In the bustling hive of Los Angeles’ famed Grand Central Market, nestled amidst the myriad of gourmet offerings, a beacon of golden-crusted comfort beckons to the hungry masses. This is Lucky Bird, the humble but wildly successful fried chicken establishment that has carved out its niche in the city’s burgeoning food scene.
Back in 2018, Lucky Bird unfurled its wings and began its journey in the hands of Chef Chris Dane and his wife, Christine. This was Chris Dane’s first independent venture as a chef, a bold leap from his roots in upscale seafood at Providence and Connie & Ted’s, straight into the heart of the beloved and competitive world of fried chicken.
A testament to Dane’s innovative culinary prowess, Lucky Bird prides itself on its homemade ethos, with a menu boasting of made-from-scratch offerings. But the star of the show, of course, is the citrus-brined fried chicken. Marinated in an invigorating concoction of citrus and herbs and coated in a signature light and crispy crust, it’s Dane’s unique, Californian twist on a classic comfort food. The result? A lighter, yet juicier fried chicken experience.
It doesn’t stop there. The menu teems with a range of delights for every appetite. From the quintessential chicken buckets filled with a tantalizing mix of white and dark meat, to the inventive chicken sammies and the weekend-exclusive fried chicken breakfast burrito, Lucky Bird has swiftly proven its knack for versatility and creativity.
Just as impressive as the chicken are the delectable sides. The homemade Mac & Cheese, the buttery biscuits served with honey butter, and the crunchy chicken skins – these are but a few of the supporting cast that have their own dedicated fans. Lucky Bird also boasts a range of unique dipping sauces that can elevate your fried chicken experience, from the classic honey mustard to the fiery habanero honey.
But perhaps, Lucky Bird’s most enticing allure lies in the stories embedded within its foundations. The journey began with a chance reunion between Chris Dane and his now-wife, Christine, fourteen years after they first met in college. Their reunion led to a whirlwind eight-month romance, culminating in marriage and the birth of Lucky Bird. This narrative is imbued within the ethos of the stall – as Chris puts it, “We believe in life’s simple pleasures — If we’re lucky, we have each other and the food we love.”
Launching Lucky Bird was not without its hurdles. From navigating the complexities of operating within a century-old market structure to learning the intricate techniques of pressure fryers and fostering a dedicated team, the Danes weathered numerous challenges. Nevertheless, they persisted, driven by a shared vision and a singular goal – to serve the freshest and highest quality product.
Indeed, this commitment to quality extends to every corner of Lucky Bird’s operations. From sourcing organic, free-range chickens locally, to diligently preparing ingredients from scratch, it’s a testament to Dane’s insistence on maintaining the highest standards for his venture.
One crucial factor that cannot be overlooked in Lucky Bird’s success story is the familial and professional support that Dane has received. From his wife’s unwavering support, his father’s aid, to the inspiration drawn from his culinary mentors, it’s clear that Lucky Bird is more than just a food stall – it’s a symbol of shared dreams, love, and the cumulative wisdom of years spent in professional kitchens.
In just a few years, Lucky Bird has made significant strides, carving out its unique identity amidst LA’s gastronomic landscape. This is not merely another trend-following fried chicken stall; Lucky Bird offers a refreshing take on comfort food, serving up a quintessentially ‘Los Angeles’ fried chicken experience. As the culinary scene continues to evolve, Lucky Bird confidently rides on the wave, bringing a burst of zest and authenticity to the city’s fried chicken craze.
So, if you find yourself wandering the vibrant lanes of Grand Central Market, let yourself be lured by the mouth-watering aroma wafting from Lucky Bird’s stall. Indulge in a feast that goes beyond mere sustenance. Each bite is a celebration of hard work, passion, innovation, and the simple pleasures in life, beautifully encapsulated in the golden, crispy form of Dane’s delicious fried chicken.
As the hashtag says, ‘#FCKITGETABUCKET’ and embark on your Lucky Bird journey today.
For more information, visit their website or follow their journey on Instagram. Ready to try the magic yourself? Place your order here.
