Nepenthe... tastes like chicken
Written: Feb 01 '01 (Updated Dec 15 '05)
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Pros: Mouth-watering Garlic Sauce; Reasonable prices; Fresh, warm, crispy, juicy chicken
Cons: Sometimes skimpy on giving out garlic sauce; Driving distance from my house
The Bottom Line: Best chicken in town with help from garlic sauce and good prices. Perfect for people on the go.
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| gookster's Full Review: Zankou Chicken - Van Nuys |
When that crazy craving for chicken rises in my belly I know where to go, not "the crazy chicken," but Zankou's.
I consider myself a connoisseur of the feathered kind, not because I was born the year of the rooster, but for my fondness of that delectable white meat. When I had my first experience of Zankou's chicken, I felt wave after wave of satisfaction from each bite. This isn't one of those places where "Diminishing Marginal Utility" kicks in, each time I go I relive that same feeling of utter satisfaction and delight.
Serving Size
I don't consider myself a big man, being a small Asian guy and all, but I'm usually able to eat a whole chicken to myself. Don't get me wrong though, 1 whole chicken can feed a good amount of people, however, I fully give into gluttony as I orally debone the chicken by myself.
Taste/Quality
The outside of the chicken is crispy and flavorful, while every part inside of the chicken is tender and juicy. If you consider the meat to be dry for your "particular" tastes, there's always the garlic sauce. Dry or not, this garlic sauce is Heaven. Although it is probably not too healthy (test it out on a napkin), health concerns should be reserved for after the meal.
Price/Restaurant Appearance
The carry-out chicken comes with garlic sauce and warm pita bread for under $10. Very reasonable price, for outstanding chicken. The other dishes all come under 10 dollars as well. I personally prefer the lower cost of eating as opposed to raising prices in order to pay off the bills for an ostentatious eating establishment (i.e. paying almost $50 for a meal at Lowry's that I could make for myself under $10... with Costco discounts of course). The restaurant itself is plain and small, but it helps show how incredible the chicken is in comparison to the restaurant's appearance.
Sad Stuff
The establishment, however, is a little skimpy on the garlic sauce. As a garlic lover, excuse my breath, I can't get enough of this sauce!! They usually give about 2-3 little cups per chicken, which i think isn't enough for my own needs. In addition, the distance between the restaurant and my home area (Calabasas) is pretty hasslesome. Nevertheless, distance and stinginess never prevent me from going back week after week.
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*UPDATE* I originally wrote this entry back in 2/01 and what I wrote then is still true even now (12/05), I just wanted to let everyone know that there's another Zankou's on Santa Monica & Sepulveda. Same great food as the original locations.
Before the new location opened up over a year ago, I visited them and spoke to the owner briefly to find out when they'd open. Of course, they had to open up towards the end of my last year at UCLA, but I digress. He said that he had actually read my review and liked it (I'm a sucker for flattery), but he didn't promise me any free food in return. O well... can't win 'em all.
P.S. If the owner ever does read this review again, send an email to gooks_r_us@hotmail.com if you'd like to give me a free half-chicken meal... or at least a giant tub of that delectable garlic sauce... *drool*
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: Yes
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations Always ask for extra garlic sauce
Best Suited For: Kids and Families
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Epinions.com ID:
gookster
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Member: Andrew Lee
Location: Calabasas, CA
Reviews written: 29
Trusted by: 9 members
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