Rich and Strange Aeons

More fast food exploration!

My local Safeway's deli sells 4 drumsticks and 4 thighs, roast or deep fried, for $9.99, which is a pretty good deal. They're decently tasty, if less so when cold.

Today I wandered down to the nearest Popeye's, open again after renovation, to try their offerings. I'd been hearing mixed things about their chicken sandwich, so wanted to go classic. But according to the signboard, the smallest pure-chicken option was 8 unspecified pieces, for $23. Eek!

I asked if they had any smaller options, and got told there was the Tuesday special -- a drumstick and thigh for $3.49. So I had two of those. If you multiply by 4 it's $14, so still pricier than Safeway but much cheaper than Popeye's usual.

Quality, hrm. I wasn't going to get Safeway chicken too for a side-by-side test. (And that would be a lot of chicken at once, even for me.) I'd say it wasn't clearly better, not enough to justify a longer walk and more money. It was different -- I asked for 'spicy' rather than 'classic' and while it wasn't super hot or anything, it did have some kick and interest. Batter felt looser than Safeway fried, not sure if thinner or not.

I still prefer my own unbattered seasoned pan-fried chicken, which is probably also cheaper, but indulging is nice too.

Also had two sides: Cajun fries, and red beans and rice, both decent.