Takeout from Krispy Krunchy Chicken - "I Love the Smell of Frying in the Morning....."

Did you know that today, July 29, 2020 is National Chicken Wing Day? Not that I really keep track of that stuff.....

And sadly; the only thing I have in my current collection of chicken wing photos is a revisit to Krispy Krunchy Chicken.

I stopped by the 99 Ranch Market on Balboa on my way home to check on Frankie...the Missus needed a restock of some "snacks". As I walked along the aisles I could make out the unmistakable smell (no, it ain't a fragrance - it's a smell) of deep frying going on...….I knew exactly where it was coming from. I think everyone knows that smell, right? Having worked at various restaurants when I was younger; I recall being coated in a film of oil when walking home.....the most intense was when I worked at a Drive In close to my High School. I swear that dust and other particles used to stick to me as I walked up Kaimuki Ave, crossing over the H-1 at 6th Avenue, before walking up Harding Avenue to home. My skin had an almost reflective sheen and my hair made me look like I was trying out for Sha Na Na (remember them?). Getting all that residual grease off my clothes and myself was always interesting. And yet, whereas the scent of deep frying bothers the Missus....She does enjoy the end product. Me, well....I learned to embrace it in a way.

And on this day; the aroma of chicken frying meant that I'd be getting some chicken wings from KKC. Because of Covid-19 and the fact I was heading home; I wasn't able to take advantage of what I learned when I first visited KKC, if you order ten or more wings they'll fry you a batch fresh. These days; I'm just not up to the task of eating that much fried food.

And make no mistake about it....these are definitely fried....

Well, the steak fries were on the dry side and needed a ton of ketchup. The wings, being on the colder end of the scale was still crunchy, but had lost that wonderful "freshly fried edge" of heat and crispness and was also a bit drier.....thus in need of the Hot Sauce I availed myself of.

To quote from a previous post:

"Though I find the meat itself more moist and with a definite "saltiness" without the spice like Popeyes. Just a little dip into Louisiana hot sauce, the vinegar and spice really helps cut any richness....but not the guilt I'm afraid."

Not quite as good as what I'd had on previous visits. Freshly fried is many times better than sitting under a heat lamp...…. But I got my fix in.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken
5950 Balboa Ave (Inside 99 Ranch Market)
San Diego, CA 92111

I mentioned the smell of fryer oil to the Missus who got kind of grossed out...….She's often told me that living next to a restaurant where they fried food would just be a total hell for Her. But then I reminded Her of the "bright side".

The bright side? Well, one of the main neurological symptoms of Covid-19 is anosmia (loss of smell)...and heck, being able to enjoy that strong smell of frying animal flesh in this context....well, it was a good sign right? So let's embrace that.....or maybe even embrace Frankie when he's overdue for a bath.....just to retest that olfactory system.

So, to paraphrase a well known quote: "I Love the Smell of Frying in the Morning....." For now.....

Happy National Chicken Wing Day!

Comments

[Lynnea Fleming]

Ha! this post cracked me up! :D thanks for keeping us informed of National Chicken Wing day! :) and I'm with the missus on the smell of fried things...but they are so tasty :)

[Soo]

Mmm... The smell of fresh fried chicken is awesome. I had some fried chicken wings from Golden Chopsticks: https://www.hungryones.com/2020/01/golden-chopsticks-2/

[Kirk]

Glad you enjoyed the post Lynnea.

In terms of takeout, I much prefer Royal Mandarin or Mandarin Canton Soo. The wings from GC gets soggy real quick and in my experience; it's better to eat them at the restaurant.

[Sandy]

Better to get fried food from a restaurant than to deep fry at home. I hate cleaning up the mess. I prefer Royal Mandarin's wings; when they were closed due to the fire a few years ago, we tried the wings from different places. We were so happy when they reopened!

[Kirk]

Definitely Sandy - Though these days I do it in the backyard using my Big Kahuna. Once I comfrtable enough with the situation; I'm definitely heading back to Royal Mandarin.

[kat]

definitely being able to smell should be embraced:) stay safe!

[Kirk]

Totally Kat! Take care!

[Junichi]

Had Royal Mandarin a few weeks ago. They were good as usual with MSG crystals glistening on the skin.

[Kirk]

Sounds like you're starting to get around Junichi! Glad that Royal Mandarin's wings are as good as ever! Hope all is well.