In the bustling heart of Los Angeles, where gastronomic history intertwines with cutting-edge culinary innovations, a humble chicken stall called Lucky Bird serves up a feathered feast that has set a new benchmark for comfort food. Chef Chris Dane, the alchemist behind this delightful delicacy, has concocted a recipe that has not only permeated the local food scene but has effectively redefined the city’s fried chicken landscape.
Lucky Bird, nestled in the historic Grand Central Market, champions a simple philosophy: fried chicken solves everything. This simple ethos, however, is underpinned by the intricate craftsmanship that goes into each meal. From its buttermilk biscuits to the house-made hot sauce, every element of the Lucky Bird experience is painstakingly prepared from scratch.
The stall’s commitment to quality goes beyond the culinary techniques used. It is reflected in the meticulous sourcing of ingredients – organic, free-range chickens, locally sourced produce, and the freshest spices. All these elements come together harmoniously, creating a symphony of flavors that are both comfortingly familiar and tantalizingly innovative.
When Chris Dane, formerly of Providence and Connie & Ted’s, and his wife Christine decided to establish Lucky Bird in 2018, they drew on their shared passion for food and their Californian roots. Their commitment to home-grown produce and modern culinary techniques resulted in an offering that was as fresh and vibrant as the state itself. The citrus and herb brine recipe, which infuses the chicken with a light, tangy flavor, is complemented perfectly by a signature light and crispy crust. This unique combination adds a refreshing twist to the traditional heavy taste of fried chicken.
The Lucky Bird experience is as much about the food as it is about community. It’s a place where one can indulge in life’s simple pleasures – good food and good company. It’s a reminder that no matter how complex our lives become, there’s nothing a bucket of chicken can’t solve.
The venture into the Grand Central Market was Chris Dane’s first independent venture as a chef and restaurateur, and it’s been an exciting journey so far. From overcoming initial challenges around construction and staffing to understanding the nuances of pressure fryers, every obstacle has only reinforced Dane’s dedication to quality and perfection.
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. In the early days, staffing and turnover proved difficult as Dane’s high standards, shaped by his experience in high-end restaurants, were challenging for some to meet. Yet, over time, his team bought into his mission, embracing the commitment to deliver the freshest and highest quality chicken.
And what a menu Lucky Bird has! From the classic fried chicken bucket, bursting with mixed white and dark meat, to the Chicken Sammie with its succulent breast, butter lettuce, pickles, and smoked paprika aioli served on a milk bun, every dish is a testament to Dane’s culinary prowess. The Weekend Special, a fried chicken breakfast burrito, showcases the versatility of this seemingly simple ingredient. And for those looking for a bit of spice, the hot honey sammie, served with pickled jalapeños, cheese, and buttermilk herb on a milk bun, is a delight.
Of course, Lucky Bird’s success is not solely due to Chris Dane’s culinary mastery. His wife, Christine, played a significant role, putting her career on hold to support his dream. Their love story, which stretches back to their college days at Arizona State University, is as much a part of Lucky Bird’s success as the crispy fried chicken.
Lucky Bird has proven that, even amidst the wave of fried chicken restaurants, there’s room for innovation and quality. The stall, originally intended to be called ‘Spring Chicken’, encapsulates Dane’s vision of a casual dining spot that doesn’t compromise on quality. This focus on simple, honest food, crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, is the beating heart of Lucky Bird.
In a city that’s no stranger to culinary trends, Lucky Bird has managed to carve out its own space in the L.A. food scene. Dane’s unique blend of culinary expertise, commitment to quality, and passion for community has created a dining experience that goes beyond just food. It’s a celebration of life’s simple pleasures, and a testament to the joy of shared meals.
So next time you’re in L.A., make sure you grab a bucket from Lucky Bird, and remember, in Dane’s words, ‘there are not many things in life a bucket of chicken can’t solve.’
For more on Lucky Bird, visit their website or place an order here and follow them on Instagram.
