Page 23 of 134
Cluck 2 Go, the second stop on the Chronicles of Hainan Chicken Rice 海南雞飯. Cluck2go has locations in Pasadena, Rowland Heights and Hacienda Heights. They portion is one of the larger ones among the ones I will post. One of the things that make the Hainan Chicken rice unique is that most places serve the chicken boneless, which is great! I also like how all servings include the popping hot and flavorful chicken broth. . . . . . .
This week is all about Hainan Chicken Rice. The chronicles starts with Savoy Kitchen in Alhambra. Arguably the most famous Hainan Chicken restaurant in the greater Los Angeles area. 海南雞飯 has origins in Singapore from immigrant Chinese, naturally from the Hainan province. This boiled chicken dish features tender chicken with flavored garlic rice. Paired with a ginger sauce, a sweet spicy sauce, and soy sauce, this dish was introduced to me, years ago from an old girlfriend. Now, it is still one of my favorite dishes. You can find variants with roast chicken or fried chicken, but the garlic flavored rice remains the same and the most popular part of the dish. Savoy does not disappoint. If you never had Hainan Chicken rice, please do try it. The delicate skin, which might seem off putting, offers a moistness with the tender chicken. The rest of the week will have other Hainan Chicken from other establishments in the area. . . . . . .
What I am drinking Peanut butter flavored bourbon whisky. Really good. Used my YETI to keep my drink cold! First sampled at BevMo, then bought a bottle at Costco. . . . . .
My first smoked brisket. From Costco USDA prime. Smoked on my Weber Smokey Mountain. I think I smoked it at a temperature that was bit too high. Regardless it came out really good. Taste great. Only used salt and pepper as a dry rub. Check out the tenderness with the second picture. Really happy how it turned out. Couldn’t do it without . . . . . . . ._.10
Dinner in DTLA. Joined the DTLA Dinner Club and had a great dinner with six courses. First was the endive lobster boat, then 2nd was the caramelized fennel and leek gratin. For the third course, we had the uni bacon on baguette. The fourth course was a summer salad. And fifth course was braised mocha beef cheeks. And the final course was a homemade donut with ricotta. Nice outdoor terrace with great weather and to meet interesting people. Very cool joint. . . . . .
First dodger game of the year! Go dodgers!! . . . . .
Nee Orleans/Creole cuisine in LA. Had the shrimp Po’boy, Jambalaya, hush puppies, and crayfish empanadas. I even bought a two pack of their frozen house made boudin. In the US, there are only a couple
Hanchic. I would characterize this place as modern Korean or Korean fusion. We had their interpretation of Kalbi Jjim. It had all the flavors and textures of tradition Kalbi Jjim but presented in a different way. It was my favorite dish. Check out that large beef rib bone. We also had ragu tteokbokki and the chamchi toast as starters. And with the one-in Kalbi Jjim, we had the bulgogi risotto. Everything was really good and had the familiar flavors. Also, they don’t have their liquor license yet, so it is byob. There is a liquor store nearby if you need to pick up some booze. . . . . . . .la
Lunch at the Terrace at the Maybourne. Had to have my spicy Bloody Mary. Almost too spicy. We should a rotisserie chicken salad, and handmade corn agnolotti, and pan seared red snapper. Great views and service. . . . . .
Brunch at Sibling Rival. Breakfast burrito and the puffed grain bowl. Nice and bright decor. Food was ok. Nothing special. Had the Sunday Bloody with mezcal. Was quite strong. I’d visit again and recommend. . . . . . .
Night+Market. Thai food in Hollywood. My first time here. I had heard about this place and had always wanted to try. Had the famous spicy chicken sandwich that was featured on YouTube. Also had the way too spicy and ass-fire papaya salad. And the rice noodle which I almost single handed finished since the papaya salad killed me. Luckily I had my drink, which I forgot the name, that helped numb everything down because of the spiciness. . . . . .
The final addition to the Chronicles of Carnitas of East Los Angeles - Carnitas Michoacán. I argue that the best Mexican food region in the US is right here in East Los Angeles/Boyle Heights. The long-standing community has great establishments that celebrate carnitas and culture. Carnitas Michoacán is a 24 hour restaurant that my friends and I used to frequent at the end of a fun night out. Close to the freeway and with a big menu, it is still a place I would stop by late at night. It is said that carnitas was originated in the state of Michoacán. . . . . . .