![]() ![]() The rotisserie chicken here should not be missed. Ultimately, despite initial desires to be a national chain, some deep-seated family drama is why there’s not a Zankou near everyone today. There’s real animosity and ugliness involved - Google “ Zankou chicken murders” if this review is putting you to sleep. Nine of them are owned by Mardiros’ four sons and their mother, Rita the other Zankou’s are owned by relatives (cousins), and these two family branches are at war. Today, there are thirteen restaurants total. The location at the corner of Sunset and Normandie in Little Armenia was the first, opened in 1983 by Mardiros Iskenderian after the family emigrated from Beirut. As always, when family is involved, it’s never simple. Zankou is a small family-owned chain with a complicated family history. Even the Zagat Guide called the chicken dinner here “the single best takeout dish in town.” The family This may be fast food, but it’s good food. This stuff is truly one of life’s little treats so ask for extra with your order. Basically, I slather this everywhere to masterful effect. Known officially as toum, it’s a whipped, thick, white paste that packs a potent garlic punch to start and then finishes with a lemon sting, a happy symphony that lifts everything from meats to vegetables to bread. Luckily, they have a wide array of interesting salads.Orange County, CA ( The Joy of Food) - Zankou, you had me at “garlic sauce,” the Holy Grail in a little plastic container. I hate to say it, but you are probably safest with a salad and a kid's size burger. The chicken sandwich is deceptive, weighing in at a surprising 730 calories, 37 grams of fat and 52 carbs. Sadly, it turns out the charburger is still no bargain, with 480 calories and chock full of fat. I love their charburgers and the grilled chicken sandwiches. But they do not certify it as vegetarian, and admit it may have trace amounts of animal products (probably from being cooked on the same grill). Plus, it has sprouts - now that's got to make you feel good about yourself. They also have a veggie burger with sprouts, which is your best bet (370 calories, only 12 grams of fat and 57 carbs). The healthy grilled albacore is addictive (430 calories, 16 grams fat and 41 carbs). Then I hit Whole Foods on the way home and feel really, really pious. I usually hit the one on Glendale Avenue in the shopping center with the Nordstrom rack. They emphasize fresh ingredients and offer various grilled sandwiches and salads. One of my favorite chains is The Habit, not to be confused with Hamburger Hamlet. ![]() Not very healthy, I know, but what the hell. The salsa fresca is not quite as hot, but the delicious corn salsa, and the multilayered flavors of the red and green salsas will have you dying for a beer. The salsas are fantastic, authentic, and caliente. Even the pinto beans are spicy and the guacamole contains jalapenos, so if you have anyone sensitive to heat with you, get them something with carnitas, black beans and no guacamole. Only the moist, tender carnitas are made without anything spicy. All of the meats - the flavorful shredded beef, steak (barbacoa) and chicken are heavily seasoned. It is shocking to get such spicy food in a chain. The other striking thing about Chipotle is the heat. You pick the item, meat, then toppings, and WHAM - it's ready before you can fish for your wallet. They are faster than fast, with a Subway-style assembly line. One of the most striking things about Chipotle is that they are built for speed. I will warn you however, their famous garlic sauce is solid at room temperature and looks very much like Crisco, so use sparingly. Similarly, the ambrosia known as Tahini is chock full of sesame seeds and oil, but it's the good kind of fat. ![]() The falafel is fried in peanut oil, but if you are going for falafel you probably avoid red meat and don't have to worry that much about fat. They don't provide nutritional information, but the meat is all grilled or roasted. Our beef is 100% USDA Choice and of the finest quality. We use only all natural Foster Farms chicken, which is delivered to us daily, direct from the farm. ![]() We will never use cans, freezers, microwave ovens, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. It is prepared fresh every day in our kitchens by using only the finest ingredients. According to the website: Our food is 100% natural and we have made a commitment to keep it that way. Not only is it the most delicious food in the universe, it's fast and it's healthy. ![]()
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