Rate-A-Restaurant #197: Kyo-chon

(Photo by My Restaurant Tips.)

Restaurant: Kyochon

Location: 3833 W 6th St (Koreatown)

Type of restaurant: Korean Fried Chicken



We stipulated: Maria had been craving chicken, and suggested we stop by a favorite of ours -- Koreatown's BonChon Chicken. I suggested that we try BonChon's biggest rival, the fellow Korean Fried Chicken chain Kyochon, to finally compare and contrast the two.



They stipulated: Like BonChon, Kyochon offers up the fried chicken in two varieties: Garlic soy sauce or hot sauce. Again, like BonChon, Kyochon offers its chicken as either wings or "sticks" (in other words, chicken legs). Kyochon also offers healthier grilled chicken wings (something BonChon doesn't).



What we ordered: Combo A: Wings 8 pcs, chicken bulgogi with rice and a soda, $14.99. Also, a 4 pc order of "sticks" (chicken legs), $7.99.

High point: The Kyochon menu is much larger than BonChon's, and the waiter was helpful in directing us to the combo, which made more sense for the both of us. (Not sure we ultimately needed the chicken legs as well -- it was hard to guess how much we needed -- and not sure if they mistakenly gave us 6 sticks instead of 4, or if that's actually the norm.) The food was also served much faster than at BonChon.

Low point: The huge menu, nonetheless, was difficult to figure out. Also, Kyochon doesn't sell beer -- something that actually goes pretty well with the spicy wings -- while BonChon does. And I was a little bummed to hear regular English-language pop music on the radio, and ESPN on the TV. BonChon offers up K-Pop music videos, which add to the Korean Fried Chicken experience.

Overall impression: Just like BonChon, Kyochon attempts to sell you on the health benefits... of fried chicken. Really. Their slogan: "Healthy food for ecstatic body and soul." As much as I liked the chicken bulgogi, and we appreciated the better service, the taste just isn't quite there. I'm not sure which came first in Korea (I believe Kyochon did), but I do know that we enjoyed the taste of BonChon quite a bit more.

Chance we'll go back: Sorry, Kyochon, but now that we've tried both Korean Fried Chicken chains... we'll be sticking with BonChon.

Rate-A-Restaurant #196: Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse

Restaurant: Mickey Mantle's Steakhouse

Location: 7 S Mickey Mantle Dr. (Oklahoma City)

Type of restaurant: Steakhouse



We stipulated: I was visiting my family in Oklahoma City, where my parents now live (my dad works for the FAA, FYI) -- actually, I showed up unannounced in order to surprise my dad for his 60th birthday. After they got over their disappointment that Evan wasn't a part of the ruse, my parents were still excited enough to see me. For my dad's 60th, my parents had settled on splurging at Mickey Mantle's -- which, in all actuality, is quite a classy joint.



They stipulated: Like most steakhouses, the ala carte sides and veggies are served family style. Many of the steaks also come in 7 oz or 10 oz portions.



What we ordered: 7 oz. filet mignon ($28.95); 8 oz. prime top sirloin ($21.95); 12 oz. prime top sirloin ($25.95); 7 oz. special spice-rubbed steak with sweet mashed potatoes ($34.00); grilled rosemary zucchini ($7.95); fresh broccoli ($7.95); mashed potatoes ($5.95).

High point: I'm not a steak guy, but when in steakhouse... I just couldn't fathom getting seafood (although I came close to ordering the ahi tuna; I thought better of it). It was quite good. I got the 7 oz. special, and was pleased -- although it hurts to spend that much on a single entree, it was a worthwhile splurge. Also, after I tipped them to my dad's birthday, the restaurant comped him a cheesecake slice ($7.00, plus $2.90 for "birthday ribbon").



Low point: The restaurant sat us in what may have been the worst -- or one of the worst -- tables in the relatively small dining room. We wound up not too far from a door... and could feel a chill throughout the meal.



Overall impression: Oklahoma City is a vast restaurant wasteland. I've never been to a city with so few real dining options. And while the idea of "Mickey Mantle's" sounds rather cheesy on the surface, it's a legit steakhouse (operated by Dallas-based Kirby's Steakhouse).


No lie -- Mickey Mantle Drive intersects with Flaming Lips Alley in Oklahoma City's Bricktown. (The Flaming Lips hail from Oklahoma, fyi.)

