Dino’s Chicken with French Fries
The Skinny: Echo, a friend known as Jazzy, and I went to Dino’s for lunch. Actually, at first we wanted to go to Pollo a La Brasa on 8th and Western, but for some reason it was closed. So we all headed to Dino’s Chicken and Burgers for our very first time. The flame broiling poultry pit is best known for their signature dish, which is the charred and vinegary chicken that comes in halves. At the time we went, there were no wall menus to order from, but we knew what to get. If you get the chicken, which we all did, you get it in a styrofoam box with some coleslaw and a bed of french fries.
The High: The flame broiled Chicken was pretty tasty and it did have a distinct flavor. As we ate we all speculated what they marinaded the chicken in. Echo mentioned Tandoori because we saw a bunch of uncooked ones covered in something thick, vibrant, and very red. Personally, I can’t remember the last time I had something Tandoori so I couldn’t make the flavor connection, but I do remember looking at photos of India where you see mounds of colorful spices used for Masala. The pants-staining red used to marinade the chicken reminded me of that. The Chicken was also pretty sour, which we all assumed came from vinegar and not citrus juices. There was also a nice heat to it and seeing how there were red pepper flakes all over the place, I guessed they used the chili oil you find next to the Sriracha at Pho places. The char on the outer part of the chicken was good and the moist inside was welcoming, but my favorite thing about the meal were the fries. The way they soaked up all the extra sauce and meat juices was pretty addicting. It was like eating soft pillows of salt and vinegar potato chips that was drizzled with charred chicken bits.
The Low: Dino’s Chicken is a solid meal, can’t really complain too much about it. Although, I do have to admit that it was a bit too sour and I think it would’ve tasted better if I was drunk.
Would I go to again? Not really, it’s too out of the way and if I had other choices, I’d go there. However, if I was drunk, those sauce sucking fries would be worth the drive by a designated driver.
More info: yelp | 2575 W Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90006 | Credit Card Friendly | About 8 bucks for the Chicken and large drink
– MJ
On-The-Bun Burger Hole
The Skinny: On-The-Bun is a new burger hole in the City of Lomita that flaunts it’s chili toppings and fried jalapenos in a hipster-ish restaurant setting. The storefront that On-The-Bun took over used to be an old neighborhood favorite grease pit, but I only took notice of their “grand opening” since it was right next to the hockey store I was visiting and the minimalistic logo.
The High: I ordered the Chili Cheese Burger, fries, and a drink. The Beef Patty had a nice crust I never really had before on a Burger. The fries were crisp and tasty.
The Low: Not sure if it was from the cheese, chili, or a heavy hand that seasoned the meat, but the burger was way too salty. On sight alone the burger did look yummy, but when I picked up the burger, the bun started to shift and break apart from the rest of the build. The chili didn’t help the ease of eating the burger either, because after each bite into the store-like bun in a bag, the runny grease just started streaming everywhere. The burger did have a nice looking pickle, some fresh red onions, lettuce, and tomato, but they barely served as a texture component. The salt lick effect was just too distracting.
Would you come back again? No, thank you! In fact, I was so dissapointed in that $7.something burger meal, I went to Bristol Farms Market and spent 30 bucks just so I can make my own burger for dinner and my family.
More info: Yelp It. – 2387 Lomita Blvd. Lomita, CA 90717 – Expect to pay about 8 bucks for a burger, side, and drink. – Credit Card Friendly.
– MJ
The Burger City Grill
The Skinny: A burger grill shop that uses certified Angus Beef on a flat top grill. Also has alternative options to red meat, like Tuna, Veggie and Turkey patties.
The High: I had the “The Works,” which is a burger topped with Pastrami, Chili and my choice of American Cheese. Every component of the burger stood out on it’s own. The Pastrami was peppery and savory while the chili wasn’t laid on thick. There was just enough of it to compliment the beefiness of the patty. The toasted bun held everything together nicely and the veggies were fresh. I also got the Chili Cheese Fries, twice fried for that extra crispness and topped it off with yellow mustard for my own enjoyment. The Turkey Burger, aka “The Flyer,” was also tasty and satisfying.
The Low: Does not serve beer.
Would you come back again? – Yes, and I have many times. They have been consistently good. Plus, they have flat screen TVs all over the restaurant for the latest updates in sports.
More Info: 2064 Pacific Coast Highway Lomita, CA, 90710. Credit Card Friendly. No Alcohol.
– MJ
Song: Hamburguesa by One-T
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