Spork and Knife

El Pollo Rico ladies and gentlemen.  You can stop squinting now, appearance is not what this place is about.   

Since August in D.C. is a bit slower than the other 11 months of the year (this may be a slight understatement), some co-workers and I decided we could take a quick trip over the river for lunch. 

I was lured away with the promise of the best chicken ever, so with visions of something other than my brown bagged lunch I ventured out into the unknown.   

Pulling into the parking lot, I knew we were in the presence of something good.  A measly little sign hung on the side of what can be described as a strip-mall-building, and there wasn’t a place to park. 

Entering Peruvian chicken central, I liked what I saw.  A menu listing options of a quarter, half or whole chicken and a choice of white or dark meat.  Simple and to the point.  Each order came with a side of big fat steak fries, a mound of coleslaw and the option of purchasing a Peruvian beverage of your choice.  I was told Inca Kola is the way to go.

At $4.10 (Cheap, I know!)  I went with the quarter sized order of white meat and took my seat at a plastic table for 4. 

This is the part of the meal where I thank my co-workers for enlightening me to Peruvian cuisine.  The chicken was the juiciest I’ve tasted in a long time and something about the spices just took the quality and taste over the edge. (I’m guessing cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt and oil but I’m sure there’s a secret ingredient I’m missing.)  Our table became silent as everyone took in the aroma and flavor of the El Pollo Rico experience.  After 15 minutes, the chicken was gone and we were left with a group of very satisfied folks. 

Not to forget the other accompaniments on the plate, the steak fries were not bad and the coleslaw was mayonnaise laden.  I gave each a bite or two and quickly returned to the star of the meal.

Needless to say, I will return.  There’s nothing more satisfying than paying under $5 for a finger-lickin-good time.

El Pollo Rico

932 North Kenmore St.

Arlington, VA 22201

Metro: Virginia Square (Orange Line)

*Picture from InfoUSA