Rate-A-Restaurant #195: Pann's

Restaurant: Pann's

Location: 6710 LaTijera Blvd. (Ladera Heights)

Type of restaurant: Diner



We stipulated: After a quick trip to see my family -- and celebrate my Dad's 60th -- I flew back into LAX on the Monday morning following Christmas. Maria and Blogger Preschooler were there to pick me up -- and our thoughts immediately turned to a late breakfast. I've been wanting to try Pann's for years -- having passed by it on past trips to the airport. I pushed hard -- but it didn't take much to convince the BP, once I mentioned pancakes.



They stipulated: Besides its Googie architecture, Pann's is known for its biscuits. Baked fresh every 15 minutes, the biscuits -- named the best in L.A. last year by Los Angeles Magazine -- are popular enough that Pann's is starting to sell them throughout the day.



What we ordered: Fried chicken wings (4) with biscuits, $9.95; "Good Morning Special": Two Extra Large Fresh Ranch Eggs, with three bacon strips and biscuits, $8.15; kids' pancakes.

High point: The biscuits were, indeed, pretty damn good. The people -- both the employees and the other patrons -- were friendly. And the Googie style building cool inside.

Low point: The place was so packed -- it was the holiday week, after all -- that we settled for the covered patio seating. So we didn't quite get the full experience.



Overall impression: When it comes to classic diners, this is the real deal. It's not cheesy, or living in the past. It's a living, breathing diner with a large menu and an active clientele. That's exciting.



Chance we'll go back: We don't make it out to that part of town too often, so there'd have to be a reason. Future LAX run?



For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.

Rate-A-Restaurant #194, Wurstkuche

Restaurant: Wurstkuche

Location: 800 E 3rd St. (Art District)

Type of restaurant: Sausage/Pub



We stipulated: Maria, Blogger Preschooler and I were meeting with our friend Mika... but Blogger Preschooler and I also wanted to do some downtown ice skating. The solution: Eat downtown. Wurstkuche popped up as I searched for a spot to eat... and the idea of an "exotic grilled sausage" and draft international beer in the Arts District on a chilly holiday week evening appealed.



They stipulated: The sausages are served on a fresh roll with a choice of two toppings: Either carmalized onions, sweet peppers, spicy peppers or sauerkraut. The restaurant also offers several kinds of gourmet mustards: Whole Grain, Dijon, Spicy Brown, Honey Mustard and American Yellow. As for the fries dipping sauces, selections included Chipotle Ketchup, Curry Ketchup, Blue Cheese Walnut and Bacon, BBQ, and more. A few that are on the menu, such as Chipotle Aioli, Sundried Tomato Mayo, Coconut Curry Mayo and Pesto Mayo, weren't available when we were there.



What we ordered: Mango Jalapeno sausage (chicken and turkey), $6.75; Roasted Red Pepper and Corn sausage (chicken and turkey), $6.75; Chicken Apple and spices sausage, $6.75. Also, large Belgian Fries, $5.50 (comes with two dipping sauces). As for the beer, I pretty much had to get the Schneider Edel Weisse, $11, for obvious reasons.



High point: The idea of a sausage-only restaurant might turn some people off... but these were indeed pretty good. Nice mix of spice in some of them; good crunch to the sausages, which are grilled the proper amount; and I love the availability of some real exotic stuff -- think Alligator and Pork, or Rattlesnake and Rabbit -- although I wasn't quite ready to actually try them. Also, it's cool to see a spot like this, in the Arts District, so crowded on a Tuesday night.



Low point: They totally forgot about my beer -- and I had to remind them not once, but several times. But Wurstkuche redeemed itself, offering me up a free second beer as an apology. Not one to pass up free booze, I accepted, and told them to surprise me. They gave me a Delirium Nocturnum, a strong Belgian ale that's the best beer I've had in years (granted, I'm not a huge beer drinker).



Overall impression: The idea of Wurstkuche is cool and out-there, and I'm glad to report that it lived up to what we were looking for. The huge back room, where most of the seating is, remains a work in progress and could use a bit more charm. But other than that, a nice first impression.



Chance we'll go back: I do believe I'll be bringing people back to this place -- and forcing at least one of them to try the Alligator.



For a complete list of our more than 190 restaurant reviews, check out our companion Rate-A-Restaurant site.