:  Yes! Next time I'll be bad and go full fried chicken.

Rate-A-Restaurant #391: Dave's Hot Chicken (Glendale)

Restaurant: Dave's Hot Chicken

Location: 1350 E. Colorado (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Chicken

We stipulated: We were sad to see our nearby Burger Im shut down, but in its place: An outpost of new-ish spicy chicken chain Dave's Hot Chicken. For movie night, we were up for trying.

They stipulated: The chicken comes in a variety of spices: Reaper, Extra Hot, Hot, Medium, Mild, Lite Mild, No Spice.

What we ordered: Half and Half (one medium spice slider/one medium spice tender) with fries ($11.99); Half and Half (one extra hot spice slider/one extra hot spice tender) with kale slaw ($11.99); two tenders (one hot spice/one medium spice) with mac and cheese ($10.99); Half and Half (one mild spice slider/one mild spice strip) with fries ($11.99). 

High point:  The extra hot spice was perfectly spicy -- and the sliders were much bigger than expected.

Low point:  Nathan was disappointed that the "hot" wasn't spicy enough for him.

Overall impression: A bit on the pricey side, but you get *a lot* of food. We had leftovers for the following day lunch. Kale slaw is a nice touch too.

Will we return:  Yes! Good spice, good chicken.

Rate-A-Restaurant #387: Fritzi Coop (Fairfax/Beverly/3rd)

Restaurant: Fritzi Coop

Location: Farmers Market (Fairfax/Beverly/3rd)

Type of restaurant: Chicken sandwiches

We stipulated: With my parents in town, we found ourselves at the Farmers Market — and Fritzi Coop was one of the food options to try.

They stipulated: "From culinary mastermind, Neal Fraser, Fritzi Coop is the can’t-miss fried chicken destination at The Original Farmer’s Market & SteelCraft in Bellflower. Our philosophy is a simple one: We use the highest quality ingredients paired with delicious, bold flavors, from our signature plates to our salads and sandwiches. You’ll find no better chicken on the planet!"

What we ordered: Fritzi Hot Chicken ("our classic fried chicken with serious Fritzi heat, spicy slaw and sliced pickles"); bold classic ("buttermilk fried chicken with house-made pimento cheese, lettuce, tomato and sliced pickles"); tots

High point:  Hot chicken sandwich was good, although messy.

Overall impression: I'm ashamed to say we haven't had Howlin' Rays yet, because that line is still too crazy, and I lack the patience. Fritzi's was good... but I'm still looking for the perfect, hot chicken sandwich.

Will we return:  It's fine enough, and if I find myself at the Farmers Market again, I will try it -- and ask for it to be spicier.

Rate-A-Restaurant #383: Trap Chicken (Glendale)

Restaurant: Trap Fried Chicken

Location: 1600 E Chevy Chase Dr. (Glendale)

Type of restaurant: Fried Chicken

We stipulated: Because of the lines, I still haven't been to Howlin' Rays. I know, I know. I might as well hand in my "spicy chicken" card now. But I do love all things spicy, and am always on the lookout for something new. For a Saturday night dinner, checking out the new Trap Fried Chicken, in our part of town, was worth a shot.

They stipulated: There are different levels of spice, depending on what you can handle: Mild, Hot or XXX.

What we ordered: XXX sliders for me ($12), mild sliders for Blogger Kid ($12), one mild, one hot for Maria ($12), Mac + Cheese for Blogger Kid 2.0 ($5), Fries ($3)

High point:  The sauce gave the chicken the spice that I craved. The pieces of chicken are extra big — you could probably split an order with someone else, depending on your hunger. I gladly devoured both, but Maria was one and done.

Low point: Blogger Kid felt that his mild sandwich was still too spicy — which made us wonder if he actually got a hot sandwich vs. a mild one.

Overall impression: The Mac and Cheese was good, and a nice alternative for the kid who didn't want chicken. Also, living up to its name, trap music was blaring from the speakers as we arrived — but it was a mix of music, and it was a good touch.

Will we return:  I'd like to hit it again — when I'm off my diet.

Rate-A-Restaurant #369: The Halal Guys (New York)

Restaurant: Halal Guys

Location: 53rd and 6th Ave. (New York)

Type of restaurant: Mediterranean/chicken



We stipulated: For my last afternoon in New York, I decided it was time for some street food -- and a visit to the famed Halal Guys was long overdue.

They stipulated: "The Halal Guys legend began in 1990, when the three founding partners opened up a hot dog cart on West 53rd & 6th Avenue in New York City. As business grew, they recognized a huge demand from Muslim cab drivers looking for a halal food meal. That is when the famous platter of chicken and gyro over rice was born. Fast-forward 25 years, five carts, two New York City restaurants, and millions of diverse customers served, The Halal Guys is growing yet again. Fans no longer have to be in NYC to experience The Halal Guys as they look to share American Halal Food all over the country and the world."



What we ordered: chicken plate ($7)



High point:  Lots of food -- a hearty meal. And that red sauce is SPICY. Like I like!
Low point:  I thought the chicken was surprisingly dry.



Overall impression: It was fine -- but I must admit, I was expecting something more to it. Maybe I'm spoiled by Zankou.

Will we return: I feel like I've been there, done that. Not sure.

Rate-A-Restaurant #366: California Chicken Cafe

Restaurant: California Chicken Cafe

Location: 9045 Topanga Canyon Blvd. (Chatsworth)

Type of restaurant: Chicken (new)



We stipulated: Deep in the West Valley for a tax appointment, we didn't want to wait until we were further east to eat lunch. We've driven by Chatsworth outpost of the 8-store mini chain since it opened in 2013, but had never gone in.

They stipulated: "California Chicken Cafe has been serving rotisserie chicken, salads, and wraps since 1991 when the first store opened on Melrose Avenue. Two college friends started California Chicken Cafe with the vision of a quick service restaurant with great value and great food. Melrose was busy the first day it opened and it has yet to slow down."



What we ordered: 1/4 chicken (breast and wing) with two sides: Chinese cabbage salad (red and green cabbage, green onions, almonds, sesame seeds, sweet dressing) and freshly steamed squash ($11.50); Chinese wrap (chicken, Chinese noodles, Chinese dressing, carrots, lettuce, tomato, mayo) $8.75; Kids mini side (chicken pasta salad -- chicken, pasta, green onions, 1000 Island dressing) with pita bread $2.50; three piece chicken $6





High point:  I've never seen a restaurant do this before: A self-serve ice shaving machine, with syrups, allow you to make your own shave ice dessert.
Low point:  Disappointing that there's no steamed rice (only a rice primavera) and no veggies like broccoli for the healthy-minded.



Overall impression: Remember Koo Koo Roo? That chain (RIP) did the rotisserie chicken concept a bit better. The California Chicken Cafe is a nice environment, but the choices are surprisingly limited.



Will we return: I can see where it might be a place to go to in a pinch... but with Zankou chicken at our fingertips, I don't see a need to go out of our way for it.