Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Zankou Chicken

Zankou Chicken makes me supremely happy. Their grade A hummus and any of their chicken dishes dressed with their garlic sauce make my heart sing something operatic. Now, I realize it's a local chain with multiple locations, so it's not one of those charming Mom-and-Pop operations. But, sometimes I want delicious food that's consistent and efficient, which is what you'll get with Zankou. Charles had never eaten here before, so I was delighted to introduce him to the awesomeness.

Zankou falafel wrap
Charles got the falafel wrap. It seemed to be exactly what he expected. While the plate options come with a bunch of stuff, the wraps fly solo.

Zankou chicken tarna
I got the chicken tarna plate, which we shared (okay, I was mighty possessive of the hummus). The tarna was full of flavor, but my usual rotisserie chicken is a better vehicle for the garlic sauce (the foiled container in the bottom right). Next time, I'm going to have to return to the standby!

I had never encountered pickled turnips before Zankou and in fact, I thought it was jicama before reading the menu on their website (whoops!). But, now that they're in my life, I am all about these bright pink beauties and find them to be the perfect accompaniment to round out the chicken goodness. On this particular night, I ate a lot of them because I got Charles's portion, too. Score.


Zankou Chicken

10760 Riverside Dr.
North Hollywood, CA 91602
(818) 655-0469

6 comments:

weezermonkey said...

"Supremely happy" is so appropriate for Zankou! And it is a mom-and-pop; it's just a mom-and-pop gone so big that it makes an appearance in Beck lyrics. ;)

Gastronomer said...

There's a Zankou right in my hood. With the Starchy seal of approval, I am ready to try it out. What should I order on my first visit?

Marie said...

Weezermonkey: True, should've mentioned they've been in business over 45 years (there had to have been the original single location)! I do get a family business vibe from their restaurants. I also want to get one of their yellow t-shirts, only $10!

Gastronomer: Hmm, talk about pressure! I'd say the chicken tarna plate or one of the rotisserie options (I get the quarter dark). Hope you'll like it!

Anonymous said...

I've heard so much about Zankou Chicken and want to try their garlic sauce so badly! I wonder how the Lebanese places in the UK compare to it...they're very good here...

Diana said...

Mmmm pita. Mmmm falafel. Mmmm chicken. We definitely need to hit up Pita Bar & Grill in our hood soon. (And then meander over to Golden State after for some SCOOOPS!)

Marie said...

Su-Lin: Wow, I'm surprised you've heard of Zankou all the way over there! The garlic spread is actually milder than you would expect, but then you burp and it's like, yep that's some garlic. I'm sure the Lebanese places in England are amazing. I will have to make a mental note to mention my thoughts to you whenever I get over there. :)

Diana: Pita Bar & Grill, here we come! Kinda busy the next few weeks (I'll see you at Breed Street?), but maybe in August sometime?