Since Mimi Guethe and I were going to be in the area to check out the Pomona Public Library's annual birthday celebration for Laura Ingalls Wilder, I suggested trying Pollos KiKiRyKi Peruvian Restaurant in Claremont. I remembered she once mentioned craving Peruvian roast chicken. I stumbled upon a mention of Pollos KiKiRyKi on David Allen's blog and was intrigued because I've been to the strip mall a time or two and wondered how it escaped my notice.
Why KiKiRyKi?
Apparently, that's the Spanish version of "cock-a-doodle-doo."
It was a rainy day, but the restaurant seemed to be doing brisk business. Everyone was ordering the roast chicken. Of course, we would too, but I also wanted to try some other dishes as well.
Order at the counter and find a table. They'll bring the food out to you.
Chicha morada (Peruvian purple corn drink), $2.45. Too overly sweet.
We split the Ceviche de pescado (Peruvian fish marinated in lime juice with lettuce, sweet potatoes, and corn), $11.99.
Very well done. The two kinds of corn were a nice touch. The fish itself was tender and citrusy. Haven't met a Peruvian ceviche that I didn't like yet.
The Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Chili Sauce) was too watery and not spicy at all to me.
I ordered the Lomo Saltado (Peruvian Beef Stir-fry with French Fries), $9.99. It was a generous serving and tasted fine, but nothing special.
Mimi got half a Peruvian Roast Chicken with a side order of French fries, $8.24. The chicken was alright. I think mine is better. I prefer the cumin-spiced version at Pollo Mania - El Monte. The fries were really blah.
Most of the customers at Pollos KiKiRyKi ordered the chicken and for that, it seems pretty decent. But if I wanted other Peruvian dishes, especially at those prices, I'd rather go to Inka Trails Restaurant - Claremont for the nicer decor where I could sit and enjoy my meal and much better green sauce.
Other Peruvian restaurants:
Inka Trails Restaurant - Claremont
Pollo Ala Brasa - Los Angeles
Pollo Mania - El Monte
Pollos KiKiRyKi Peruvian Restaurant
344 S. Indian Hill Blvd.
Claremont, CA 91711
909-624-1114
Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Sun 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
*****
1 year ago today, Mexican Mole Coloradito.
2 years ago today, 'Twas the night before Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).
3 years ago today, I got sick and made a very plain pot of Chao (Vietnamese Rice Porridge).
My mouth is drooling over here at that chicken! It looks yummy but as you mentioned before, I'm sure yours taste better. I find most places don't even come close to home cooked stuff.
ReplyDeleteKitty,
ReplyDeleteOnce I figure out how to make something, I'm always such a harsh critic, but this really was good chicken.