I don’t want to start every restaurant review with some sort of reference about coronavirus, but considering our current time it’s hard not to. We can go about this review as if it has no connection to COVID-19 or we could be realistic and address it head on. If you know me, I’m a “head on” type of girl.
The coronavirus is negatively impacting all of us and the restaurant industry is being affected in such a serious way. Dine in options are no longer allowed according to the state and the comfortable chairs and tables are growing cold. To find the happy balance between what the government requires and what the restaurant needs, we’ve settled on to-go orders and delivery. If it gives the restaurant at least some sort of income to stay afloat and pay staff then I welcome it.
As much as I welcome the change that we must accept, Hotville Chicken has welcomed me on a previous visit. Prior to the virus that swept across the world, I walked into the Nashville hot chicken restaurant run by Kim Prince and was eager to order everything. Remembering that I have a fitness goal, I didn’t. Instead, moderation took priority and I only ordered the things that absolutely excited me.
To be clear, everything excited me and I needed Kim’s help with coming to a decision, but a decision was eventually made.
The two items that immediately got my attention were The ‘Shaw’ Sandwich ($11) and the Mac & Smokin Cheese ($4 small, $6 large). The signature sandwich of the restaurant and a side that you can never go wrong with ordering were all I needed on this visit. Once they arrived to my table, the pictures were taken, and I got to eat the food that was being raved about throughout Los Angeles, I understood the hype. The simplest way to say it is that the sandwich is just damn good. A brioche bun held a succulent thick piece of fried chicken that was topped with pickles and the restaurant’s spread. It was the kind of sandwich where the table conversation stops so you can fully focus on what is resting between your hands. Sure, the world around you and the people you may be with are important, but not while you’re chewing. The sandwich also didn’t arrive alone. It came with perfectly seasoned fries and kaleslaw. If you’re wondering if the slaw was good, it was. I almost ordered a serving to go.
Although I devoured the sandwich, I didn’t leave before tasting the mac and cheese. From the first bite to the last (that I could handle) it was clear that it was such a good dish. An impeccable amount of cheese covered each and every noodle to the point that nothing felt overlooked. It was warm and made me feel as if I was eating right at home. The mac and cheese, just like the food I had prior were so delicious that a second visit would be necessary.
At least, once this COVID-19 situation resolves itself. Experiencing a great restaurant like Hotville Chicken prior to being quarantined is hard as all I want to do is sit in the same booth near the window with their sandwich in my hands. While I (or you) may be unable to do that right now, Hotville Chicken is offering delivery and to-go. It may not be the restaurant experience, but it’s the restaurant taste and I’m more than fine with that.
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Address: 4070 Marlton Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90008
Phone: (323) 792-4835
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday – 11:00am to 9:00pm and Closed on Monday
Social: Website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
