My recent visits to bb.q Chicken got me back into a "chicken wing thang". So the quickest way out of those cravings was to; well, just some wings, right? I decided to revisit three food court chicken locations and see what was up. So here goes.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken:
I have to admit, KKC is the easiest target for me; since the location, in 99 Ranch Market on Balboa is never crowded and there's always parking. Though without folks in the office these days; I can't order the 10 wing minimum that's necessary for it to be cooked to order.....and these days; there's just no way I can finish 10 wings without qualifying for bypass surgery. So, just like the last takeout order from KKC, man, that was like July of 2020; I'd be just going for the five piece with potato wedges.
Sorry for the dated photo above; but I basically ordered and went shopping in 99 Ranch, so I forgot to take a photo of the place.
As for the chicken; well they do have a consistently C(K)rispy, C(K)runchy product in my opinion.
My timing must have been pretty good as the wings were still hot and pretty juicy when I arrived home. Yes, crunchy, moist, and these were the saltiest of the three places I tried, but not too bad. I still automatically think of Popeyes whenever I have these, though I do think they are better than that chain now. I always either get the Louisiana style hot sauce at KKC or if I'm eating at home, the bottle of Crystal comes in handy....to help cut thru the fryolated saltiness.
Unlike the chicken; the potato wedges were dry and starting to get soggy.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken
5950 Balboa Ave (In the 99 Ranch Market Food Court)
San Diego, CA 92111
Katzya:
**** Katzya has closed
It had been a couple of years since I'd been to Katzya. So, after my visit to KKC; I thought it would be good to do a revisit.
The specter of Covid dies hard.....things had always seemed to be at rather close quarters in the H Mart food court. Even though I arrived right when the place opened; it got crowded quickly. I placed my order and decided to wait by the front door of H Mart as my wings were fried.
In order to compare to the chicken from KKC, I went with the regular fried chicken wings.
This would turn out to be my favorite of the three set of wings I had. The wings were still crisp and pleasantly (not overly) crunchy (or crumbly) when I got home. Moist and decently seasoned...balanced in a way....as I didn't need to add anything to cut salt, richness......and not greasy in the least. The chicken was much better than I recalled.
I did think the Mul Kimchi here was a bit too sweet for my taste.
The only hesitation I have is the price - $14.99 for 7 wings.......
Katzya
(In the H Mart Food Court)
7725 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111
Now this was going to be it....except, I wondered if Gala Chicken had wings back in stock. If you recall on my previous visit Gala was out of wings and I was told they weren't sure of when, or even if they'd have wings again. Still, I decided to head on over to check.
Gala Chicken:
And guess what; wings were back on the menu. So, I went ahead and ordered the wings to go. The wait here was the longest, almost 30 minutes, but at least they'd be cooked to order, right?
I really like the gentleman who works here; he seems to be very nice.
Eventually, my wings were ready....I actually should have gone and done some shopping while I waited; but I really didn't need anything from Zion.
I got home and opened the container ASAP.
It would turn out that this would be my least favorite of the three places I visited. First off; the batter was getting soggy by the time I got home; it was unevenly battered, and for some reason the chicken was on the greasy side. I mean things were bad enough when Gala first opened and they used to cut into the chicken with a knife to check doneness; but this just wasn't very good in my opinion.
I will say that I prefer the Mul Kimchi here to the version at Katzya.
Gala Chicken (Inside of Zion Market Food Court)
7655 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111
Hope you're having a good Wednesday; whether you're having chicken wings or not!
Tenkatori taking over the TJ Dumpling spot on Miramar. Supposed to open later this month. Will go perfectly with Beeramar.
https://www.sandiegoville.com/2022/04/tenkatori-karaage-san-diego.html
Posted by: Junichi | Wednesday, 06 April 2022 at 01:45 PM
Ha ha, food court chicken wings! Chicken wings are definitely not inexpensive food anymore. I don't usually go to the Balboa H Mart, but I should so I can try Katzya. In fact, I haven't been to that H Mart since they first opened.
Have you tried Padadak? I tried their crunchy fried wings; while they were crunchy, they really lacked flavor. I guess you need to order them with sauce.
Posted by: Sandy | Wednesday, 06 April 2022 at 07:49 PM
Yes, I read about that Junichi! I had Tenkatori in Gardena on my "list".....so now I won't have to go all the way there to check them out.
I remember when I complained about wings averaging out to 79 cents each Sandy! Little did I know. I did try Padadek once; need to return before I do a post.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 06 April 2022 at 07:49 PM
wow pricey for 7 wings!
Posted by: kat | Wednesday, 06 April 2022 at 11:12 PM
Yeah; like $2 a wing Kat! Crazy....
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 07 April 2022 at 06:32 AM
I'll have to go visit Katzya again.
Posted by: Soo | Thursday, 07 April 2022 at 09:57 AM
Katzya was better than I recalled Soo!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 07 April 2022 at 11:00 AM
I have to try Katzya.
Posted by: Som Tommy | Saturday, 09 April 2022 at 06:03 AM
Check them out and let me know what you think ST!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 09 April 2022 at 09:33 PM
I had the spicy garlic wings from Calvin's in La Jolla over the weekend and was very happy. It's a hole in the wall Korean chicken joint. I'd avoid the tenders though, although the fry was good, the chicken was sadly dry. on the other hand, the execution on wings were spot on.
Posted by: Derek R | Wednesday, 22 June 2022 at 11:16 PM
Hi Derek, it's great to hear from you! So, from what I understand Calvin's is the same as Furaido, which moved when Atlas Market closed down.
https://mmm-yoso.typepad.com/mmmyoso/2019/03/chicken-wing-wednesday-furaido.html
Wasn't the biggest fan of Furaido, so I just decided not to visit. However, if you think those wings are worth it; I'll definitely check them out.
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 23 June 2022 at 07:26 AM
I had heard that it was the same owners as Furaido but had never had their wings. Before you give Calvin's a shot, let me give them a second try and make sure it's consistent. I'll let you know!
Posted by: Derek R | Saturday, 25 June 2022 at 03:22 PM
Awesome, please let me know Derek!
Posted by: Kirk | Saturday, 25 June 2022 at 06:33 PM